Hello, and welcome to the first edition of the ADA‑OHIO newsletter.
Since 1991, ADA‑OHIO has operated as the State of Ohio Steering Committee for the Great Lakes Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC), and in the winter of 1996 we received our 501(c)(3) non‑profit status. Located at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the DBTAC is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education. ADA‑OHIO receives its major support from the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission. We are directed by a volunteer board of trustees, all of whom are dedicated to our mission of promoting voluntary compliance with the ADA.
Let ADA‑OHIO answer your questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act. We can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, as outlined within the ADA. Also, we can provide you with the most current and comprehensive ADA materials and conduct trainings and workshops for your business, agency or group. We are here for you!
Again ‑ welcome! If you have any questions or suggestions regarding our organization, services or newsletter, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to working with you.
In a recent settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Wendy's Restaurants, a Columbus‑based fastfood franchise, has agreed to remove or widen the customer queues in their existing Wendy's and Tim Horton's restaurants. Wendy's also agreed to pay $60,000 in damages to five consumers and ten Federal‑State Task Force members who brought the suit, and to submit reports updating the Task Force on the progress Wendy's is making on accessibility improvements.
Unemployment in the United States is at its lowest level in decades. However, a new survey commissioned by the National Organization on Disability, in cooperation with Louis Harris and Associates, suggests that people with disabilities still face significant barriers to employment. The survey shows that only 29% of disabled persons of working age (18‑64) work full‑ or part‑time. These numbers are particularly startling when compared with reports that the 79% of the non‑disabled population work full‑ or part‑time. Further, 72% of disabled persons of working age say that they would prefer to work.
In honor of the ninth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, volunteers known as TEAM ADA are planning a birthday party. The family‑oriented party will be on Sunday, July 25, from 2‑4 PM, at the Statehouse Atrium in downtown Columbus.
Anyone wishing to be on the invitation list for the party should contact our office. The e‑mail address is PartyADA@aol.com. Information can also be obtained by contacting our accessible web site at www.ADA‑OHIO.org. It is anticipated that local celebrations will be held on July 26, the actual day of the signing of the ADA back in 1990.
ADA‑OHIO is in the process of compiling a list of ADA coordinators in Ohio. This list will be used
for developing Americans with Disabilities Act networking and training among coordinators on a
state and regional basis. If you are an ADA coordinator for a state or local government entity,
or know of someone who serves in this capacity, please contact our office. Thanks for your help!
WEB SURFERS: LOG ON
ADA‑OHIO is accessible through the World Wide Web. Check out our Bobby Approved web page at www.ADA‑OHIO.org. Included within the page you will find various ADA documents and additional ADA service and educational links. ADA‑OHIO can also be contacted through the web page using the feedback option. We hope that you take full advantage of this service.
The mission of ADA-OHIO is to provide information, technical assistance, and training in an effort to voluntary compliance and positive implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990(ADA).