This is the fourth article in a series about Self Evaluation Plan and Transition Plan (SEPTP). The information contained within this series can be used to build a new SEPTP or audit an existing SEPTP. In previous parts of designing and operating a SEPTP, the history of SEPTP was reviewed, key individuals to be in charge of the SEPTP were selected, and a public notice was sent out. Now it is time to train the key individuals with Part 4 - Getting Started with Training.
Learning about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), both the purpose and requirements, is critical whether you are just starting out with a SEPTP program or to train newcomers for inevitable turnovers in participants. Participants should include staff, board members, committee chairs and others involved in running the public entity. During training, it is important to train program-setting employees to recognize and avoid barriers when moving and adding programs and services and when scheduling all public activities and events.
Some entities hold on-site or on-line training events and invite the public. Here are a few training possibilities:
Web-based, free, covers the basic principles and core concepts in the five titles of the ADA. A project of the ADA National Network and sponsored by the Southeast ADA Center.
Web-based, free, covers the basic principles and core concepts of title II. A project of the ADA National Network and sponsored by the Southeast ADA Center.
The region's leading 3-day conference, featuring speakers from federal agencies such as the U.S. Departments of Justice and Transportation, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Access Board. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center.
Four day annual event includes more than seventy breakout sessions on every aspect of the ADA. It is a project of the ADA National Network and is organized and run by the Great Plains ADA Center.
For those individuals chosen as ADA Coordinators, the next step is formal training and certification. The University of Missouri and Midwest ADA Center provide an ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP) training and certification program designed to meet the training and professional needs of ADA Coordinators. The ACTCP certification verifies that participants have completed training in required content areas and have a depth of knowledge in ADA issues. Upon completion of the program, ACTCP certifies a knowledge base essential to performing the role of an ADA Coordinator, including: establishing and overseeing grievance procedures, conducting self-evaluation plans, implementation of transition plans, monitoring on-going progress, communicating policy, coordinating activities among a number of departments, identifying and utilizing appropriate resources, knowledge of ADA regulations and guidelines, effective use of resources. Additional information is available at ADA Coordinators.
The US Access Board Webinars are free sources of information created by the same people who wrote the ADA Standards. In addition to the webinars, the transcripts and slides are available for download and study.
Eventually SEPTP participants will need to read and study the 2010 ADA Standards, the 2015 ABA Standards, or the FHA Guides, as applicable, to reach in-depth knowledge about these Standards. Copies are available on line and through the mail by request. It is recommended you use both methods. The Standards are comprehensive and complex. It will take some time to get familiar with these laws. Reviewing these sources before attending classes is recommended to help keep the laws in perspective.
Other information and courses for training are created and available on a regular basis. Tapping in to the 10 ADA Centers is the best source to start with.
SUMMARY: Learning about the ADA, both the purpose and requirements, is critical whether you are just starting out with a SEPTP program or to train newcomers for inevitable turnovers in participants. Training will be an ongoing process for most entities. The next article in this series is Part 5 - Grievance Procedure.
If you need help building a new SEPTP or auditing your existing SEPTP, please call Richard Acree at 615-752-0060, or email inspections4ada@gmail.com. For additional information please see SEPTP.
ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.