A project of the Institute for Human Centered Design
June 2020 Newsletter
ADA Question of the Month
Question: I use sign language to communicate due to hearing loss at an early age . Recently, the city where I live has been televising COVID-19 updates, but they have not been using a sign language interpreter. Is that allowed under the ADA?

The answer is at the end of the newsletter.
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 ALERT: Fraudulent Facemask Flyers
The Department of Justice has been made aware of postings or flyers on the internet regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the use of face masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which include the Department of Justice’s seal. 
These postings were not issued by the Department and are not endorsed by the Department.

For more information and technical assistance about the ADA, please contact the ADA Information Line at  800-514-0301  (voice) and  800-514-0383  (TTY).
Home Grocery Delivery for SNAP Beneficiaries in Massachusetts
groceries
Since the beginning of the pandemic, safe access to food has been a concern for many. Grocery stores are some of the few places that are still crowded and going there presents an infection risk, Some have been able to get groceries delivered, but those services were not accessible to people who rely on SNAP benefits to feed their families. Now SNAP recipients in Massachusetts can purchase groceries online.

To learn more click Home Grocery Delivery .
Image sources: image courtesy of pixbay.com.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Groups Provide Remote Workplace Guidance
Deaf person using computer
Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind people working remotely during the COVID-19 crisis may encounter significant barriers to communication. The Deaf/Hard of Hearing Technology Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center collaborated with consumer advocacy groups and subject matter experts to provide guidance on making remote workplaces accessible.

To learn more, click Remote Workplace Guidance.
Image source: image courtesy of Christian Volger.
The ADA and Managing Reasonable Accommodation Requests from Employees with Disabilities in Response to COVID-19
Job Accommodation Network
Many workplace situations are unique, but the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is receiving a number of inquiries with common threads. JAN offers Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance and practical strategies for accommodating individuals with disabilities during this pandemic. In response to current events, JAN has provided guidance on a few ADA and accommodation issues for employers.

Who Gets the Ventilator? Disability Discrimination in COVID-19 Medical-Rationing Protocols
ventilator
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the threat of medical rationing has become much more present. Medical providers have found themselves lacking adequate facilities and equipment to handle cases. Hospitals faced with a crush of patients must confront questions of how to allocate scarce resources—notably, life-saving ventilators—at a time of severe shortage.

To read more, click Who Gets a Ventilator?
Image source: image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons.
How Colleges Can Support Students With Disabilities During Remote Learning
Dr. Jessica Hunt
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges and universities across the country have rushed to move courses online, potentially overlooking the needs of students with intellectual, physical, emotional and behavioral disabilities. Dr. Jessica Hunt, said “one size definitely does not fit all. The critical question becomes how to make sure remote learning is accessible and minimize barriers students may have to accessing and making sense of information as well as receiving services in the home.”

To read more, click How to Support Remote Learning .
Dr. Jessica Hunt. Image source: image courtesy of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.
What You Need to Know About the New Coronavirus and HIV
covid-19 and HIV
The top health concern around the world right now is coronavirus . While there is ample information out there, very little of it is geared toward people who might be immunosuppressed, including people living with HIV. To help those who might be seeking information there is guidance on the most important issues regarding the coronavirus among people living with HIV.

Image source: image courtesy of NAM Aidsmap.
New England ADA Center's COVID-19 webpage
New England ADA Center IHCD Combined Graphic
People with disabilities have a right of participation in society even during a pandemic. We have collected resources to help people understand their rights. Read more about how the ADA relates to programs and services provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To read more, click COVID-19 Webpage.
Regional News
New Hampshire Governor's Commission on Disability Meeting the Challenge
governor's commission on disability
With an entire office working remotely and with staggered in-office schedules, the work of New Hampshire’s GCD continues with the help of technology. “We’re meeting the challenge,” said Chuck Saia, Executive Director of Governor’s Commission on Disability. Staff is available to meet virtually to discuss programs like STABLE NH.

Learn more about the program, click STABLE NH.
National News
Research Study – Experiences of Young Adults with Disabilities, the Internet, and Work
Great Lakes ADA Center
Great Lakes ADA Center researchers are seeking participants to complete an online survey about work, internet use, and disability rights. Qualified individuals must: identify as having a disability; be 18-24 years old; work or be currently seeking employment; and live in the United States. Participants can enter a drawing for one of eight $50 Amazon gift cards.

To participate, click Research Study .
Remembering Chuck Graham, co-director of the Great Plains ADA Regional Center
Chuck Graham
We were very saddened to learn Chuck Graham passed away unexpectedly. He was the principal investigator and co-director of the NIDILRR-funded Great Plains ADA Regional Center. Chuck was a passionate advocate and leader for addressing accessibility-related issues at every level. He lived a life of service to the people of the Great Plains region and the nation. If you knew Chuck, we encourage you to visit the Great Plains ADA Regional Center's Facebook page to share your memories.

To share your memories, click Remembering Chuck Graham .
Image source: image courtesy of the Great Plains ADA Regional Center.
The ADA at 30: Looking Back and Ahead
diversity
The ADA bans questions related to disability on job applications, provides for greater accessibility to public buildings and transportation, and requires employers to reasonably accommodate employees and job applicants. The ADA also makes requiring medical examinations before a job offer unlawful, and limits disability-related questions and medical examinations of employees. Despite significant progress for U.S. workers with disabilities, many barriers remain.

To read more, click Looking back and ahead.
Image source: image courtesy of Medium.com.
ADA 30th Anniversary Special Edition Coming Soon
The New England ADA Center will be releasing a special 30th anniversary edition newsletter coming soon. Events from around the region and across the nation will be featured to celebrate this milestone of the ADA.

For more information on events, click Celebrating the ADA 30th Anniversary.
Answer to the ADA Question of the Month
Answer: The city has a responsibility for effective communication under the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Regulations.It should p rovide sign language interpretation for all televised press conferences and briefings, and ensure the sign language interpreter is included in the camera view or provide picture-in-picture when social distancing.
To learn more on civil rights during the pandemic, click the Federal Emergency Management Agency's publication Ensuring Civil Rights During the COVID-19 Response.
Stay Connected:
Access New England features topics related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), originating from the ADA Center, our state affiliates, the ADA National Network, and national sources.

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.