- Recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
- NDEAM Press Release
- Interview with Doug Crandell, Program Director, Institute on Human Development and Disability, University of Georgia
- Georgia’s Observance of NDEAM
- Living and Thriving with a Disability
- The State ADA Coordinator’s Office
- Q&A with Stacey Valrie Peace, State ADA Coordinator, regarding Reasonable Accommodations
- COVID-19 Pandemic Update
- State of Georgia Agency ADA Coordinator Spotlight
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
- Service Animals
- ADA Title I - Employment
- Q&A with Liz Persaud, Program and Outreach Manager for Tools for Life, Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, College of Design, Georgia Institute of Technology
- ADA Title II -State and Local Governments
- Administrative Requirements of ADA Title II
- Facilities Access Considerations
- Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Mental Health Wellness
- ADA Training Opportunities
- January 2022 Issue – Sneak Peek!
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
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The State ADA Coordinator’s Office of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission Joins Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Nationwide campaign will take place in October
(Atlanta, Georgia) — October 1, 2021 — The State ADA Coordinator’s Office of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion"
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”
Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, the State ADA Coordinator’s Office of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its internal and external customers on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts include participation in the NDEAM Georgia Coalition, the inclusion of NDEAM-related resources and guidance in the office’s July and October quarterly e-newsletters, The ADA Informer, as well as a featured interview, sharing of the NDEAM poster with all ADA partners, relaunch of the Living and Thriving with a Disability webinar, and providing resources to assist individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment.
" The State ADA Coordinator’s Office of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Stacey Valrie Peace, Esq., State ADA Coordinator. " We want to spread the important message that we value all workplace contributions and perspectives, which includes those of individuals with disabilities."
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting The Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy website.
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The NDEAM Georgia Coalition
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Nine entities in Georgia have joined in efforts to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Advancing Employment is joined in this effort by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia, the State ADA Coordinator’s Office of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), the Center for Leadership in Disability at the Georgia State University School of Public Health, Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity from the Office of the Governor, Altierus Career College, Inclusively.com, and others.
Throughout the month, our team of collaborators will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate audiences on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. Join us throughout the month as we host webinars and virtual events and share knowledge, resources, and proclamations through various media and social media platforms. For more information on upcoming NDEAM event in Georgia, please see the information below.
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Interview with Doug E. Crandell
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Doug Crandell, M.F.A, Project Director with the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia and Senior Consultant with Griffin-Hammis Associates, sits down for an interview with Cheryl Ann Frazier, Assistant State ADA Coordinator, to discuss the importance of equal employment opportunities and the National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Please click this link to access the interview with Doug Crandell.mp4
Please click this link to access the Transcript of the interview with Doug Crandell - NDEAM.pdf
 Doug Crandell, M.F.A, Project Director, Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia and Senior Consultant with Griffin-Hammis
Doug Crandell has worked in supported employment for 30 years. He has been the Project Director for several demonstration grants funded through the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Social Security Administration. He directed Georgia’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Doug is on the faculty of the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia, and a Senior Consultant with Griffin-Hammis. For the last seven years, Doug has provided training and technical assistance to Georgia’s DBHDD supported employment providers. He is a Subject Matter Expert with several states to restructure their employment supports to include evidence-based supported employment, customized employment, and self-employment. He is the Project Director for Georgia’s Training and Technical Assistance Center for Employment funded by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities: Advancing Employment.
As an author, Doug has published seven books and is a regular contributor to the SUN Magazine, where he publishes essays on labor, health and disability.
Additional Disability Employment Resources:
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Georgia’s Observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Webinars
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1. October 4, 2021, from 1 P.M. - 2 P.M.
Topic: The Georgia Coalition for NDEAM!
- Facilitator: Doug Crandell, IHDD, Advancing Employment
- Speakers: Stacey Valrie Peace and Cheryl Ann Frazier, State ADA Coordinator’s Office, Kate Brady, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, Amy Price, Price Support Network, Meghan Smithgall, Inclusively
Join us for a fun and invigorating kick-off to Georgia’s collaborative observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Hear about how each week has a designated theme, the proclamations taking place, and how the nine organizations plan on keeping the theme going from October into infinity! This is a great time to learn about all the dedicated work going on in Georgia from ADA guidance to engaging business in creative and informed ways. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to start NDEAM in Georgia off right!
Registration Link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ld-iuqTgiGtzL-wpgCVIvbz8nXhqP_eD_
2. October 11, 2021, from 1 P.M. – 2 P.M.
Topic: Supporting our Nation’s Veterans
- Speaker: Debbie Ball, VP Employment Services, Easterseals Southern Cal.
This session will demonstrate how Customized Employment (CE) can be used to help veterans enter the civilian workforce. You will learn easy ways to apply CE to assure positive outcomes, hear stories about veterans who have been employed successfully through CE, and walk away with resources that can be applied immediately. This will be an interactive session, with opportunities for questions throughout.
Registration Link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrcOugpz4sE9MNz9imraD0T5mGybhCb8Pq
3. October 18, 2021, from 1 P.M. – 2 P.M.
Topic: What Does it Take to Exit School Employed?
- Speaker: Tricia Jones-Parkin, Utah School to Work Initiative, Utah State University
During this webinar, participants will learn about the Utah School to Work Initiative. The initiative focuses on providing expanded opportunities to students with complex support needs through a customized approach. Participants will learn: (1) how to best collaborate so students can exit with individualized, paid work experiences and/or a career pathway. (2) How to use the Discovery process to inform the IEP and guide individualized work experiences. (3) How to define roles and responsibilities for students, families, educators, adult service providers, VR counselors and WIOA youth counselors. (4) Lessons learned and (5) resources available to support your local efforts.
Registration Link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvdeGqqjwvHdJOT-xWYSNK4to33znwrYuJ
4. October 25, 2021, from 1 P.M. - 2 P.M.
Topic: Poppin’ Joe’s and the Business of Being Self-Employed!
- Speakers: Joe Steffy, owner of Poppin’ Joes and Jennifer Stratton, Joe’s sister and champion
In April 2005, with Joe Steffy as the sole proprietor, Poppin’ Joe’s was established to provide Joe the opportunity to operate and manage his own business. Supported by a loving family, Joe's business continues to grow each year. Poppin Joe's Gourmet Kettle Korn can now be found at Walmarts, fairs, craft shows, car shows and events. In addition, Poppin Joe's™ is involved in raising funds for charitable organizations and is enjoyed at snack and office locations throughout the United States of America. Join us to hear this dynamic brother-sister duo share their stories!
Make sure to check out Poppin’ Joe’s website!
Registration Link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqceuupj0sHNVnBiFx1k_bTMeRI3HCi09T
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Living and Thriving with a Disability
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The State ADA Coordinator’s Office
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This link will lead you to the Q&A with Stacey Valrie Peace, Esq., State ADA Coordinator, regarding ADA and the accommodation process for applicants and employees.
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- Guidance on "Long COVID" as a Disability Under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557 - “This guidance explains that long COVID can be a disability under Titles II (state and local government) and III (public accommodations) of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Section 1557). Each of these federal laws protects people with disabilities from discrimination. This guidance also provides resources for additional information and best practices. This document focuses solely on long COVID and does not address when COVID-19 may meet the legal definition of disability.” – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Justice
- Governor Kemp issues two executive orders on September 20, 2021, regarding COVID-19 - The State of Emergency for Continued COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Regarding The State of Emergency for Continued COVID-19 Economic Recovery - Regulatory Suspensions
- Revised Supreme Court Policy Regarding Masks in The Nathan Deal Judicial Center - Following new CDC guidance, the entry requirements to the Nathan Deal Judicial Center are revised. Effective Wednesday, August 4, 2021, ALL employees and visitors to the Nathan Deal Judicial Center are required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth while in the building and when interacting with others.
- Disability Issues Brief - Developed by the Southeast ADA Center and Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University: The ADA and Face Mask Policies - Updated 8-27-2021
- National Law Review - ADA "perceived as disabled" employment lawsuits in the age of COVID-19
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) - See if you are eligible for a booster shot.
Who Is Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot?
COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago and are:
- Job Accommodation Network's (JAN) - JAN does not provide public health, safety, or legal advice, but does offer Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance and practical job accommodation strategies for returning individuals with disabilities to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. These strategies can enable workers with disabilities to return to the work environment, work at home, or access leave when other accommodations are not reasonable. For more information, please visit: Job Accommodation Network's (JAN) COVID-19 web page
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State of Georgia Agency ADA Coordinator Spotlight
Katherine Cadena, ADA/Section 504, Civil Rights Coordinator, Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)
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Years of service with the State of Georgia – 25 years
Years of service as an ADA Coordinator for DHS-DFCS – 2 years
What do you enjoy most about being an ADA Coordinator?
“I enjoy serving as a resource to staff regarding federal law that allows for people to have an equal opportunity to participate in our programs and services. I know our work is difficult and at times overwhelming, but we have amazing caseworkers who will go above and beyond to ensure our customers have access and additional support to benefit from our programs, should they need it. I also appreciate that every ADA case is unique to the individual, and no two cases are the same. Each instance is an opportunity to learn more about how to best assist someone in the administration of our programs.” – Katherine Cadena
Please tell us about a few ADA-related initiatives within the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) that you are proud to share.
- “We recently collaborated with the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, to bring ADA training with an emphasis on prior substance abuse as covered under the ADA to our Child Welfare staff because substance abuse (both current and previous) is common with our cases.
- We also recently incorporated a drop-down menu of possible reasonable modifications that can be requested from customers who are applying for Food Stamps, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in our online application program. It allows for our customers to identify what modifications they will need during our application/interview process.
"Katherine is committed to ensuring that the civil rights of individuals who have disabilities are protected. She believes in the dignity and respect of humankind, and she is dedicated to serving all people equally. Katherine's knowledge of the ADA is remarkable, yet she is humble when sharing vital information that can help us properly serve others and prevent complaints and legal inquiries. We are proud to be Katherine's ADA partners in service to the citizens of Georgia."
- Cheryl Ann Frazier, Assistant State ADA Coordinator, State ADA Coordinator’s Office
To learn more about our featured State of Georgia Agency ADA Coordinator, Katherine Cadena, please see her bio below:
Katherine Cadena currently serves as the ADA/Section 504, Civil Rights Coordinator for the Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services. She provides knowledge and support to over 7,000 employees in the Division’s compliance with the administration of federally funded public assistance and child welfare activities, services, and programs. Prior to this role, she served as the Limited English Proficiency and Sensory Impairment Program Manager for the Department of Human Services. In her 25 years of government service in Georgia, she has also worked with the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Corrections. Ms. Cadena holds a bachelor’s degree from Brenau Women’s College and a master’s degree from Georgia State University.
A native Texan, Katherine lives in DeKalb County with her husband, Andrew, and their two children, Matthew and Emily.
Click here for more information on the ADA/Section 504 related services at DFCS.
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Are you proud of the work you are doing as a State of Georgia Agency ADA Coordinator? Would you like us to spotlight you in The ADA Informer? If so, please contact the State ADA Coordinator’s Office at:
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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
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A service animal is a dog (and in some circumstances a miniature horse) that is specifically trained to perform work for a person with a disability. Service animals are valued working partners and companions to over 80 million Americans. Common service animal breeds include German Shepherd Dogs, Labs, and Golden Retrievers; however, any breed of dog that is trained to perform a specific task or tasks for an individual with a disability can be a service animal.
And remember when it is not obvious what service an animal provides only limited inquiries are allowed under the ADA. Staff/employees may ask two questions:
(1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?, and
(2) What work or task(s) has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff/employees cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. For more information about service animals, please see the links below:
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 Q&A with Liz Persaud
Liz Persaud is the Program and Outreach Manager for Tools for Life, Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, College of Design, Georgia Institute of Technology.
We asked Liz a few questions, and she provided fantastic responses. Please click here to read our exchange during the Q&A session.
Tools for Life Webinars regarding Employment:
- 2.10.2021 A Closer Look: Guidance for Businesses and Employers Considering the Needs of People with Disabilities during Covid-19 Audio Transcript
- 3.24.2021 Cognitive Tools in the Workplace: Time Management and Learning New Skills Audio Transcript Presentation
Visit the Tools for Life website at: Assistive Technology Solutions for Living, Learning, Working & Playing (gatech.edu)
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ADA Title II - State and Local Governments
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The first State of Georgia Agency ADA Coordinators’ Virtual Networking Event was a BIG success!
On Wednesday, September 29 th, 2021, the State ADA Coordinator’s Office’s team held our first Virtual Networking Event for State of Georgia Agency ADA Coordinators. This Virtual Networking Event included:
- Sixty-three participants registered for the event, representing 21 different State of Georgia Agencies
- Live poll questions and discussions regarding topics ranging from ADA-related internal and external customer concerns to the impact of COVID-19 on ADA-related service delivery
- The importance of engaging in mindfulness activities to help reduce stress
- Updates on upcoming ADA-related trainings and events
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ADA Title II Administrative Requirements:
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To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local governments (Title II public entities) must be accessible. Buildings and facilities need to be accessible, as do programs, services, and activities. By following these administrative requirements, public entities can more easily achieve accessibility:
- Designate an ADA Coordinator (for entities with 50 or more employees)
- Have a Grievance Procedure
- Publish a Notice to the Public
- Conduct a Self-Evaluation
- Develop a Transition Plan
The ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments expands on the information in this article and is an excellent resource for a public entity working to implement Title II of the ADA. This guide includes self-evaluation forms and useful sample documents, as well as examples of how various public entities have handled their administrative requirements. |
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Facility Access Considerations
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Doors are the typical culmination of a successful accessible entry. The details of accessible door compliance can be critical to a safe and comfortable transition into a facility, which also gives a good first impression for the activities and or services ahead. Doors are also a common source of confusion for facility access compliance. These links below lead to technical guidance from the US Access Board regarding these critical elements of an Accessible Route are shared to improve door access and customer service.
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Door Mats
Even though these elements are not required for ADA compliance and are sometimes placed at doors to prevent slipping on wet floors, they can present a hazard and liability risk themselves if not installed correctly and not secured to the floor like carpet. They also should have edges that meet the profile requirements if more than ¼” high. These suggestions for movable mats will assist those with any level of mobility when entering your facility.
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Power Assisted Entry Doors
These elements of an entry are not required for ADA compliance, although they are very helpful. To be installed compliant, doors with power assisted opening need to have their actuator installed within reach ranges set in 308, and with proper clear floor area per 305. These two characteristics of all operable parts compliance are common issues observed. These doors themselves are required to have a 5-second delay after opening and just before closure to assure comfortable limited mobility passage through the doorway. The details for closing speed are defined in 404.2.8 are required for any door with a closer.
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Restricted Entry Doors
These types of entry doors typically have call buttons that need to also meet the 309 operable parts requirements, as well as the 230 & 708 two-way communication requirements of 2010 ADA Standards.
The links below that lead to technical guidance from the US Access Board regarding these critical elements of an Accessible Route are shared to improve door access and customer service.
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Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
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Coming Soon! Mark your calendar!
AccessGA, a collaboration between the State ADA Coordinator’s Office and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, Georgia Institute of Technology, will present the following free webinars in December 2021. More details will be forthcoming.
2-Part Series regarding Accessible, Fillable Forms
December 1, 2021 11 AM – 12 PM Part 1
December 8, 2021 11 AM – 12 PM Part 2
AccessGA Satisfaction and Future Needs Survey
Are you satisfied with the service you have received from the AccessGA collaboration? Are there other training classes or technical assistance you desire regarding ICT? Please follow the survey link to let us know about your AccessGA experience and service needs. Link to AccessGA Survey
AccessGA’s website is moving to the Drupal platform! For more information on AccessGA, please visit: AccessGA Homepage
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Now in its tenth year, the State of the Public’s Health (SOPH) Conference at the University of Georgia College of Public Health is an annual gathering focused on fostering meaningful, constructive dialogue and practical solutions for Georgia’s public health challenges. On Thursday, October 14th, 2021,join the State ADA Coordinator’s Office to hear Dr. Miller's insights on real-world solutions to address mental health. To register please visit: State of the Public's Health Conference Registration |
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Mental Health America and IDONTMIND, in partnership with YouTube, present Our Future In Mind: Mental Health Summit, a live free two-day event this November 5 and 6. The first of its kind, this event will give you a front-row seat to the stories behind some of the biggest movements in mental health and the tools you will need to be part of the change. |
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ADA Training Opportunities
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National Events Calendar | ADA National Network (adata.org):
- ADA Live! America's Recovery: Powered by Inclusive Employment - Wednesday, October 6th, 2021
- Plumbed Elements: Lavatories and Sinks, Washers and Dryers, and Saunas and Steam Rooms – Thursday, October 7th, 2021. Deadline to Register: October 6th, 2021
- Ask an ADA Professional Questions RE: Hybrid Work, Face Coverings, and Vaccinations – Wednesday, October 13th, 2021. Deadline to Register: October 12th, 2021
- Workers with Long COVID-19 and the ADA – Tuesday, October 19th, 2021. Deadline to Register: October 18th, 2021
- Agriculture as the Next Mission for Military Veterans of All Abilities – Tuesday, November 16th, 2021. Deadline to Register: November 15th, 2021
JAN Webcasts (askjan.org):
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The January 2022 issue will focus on
Effective Communication!
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We hope you are enjoying The ADA Informer - Quarterly E-Newsletter. Please share this E-newsletter with someone who could benefit from this information by using the buttons below:
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