New England ADA Center
September Newsletter

ADA Question of the Month - Do You Know the Answer?
Question : Does Title III of the ADA apply to common areas within private residential facilities such as apartment buildings and condo associations?

The answer is at the end of the newsletter.

Boardwalk in Vermont Brings Long Trail Access to All
Accessible Boardwalk Long Trail Vermont More people with and without disabilities in northern Vermont will finally get a chance to hike on the Long Trail. The Lamoille County Planning Commission is overseeing the construction of a 600-foot accessible boardwalk at Barnes Camp that will connect to the Long Trail through Smugglers Notch in Stowe, Vermont.


Photo of Long Trail boardwalk under construction by Caleigh Cross. Used with permission of the Stowe Reporter.

Take the City of Boston's Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities Accessibility Online Survey
City of Boston Seal The  goal of the City of Boston Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities Accessibility online survey is to learn what the greatest accessibility-related needs are in Boston so that the Mayor's Commission can shape the City's strategic priorities. The survey is divided into three sections that are based on our Commission's ability to directly affect policy within each area.


World Usability Day New England Comes to the University of Connecticut November 9
World Usability Day Join in on November 9th for a day of educational presentations regarding Accessible Documents, Website Design and Compliance, User Experience, Universal Design, and the latest Assistive Technology for education and employment, as well as accessible design in the home and community. Experts will be sharing their expertise as part of World Usability Day.


New England ADA Center Releases Two New Public Service Announcements - Spread the Word!
New England ADA Center We are pleased to share two new public service announcements (PSAs) on 'Aging, Disability and the ADA' aimed at reaching older Americans with disabilities who may not be aware they have rights under the ADA. The PSA's feature iconic places in Boston, Cambridge and Worcester with good accessibility that ensures community participation for all.

News From Outside New England
Attend the Fall ADA Coordinator Conference October, 2nd and 3rd in Kansas City
ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program Sponsored by the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP), this two-day event at the Hilton Kansas City Airport Hotel and Conference Center will offer a variety of sessions and feature speakers from the U.S. Access Board, The National Network of ADA Centers, and other nationally recognized ADA experts.


Tell Us About Your Experiences with Your Service Animal!
Service Animal Are you a US resident (Age 18+) who uses a service animal or other animal that assists you with your disability? Are you the parent of a child who uses such an animal?

If so, the Southwest ADA Center would like to learn about your experiences with accessing public places with your animal. We invite and encourage you to complete our anonymous online survey.

Submit a Best Practice - Tell Us How Your City or Town is Successfully Implementing the ADA!
New England ADA Center Many state and local governments have developed innovative practices to implement the ADA. This is an opportunity to share what you've done. Please submit a best practice, and we will be in touch with you to learn more!


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 Title II Action Guide leads public entities through a process to compliance with the ADA.


Answer to the ADA Question of the Month

Answer: Although title III does not apply to strictly private residential facilities, it covers places of public accommodation within residential facilities. Thus, areas within multifamily residential facilities that qualify as places of public accommodation are covered by the ADA if use of the areas is not limited exclusively to owners, residents, and their guests. For example, a private residential apartment complex includes a swimming pool for use by apartment tenants and their guests. The complex also sells pool "memberships" generally to the public. The pool qualifies as a place of public accommodation.

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