Table Of Content

Di^twa W55, N/ • 31EDbb D27D 7^fl 2 Community Access Monitor Project This workbook was developed for the Massachusetts Office on Disability by the Adaptive Environments Center, with support from the Boston Foundation as part of the Community Compliance Campaign. Materials Development Manager: Elaine Ostroff Author: Nancy Goldman /rr "irjiT DOCUMENTS Technical Consultant: Chris Palames Concept and Review: Kathy Gips, Massachusetts Office on Disability Design and Production: Nancy Goldman DEC 9 1932 Cover Design: Raine DeMuLouise University of Massachusetts Depository Copy © May 1992, Massachusetts Office on Disability/Adaptive Environments Center. Permission is granted to reproduce materials from this workbook, subject to the following conditions: (1) Each item must be reproduced as written, with no • changes, including credits; and (2) items may not be resold. Please note: The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board is in the process of revising its Rules and Regulations to achieve substantial equivalency with the A Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. revised version of this workbook will be produced during the upcoming year to reflect the changes in the state regulations. Please contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability for further information. Sketching and Measuring © 1982 Adaptive Environments Center. Used with permission. Checklistfor Existing Facilities and ADA Title IIIFact Sheets © 1992 Adaptive Environments Center/Barrier Free Environments; produced for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Used with permission. Thanks to the following people for their review: Kris Antonucci, Greater Framingham Association of Individuals with Disabilities Independent Living Center Larry Braman, East Boston Citizen Advocates for Rights of the Disabled Bruce Bruneau, Massachusetts Office on Disability Larry Curtis, Wilmington Commission on Disability Bill Henning, Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled Pat Ryan, Boston Center for Independent Living • B.J. Wood, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 1 qf 3/3 Community Access Monitor Project MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE ON DISABILITY I > Publication No. 17177 - 156- 250 - 8/92 - est. cost per - 3.51 - C.R. Approved by: Philmore Anderson State Purchasing Agent III , Community Access Monitor Project Table of Contents INTRODUCTION PAGE 1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE 5 STATE AND FEDERAL ACCESS LAWS PAGE 9 Americans with Disabilities Act 9 & Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Rules Regulations 17 Related Federal Laws 20 Related Massachusetts Laws 23 PLANNING PAGE 25 Step 1: Get connected and get organized 25 Step 2: Choose an organization to work with 27 Step 3: Obtain information 27 Information Worksheet 29 Step 4: Determine which access regulations apply 33 Decision Trees 36 Step 5: Find out if any exemptions apply 38 Step 6: Contact owner or manager 40 Step 7: Prepare for the site visit 43 THE SITE VISIT PAGE 47 Step 8: Visit the organization to assess its accessibility 47 Sample checklist pages 48 ADVOCATING FOR ACCESS PAGE 51 Step 9: List access issues 51 Step 10: Follow up with owner or manager 51 Step 11: Continue to work for improved accessibility 57 Step 12: Write a letter of acknowledgment 59 Step 13: Write a letter of appreciation 61 Step 14: File a complaint if necessary 62 Summary of Steps 67 (continued) Massachusetts Office on Disability . Community Access Monitor Project I Table of Contents (continued) resources Community Access Monitors Independent Living Centers Local Commissions State Agencies Federal Agencies Disability and Related Organizations Publications APPENDIX Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Rules and Regulations Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) ADA Title II Highlights ADA Title III Highlights ADA Title III Fact Sheets 1. What Is a Public Accommodation? 2. Auxiliary Aids and Services: Providing Effective Communication ... 3. Communicating with People with Disabilities ' 4. Tax Incentives for Improving Accessibility 5. Alternatives to Barrier Removal Sketching and Measuring i Massachusetts Office on Disability . Community Access MonitorProject Introduction Introduction The Community Access Monitor Project Since the creation of the Community Access Monitor Project in 1985, over 1300 people have been trained by the Massachusetts Office on Disability to survey buildings in their communities for accessibility and to advocate for compliance with the law, and over 650 people have been certified as Community Access Monitors. In past years, the Community Access Monitor Project emphasized the enforcement of the Architectural Access Board's Rules and Regulations. Now, with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act in effect, require- ments for access have broadened to include communication and programmatic as well as architectural accessibility. As the scope of accessibility legislation has broadened, so has the role of the Community Access Monitor. This workbook contains information on access legislation and provides a step-by-step process for conducting assessments and encouraging voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Archi- tectural Access Board Rules and Regulations. The Community Compliance Campaign The Massachusetts Office on Disability has received a generous grant from the Boston Foundation to fund advocacy work in the Boston Area. This ''Community Compliance Campaign" is a part of the Community Access Monitor Project. "Accessibility" Architectural, communication, programmatic, and policy barriers prevent people from participating fully in society. People with disabilities cannot assume they can use common public places, such as stores, banks, offices, and restaurants, or participate in ordinary activities, such as working, getting an education, visiting friends, and attending community events. Most non-disabled people take these freedoms for granted. Massachusetts Office on Disability Community Access Monitor Project Introduction "Accessibility" means much more than ramps for wheelchair access. People with all types ofphysical, sensory, cognitive and other disabilities must be ensured equal access to facilities, services, and programs. People with disabilities must not be discriminated against through structural barriers, unequal policies and practices, or inaccessible means of communication and dissemination of information. The Role of the Community Access Monitor Community Access Monitors play an essential role in encouraging access improvements. While they do not have legal enforcement authority, monitors have proven to be highly effective advocates. By coordinating advocacy efforts with municipal disability commissions, Independent ADA Living Centers, coordinators, building inspectors, and others, monitors make an enormous contribution to the implementationprocess. Being a Community Access Monitor requires knowledge of access laws and regulations, understanding of the range of organizations that have responsibilities under both state and federal regulations, skill in surveying and advocacy, and the ability to be persuasive and persistent. Through this training program, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to become an effective accessibility advocate. Getting Involved Accessibility in Massachusetts is mandated by complex and far-reaching state and federal laws, whose enforcement depends upon the active involvement of the disability community. Get involved; every individual makes a difference. The law is behind you. Through your efforts, and the collective effort of the Community Access Monitor Project and the whole advocacy movement, you will help bring about change. Massachusetts Office on Disability . Community Access MonitorProject Introduction Community Access Monitor RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1) You have the right to public information. 2) You have the right to use your designation as a Massachusetts Office on Disability Community Access Monitor in your advocacy work. 3) You have the right to call the Massachusetts Office on Disability for consultation and questions. 4) You have the responsibility to be knowledgeable about the intent and scope ofboth state and federal regulations. 5) You have the responsibility to notify the organization in writing of your interest in assessing its accessibility and to follow up with a phone call. 6) You have the responsibility to complete surveys, advocate for voluntary compliance, and fill out and file complaint forms when appropriate. 7) You have the responsibility to decline requests for advice in situations where you lack expertise. 8) You have the responsibility to use your designation as a Commu- nity Access Monitor only in a volunteer capacity. Massachusetts Office on Disability