ADA Resources for conference and program planners

Resources from the CLA ADA Committee

The CLA Americans with Disabilities Act Committee would like to help you provide the best possible library service to people with disabilities in your community. Established as a CLA task force in 2001, this standing committee now helps CLA plan accessible programs and workshops for the library community and is also committed to helping local libraries make their resources and programs more accessible to people with disabilities.

The committee recommends the use of this language in conference and workshop announcements and registration forms:

Special Accommodations
The Connecticut Library Association seeks to provide reasonable accommodations by request for physical access, communications, or other needs to ensure that services, activities, and programs are available to individuals with disabilities. Accommodation requests may include, but are not limited to, sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices, or written material in alternative format.

If you have a request for accommodation, please submit information at least 21 days in advance of the conference to [meeting planner or ADA committee chair] at [email address]. Include a description of the accommodations are you requesting, and describe any equipment you are requesting to be provided.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require the Connecticut Library Association to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

Resources:

The committee has developed a number of resources for CLA sections and committees on program planning which will also be helpful to local libraries as they plan programs and services in their community:

• Guidelines to help CLA program planners accommodate members with disabilities [pdf]
• Tips on reaching a reasonable accommodation [pdf]
• Checklist for planning accessible events [pdf]
• Contact the ADA Committee, Maria Bernier, Chair - email: maria.bernier@ct.gov

Links to Other Disability Resources:

Patron services and programs:

• Libraries and Accessibility - http://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/accessibility

• Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped - http://ctstatelibrary.org/lbph/
• For sign language interpreters, call 2-1-1, or visit www.211ct.org and search for "Sign Language Interpretation." TTY: 800-671-0737. The Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) will continue to monitor and post a statewide Interpreter Registry. 
• Children with Special Needs Bibliography from Linda Williams, CT State Library Children's Services Consultant - https://ctbooksets.wordpress.com/tag/people-with-disabilities/
• It Takes More Than a Ramp: A CLA-ADA Disability Awareness Workshop, 2009 - Barbara Klipper (pdf)

• The Next Chapter Book Club offers opprtunities for people with developmental disabilities to read and learn together, talk about books they've read or are reading, and make friends in a relaxed community setting. The club meets in local bookstores, cafes, and even libraries. For more information, contact one of the following club facilitators:
• Sophia-Louise Michalatos, The Ferguson Library, One Public Library Plaza, Stamford, CT 06904, (203) 351-8229
• Ed Morrissey, Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830, (203) 622-7918, emorrissey@greenwichlibrary.org)

• Project ENABLE helps librarians "gain the knowledge and skills needed to create inclusive and accessible libraries that meet the needs of all students
• Library Accessibility: What You Need to Know - from ASCLA -  http://www.ala.org/ascla/asclaprotools/accessibilitytipsheets
• Connecticut Law about Service Animals and the ADA, from the CT Judicial Branch Law Libraries - https://www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/law/serviceanimals.htm
• U.S. Department of Justice guidance on service animals - https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
• ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments (including municipal libraries): http://www.adaactionguide.org/

Accessible buildings:

• Libraries and Accessibility - http://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/accessibility

• Resources on library buildings from the CT State Library - http://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/construction/buildingsresources
• Library Accessibility: What You Need to Know - from ASCLA -  http://www.ala.org/ascla/asclaprotools/accessibilitytipsheets
• ADA Checklist for Polling Places

Assistive technology:

• New England Assistive Technology Center (NEAT) – https://oakhillct.org/NEAT-Center
• Assistive Technology Products for Information Access - https://www.loc.gov/nls/resources/blindness-and-vision-impairment/devices-aids/assistive-technology-products-information-access/

Accessible websites:

• "Website Accessibility" by Sharon Clapp, former CT State Library Web Resources Librarian – wasc.pdf

• Presentation: "Websites and Access for People with Disabilities" from 2010 CLA conference - Websites and Access for People with Disabilities.pdf

ADA for employers:

• Connect-Ability: Bringing Connecticut’s Employers and People with Disabilities Together - http://www.ct.gov/connect-ability/site/default.asp

• The Americans With Disabilities Act: Applying Performance And Conduct Standards To Employees With Disabilities - http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/performance-conduct.html
• Office of Disability Employment Policy

Accessibility links:

• Information and Technical Assistance on the ADA from the U.S. Dept. of Justice - http://www.ada.gov
• Disabilityinfo.gov - One stop web site for disability related information and resources - https://www.disability.gov and "Quick Links" at https://www.disability.gov/disability-govs-quick-links 
• Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center – New England ADA Center - http://www.NewEnglandADA.org
• U.S. Disability Statistics - http://www.disabilitystatistics.org/reports/acs.cfm?statistic=1
• Public Health Corps - http://publichealthcorps.org/ 
• Paralyzed Veterans of America - https://www.pva.org/
• Disability Rights - ACLU
• HUD (Focuses on fair housing for persons with disabilities.)
• USAID:Advancing Disability-Inclusive Development
• National Caregivers Library -Coping with Disabilities
• Disability Home Accomodation Cost Guide 
• Tips for Travelers with Disabilities from CheapFlights.com