National DBTAC Initiatives The DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers collaborates on several national initiatives that support and enhance the efforts of each regional center. The national network provides the most complete and experienced services for up-to-date information, referrals, resources, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to businesses, employers, government entities, and individuals with disabilities, as well as media and news reporters. Information & Outreach ADA Document Center www.adata.org/adaportal/ A one stop web resource consisting of more than 7,400 documents relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA and Hospitality www.adainfo.org/hospitality/ This initiative promotes accessibility and opportunity for people with disabilities within the hospitality industry. Visit the website to obtain targeted materials and resources in print or accessible formats, request training, or learn more about the initiative. Customized News Feeds http://onlineconferencingsystems.com/sedbtac_1/customized_newsfeeds_by_state.htm Stories are received several times a day from major news sources and are available by state and are organized under disability laws, including the ADA, §508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and other topics such as universal design, service animals and assistive technology. All stories are screened for relevancy and accuracy. ADA Kit for Media www.adata.org/media/index.html Information, assistance and resources on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers to assist media personnel with accurate and timely reporting on ADA issues. Employing People with Disabilities: National Network of DBTACs Speak Out www.sedbtac.org/about/video/SEDisability_256k.asx An 8-minute video featuring the importance of ADA compliance, especially related to employing qualified people with disabilities that can be used in various training programs. Rebuilding Accessible Communities www.adata.org/resources/rebuilding/index.html In response to the many questions and requests for assistance following the devastating 2005 hurricane season, the DBTACs and the U.S. Access Board joined together to form the Rebuilding Accessible Communities initiative. Training National ADA Symposium www.adasymposium.org An annual three day conference designed for professionals who help implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) , as well as individuals with disabilities and their family members. For the past decade, the Symposium has brought representatives from key federal agencies involved in implementing the ADA, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Access Board and the EEOC, to provide comprehensive training and updates. The extensive workshops on a wide array of topics, coupled with the expertise of nationally recognized presenters, have earned the National ADA Symposium the reputation as the most comprehensive conference on the ADA. Symposium hallmarks include opportunities for networking and problem solving. Participants report that one of the most important benefits of attending is the opportunity to meet peers who become a source of ongoing professional support. ADA Training Resource Center www.adacourse.org Your one-stop website for courses, events and tools developed by the DBTAC: National Network of ADA Centers on the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA Audio Conference Series www.ada-audio.org This Series provides continuing education on ADA regulations and trends and offers advanced information using a combination of teleconferencing and web-based technologies to deliver cost-effective continuing education. The 90-minute subject-specific sessions offer interactive opportunities for question and answers. Supplemental materials are posted on the website for participants to review and prepare for each session. Organizations can support the professional development of an individual, an entire department or an entire agency for less cost than sending one staff to a comparable training event. Previous session transcripts can be accessed on the web as ADA Resources at www.adagreatlakes.org/PnServices/AudioConferencing/Archives/. Title II of the ADA for ADA Coordinators www.adacourse.org/title2/index.php This FREE online tutorial is a valuable educational tool to orient ADA coordinators to their roles and how to address key ADA-related requirements applicable to state and local government under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This tutorial is approved for 0.3 CEU and 3 CRCC clock hours. ADA Basic Building Blocks www.adabasics.org An introductory web course that explores the legal requirements and the spirit of the ADA. Two versions are available: 1) a FREE self-paced course organized into 12 topics that have been designed to be studied in order; and 2) an 8-week, moderated course (cost: $295/person) that emphasizes the thought process required to answer questions about the ADA. Both versions cover the basic principles and core concepts contained in the ADA with interactive application exercises provided throughout the course to help participants apply newly learned concepts. Participants report increased knowledge about ADA-related issues important to their jobs. The moderated version has been approved for 14 CRCC credit hours and 1.5 CEU Credits. (Available in English and Spanish). At Your Service: Welcoming Customers with Disabilities to Your One Stop Center www.wiawebcourse.org This FREE online, self-paced web course is designed primarily for frontline staff and others interested in learning about ways to create an accessible and welcoming environment for customers with disabilities. Participants will increase their understanding of the needs and experiences of people with disabilities, learn how to adjust general customer service standards to meet the needs of customers with disabilities, and develop basic etiquette for interacting with customers who have disabilities. At Your Service has been approved by the University College at Syracuse University for 0.5 continuing education units (CEU) which equates to 5 contact hours and approved by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) for 5 CRCC clock hours. Disability Law Lowdown Podcast Series http://dll.ada-podcast.org/ Brought to you by nationally recognized leaders in the field of disability law, the Disability Law Lowdown Podcast delivers the latest in disability rights information every other week. You can subscribe for free and have shows automatically delivered, or you can listen to the show and read the transcripts from this site.