National Glaucoma Awareness Month
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation:
Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase.
Glaucoma is called "the sneak thief of sight" since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it's permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don't raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma.
For more information, please visit the Glaucoma Research Foundation
ADA in the news!
Uber Promises More Timely Accessible Rides
Ride-hailing company Uber announced a partnership with Texas-based MV Transportation, which will make more accessible vehicles available for riders with mobility disabilities. The expanded service is currently available in Greater Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Toronto.
A Case for Inclusive Design
This article, written by an architect, urges designers to view accessibility as an opportunity rather than an obligation - a "catalyst for innovation."
For More ADA News, Visit the Mid-Atlantic ADA Website and E-Bulletin
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE & US ACCESS BOARD UPDATES
When a private entity that is primarily engaged in the business of transporting people and that operates a demand responsive transportation service purchases or leases a new vehicle (other than an automobile or a van with a seating capacity of less than eight passengers, including the driver), that vehicle must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, unless the system, when viewed in its entirety, meets the standard for equivalent service.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Training
The Mid-Atlantic ADA Offers Monthly web-based training on different ADA topics. Please visit their site for topics, dates, and registration.
All Webinars are Archived on the Website
THE INTERSECTION OF ADA, FMLA, AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION
January 17, 2019 2:00pm to 3:30pm
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: LESSONS FROM CASE LAW
January 24, 2019 12:30pm to 1:15pm
ACCESSIBILITY ONLINE WEBINAR SERIES: ACCESSIBLE SIDEWALKS, SHARED USE PATHS, AND STREET CROSSINGS
February 7, 2019 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Test Your Knowledge
Q. What information may a provider seek when a reasonable accommodation or modification is requested?
A. A provider is entitled to obtain information that is necessary to evaluate if a requested reasonable accommodation or modification may be necessary because of a disability. If a person's disability is obvious, readily apparent, or otherwise known to the provider, and if the need for the requested accommodation or modification is also readily apparent or known, then the provider may not request any additional information. If the disability and/or the disability-related need for the requested accommodation or modification is not known or obvious, the provider may request only information that is necessary to evaluate the disability and/or disability-related need for the accommodation. This information may be from the requesting individual, medical professional, a peer support group, a non-medical service agency, or a reliable third party who is in a position to know about the individual's disability. In most cases, an individual's medical records or detailed information about the nature of a person's disability is not necessary for this inquiry and may be inappropriate.
Accommodations Statement
Include the Accommodations Statement (shown below) on all correspondence that goes out to the public!
"Anyone needing accommodations must contact _____________ at 410-222-_____ or by email to __________@aacounty.org at least seven days in advance of the event. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1. All materials are available in an alternative format upon request."
PLEASE NOTE: Enter the contact information of the person who is sending out the notice for a meeting/event/ announcement in your department on the Accommodations Statement.
Contact the ADA office if have any questions regarding an accommodation request.