Mark your calendars for the "Lunch and Learn" on July 26, 2013....

We are excited about the upcoming ADA "Lunch and Learn" on July 26, 2013 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Council Bluffs Public Library. Bring your lunch and learn about Housing, the ADA, Discrimination, etc. at this free event. More details will be posted at a later date!


Arts & Recreation Webinar Series

http://www.adaconferences.org/ArtsnRec/

The ADA National Network, the National Center on Accessibility, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Smithsonian Institution have partnered together to bring you the Arts & Recreation Webinar Series. The goal is to share their acquired knowledge and expertise in creating equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities in the areas of Arts and Recreation with the broader community. Sessions are free and will focus on legal compliance issues, best practices in the field and practical "how to's" across a broad range of topics. The intended audiences include but are not limited to ADA Coordinators, Program Administrators and the Staff, Volunteer Program Administrators, Federal, State and Local Government Agencies and disability advocates.

Join us for the first session May 29 on Program Access featuring John Wodatch, former Disability Section Chief at the Department of Justice, and Ray Bloomer, Accessibility Specialist with the National Park Service, and Director of Education at the National Center on Accessibility.  Then mark your calendar for the follow up session on Transition Planning July 10.   Additional sessions are scheduled for September focused on Strategies for Welcoming People with Autism and Other Sensory Sensitivities.   Visit the Schedule page at www.adaconferences.org/ArtsnRec/Schedule to view all of the available sessions through September 2013.

May 29, 2013-Program Access in Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Practitioners often mistake the "program access" standard for only activities requiring advance registration, structured schedules and staffed by personnel or volunteers. However, "program access" really extends to the entire realm of opportunities, experiences and benefits. How does the program access standard in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act apply to parks, recreation and places of tourism? In addition what does the provision for readily accessible and usable goods and services mean for places of public accommodation (Title III)? This session brings together two of the foremost national experts on program access, John Wodatch, former Disability Section Chief at the Department of Justice, and Ray Bloomer, Accessibility Specialist with the National Park Service, and Director of Education at the National Center on Accessibility. From national parks to river boat cruises, museums to fitness centers, wildlife refuges to performing arts theaters what should every service provider in recreation and tourism know about program access for inclusion of people with disabilities? Join John and Ray for a candid discussion of the program access standard. Advance registration is required. http://www.adaconferences.org/ArtsnRec/

July 10, 2013-Transition Planning: The Dynamic Process for Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Both Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require state, local and federal entities to develop Transition Plans for the removal of architectural and communication barriers to participation by people with disabilities. But what does a Transition Plan look like? More importantly, what should be the process for developing and administering a successful Transition Plan? Join John Wodatch, former Disability Section Chief at the Department of Justice, and a guest panel of Accessibility Coordinators from park and recreation entities. Learn how each Transition Plan is as unique as the entity developing it, what they used as guiding principles for prioritizing barrier removal, and other secrets to successful implementation. Advance register for this session too!  http://www.adaconferences.org/ArtsnRec/


Tots for Tolerance

The "Tots for Tolerance" program is a complimentary resource to those elementary school districts located within the City of Council Bluffs, Iowa. If you are a teacher or administrator at a local elementary school, please view the attached document to gain a better understanding of this free program.