New England ADA Center
November Newsletter

ADA Question of the Month - Do You Know the Answer?
Question : How must an individual request a reasonable accommodation?

The answer is at the end of the newsletter.

Three New Appointments for the New Hampshire
Governor's Commission on Disability (GCD)
New Hampshire's Governor Sununu recently appointed three new Commission members to the Governor's Commission on Disability (GCD). They are Ms. Anne Martin of Brookfield; Mr. Paul Kelley of Seabrook; and Mr. Mark Lemieux of Hudson. 

To learn more, visit the GCD website.

ADA Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC) Holds Annual Conference
ADA Coalition of ConnecticutMore than 75 ADA Coordinators, representatives from state and local agencies and not for profit organizations gathered in Newington, Connecticut for ADACC's Annual Conference.  The event featured workshops by Kathy Gips of the New England ADA Center and Atty. Ashley Marshall from the Law Office of Shipman and Goodwin. 

To learn more about the ADACC conference and next year's event, go to their website.

Stephanie Cramer Helps Bhutanese Who Are Deaf in Vermont
In 1998, Stephanie Cramer moved to Vermont and became a certified sign language interpreter. In the past three years, Cramer has developed an unusual specialty: working with Bhutanese refugees who are deaf.

Read the full story.

Photo: Stephanie Cramer; by James Buck for Seven Days.

Accessible Parking Cheats Will Face Stiffer Penalties in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has toughened the law for people who misuse accessible parking placards. The law expands the authority of  the Registry of Motor Vehicles to investigate fraudulent placards, since a report found many people were misusing placards. 


Photo source: Google open source photo by William Ross

The Institute for Human Centered Design Welcomes
Janet R. Carpman, MCP Ph.D. as first Director of Wayfinding
The Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD) is pleased to announce that Dr. Carpman will be joining IHCD in a new role, the first Director of Wayfinding.  Jan has more than 30 years' experience as a wayfinding consultant to medical, educational, arts & cultural, government, and other public facilities.


News From Outside New England
International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3rd
December 3rd has been designated the International Day  of Persons with Disabilities. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.  Check your local community listings for activities.


Blind Runner's Wearable Technology Gets Off to Complicated Start
An experienced marathon runner finds his way using technology to guide his steps. As a teenager Simon Wheatcroft's vision deteriorated rapidly, but he persisted in running marathons. During his training in 2016, an incident requiring stitches made him question his ability to continue. Click the link to read more of Wheatcroft's story.
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Read the full  wearable technology story.
Photo used by permission

Participate in a Service Animal Survey
Are you a U.S. Resident (age 18+) who uses a service animal or other animal that assists you with your disability?  If so, the Southwest ADA Center would like to learn about your experiences accessing public places.

Online Now! 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

AnswerWhen an individual decides to request accommodation, the individual or his/her representative must let the employer know that s/he needs an adjustment or change at work for a reason related to a medical condition. To request accommodation, an individual may use "plain English" and need not mention the ADA or use the phrase "reasonable accommodation." Additionally, the request does not have to be in writing.

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