New England ADA Center
February Newsletter

ADA Question of the Month - Do You Know the Answer?
Question : How do municipalities begin implementing the ADA?  

The answer is at the end of the newsletter.

Rhode Island Livable Home Modification Grant
The grant is designed to assist homeowners and renters in retrofitting residences to make their homes accessible.  Qualified Rhode Island residents will be reimbursed 50% of the total cost of their home modification-up to $5000.

Photo source: Google open source image .

National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Plans Event for People with Disabilities and Disabled Vets in Vermont
The NWTF will host a Wheelin' Sportsmen event on May 19th and 20th for people with disabilities and disabled VETS. The event includes a fully guided turkey hunt.
Pre-registration is required by March 7, 2018.

Learn more details here.
Photo source: Google open source image .

Public Hearings on Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) Regulations 
Image of the Massachusetts state house
The MAAB will be holding a series of public hearings to solicit public comment regarding proposed changes to Section 521 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (521 CMR).  The MAAB will hold six hearings across the Commonwealth.  

Please check online for dates, times, and locations.
Photo source: file photo


Where do Most Baby Boomers Live in the US?
The New England ADA Center is conducting research to examine disability in New England.  One surprising finding in our study is that New England claims the largest percentage of Baby Boomers in the United States. This big story is highlighted in the Power Point, titled 'Aging, Disability and the Americans with Disabilities Act' and a report called 'An Examination of Disability in New England:  A Demographic Study' (2018).

Read more of the story here. 

National News
Bill That Would Stop Drive-by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Lawsuits Passes US House
The House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that alleges to stop drive-by lawsuits against businesses that may be in violation of the ADA. .
Disability advocates say the vote was a blow to civil rights.

Read more of the story here.
Photo source: Google open source image

Webinar: Changes to ABLE in 2018
In addition to the expected launch of several ABLE programs across the country, there will also be other significant changes to ABLE. Some changes have already taken place as of January 1, 2018, and others will be implemented over the course of this year. 

Learn more about the webinar here.

Request for Information: Opioid Use Disorder Among People with Disabilities
NIDILRR is seeking input on the incidence of opioid use disorder among people with disabilities. This input will help inform NIDILRR's research on interventions and/or policies to mitigate the effects of opioid use disorder on people with disabilities.

To learn more about participating click here.

ADA Quick Tips - Tax Incentives
Tax incentives  are available to encourage compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many are unaware that these incentives exist. 

Learn more about the incentives here.

Photo source: Google open source image.

Finding Videos With Audio Descriptions
Audio descriptions add narration about scenes, characters, costumes and more for people who cannot see what is happening. 
Click here for a list of audio description resources.

Participants Needed: National Survey on Health Reform and Disability
The NIDILRR-funded Collaborative on Health Reform and Independent Living (CHRIL) is looking for adults with disabilities to complete an online survey about getting and using health insurance and health care services. Adults ages 18 to 62 with any type of disability are encouraged to participate.
 
To participate in the survey, click here.

The ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments!
ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments - 7 Steps to Implement the ADA Graphic State and local governments (public entities) have obligations under Title II of the ADA to provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs and activities.  The ADA Action Guide  leads public entities through a process to compliance with the ADA.


Answer to the ADA Question of the Month

Answer:  Most public entities start by appointing an ADA Coordinator and putting together an ADA team. Click here for more information on implementing the ADA.

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New England ADA Center, a project of the Institute for Human Centered Design

The New England ADA Center is a member of the ADA National Network funded by the Administration for Community Living through National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Grant # 90DP0087.