MEDIA KIT

Learn about the ADA National Network and how we provide information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels.

Media please contact Thomas Wright Partners at (804) 353-8022 (Voice/TRS).

• What's New?
• Download ADA National Network Brochure PDF
• Executive Order
• Press Release
• Frequently Asked Questions
• MEDIA FAQ.pdf

WHAT'S NEW?

Press Release

ADA NATIONAL NETWORK CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

RICHMOND, July 14/Monday, July 26, 2010 marks the celebration of the landmark legislation that ensures that every American with disabilities can enjoy the same rights and freedoms as all Americans. In recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, The ADA National Network's 10 regional Centers are marking the day with various events across the United States as well as premiering their ADA 20th Anniversary video which depicts the progress made as a result of the ADA and the work that still needs to be accomplished. View the video at www.adata.org. Today approximately 54 million Americans are disabled, or one in every five people. The number continues to grow as a larger percentage of the population becomes disabled as a result as a result of disabilities incurred in combat or of aging. President George H.W. Bush signed this landmark legislation in July 1990 as the first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. The ADA makes it possible for everyone with a disability to live a life of freedom and equality. It protects the rights of people with disabilities in all aspects of employment, in accessing public services such as transportation, and guaranteeing access to public accommodations such as restaurants, stores, hotels and other structures open to the public. The ADA National Network, through its 10 regional ADA centers is the leader in providing information, guidance and training on the ADA, tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels. ADA National Network is a helper and resource provider, not an enforcement or regulatory agency. The ADA National Network helps small, mid-size and even large business enterprises tap the buying power of people with disabilities, while also building employee loyalty and enhancing corporate reputation. They provide ADA coordinators for state and local government agencies with resources and local assistance to help them with implementation of the ADA in their jurisdictions. The ADA National Network is especially helpful to individuals concerned about their rights under the ADA, with information available on a 24/7 basis through their extensive website and during business hours on their call center, staffed by professionals located within each region.

Resources available include:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q 1. What is the ADA National Network?

A. The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels. The ADA National Network consists of 10 Regional ADA National Network Centers located across the country for effective delivery of services to facilitate voluntary implementation of the ADA.
Back to top

Q 2. Where are the ADA National Network Centers located?

A. The 10 Regional ADA National Network Centers are:

1· ADA New England Center
serves Region 1 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont)

2· ADA Northeast Center
serves Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)

3· ADA Mid-Atlantic Center
serves Region 3 (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia)

4· ADA Southeast Center
serves Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee)

5· ADA Great Lakes Center
serves Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin)

6· ADA Southwest Center
serves Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas)

7· ADA Great Plains Center
serves Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska)

8· ADA Rocky Mountain Center
serves Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming)

9· ADA Pacific Center
serves Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and the Pacific Basin)

10· ADA Northwest Center
serves Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington)
Back to top

Q 3. Why are you identifying yourselves as the ADA National Network?

A. ADA National Network more clearly delivers the message of services provided in support of implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act. Although we are stillare Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center(s), providing information, guidance and training, the name ADA National Network clearly establishes the linkage to the ADA. This gives the network of ADA Centers a more powerful message in marketing their services to the business community, state and local governments, and individuals.
Back to top

Q 4. What is the ADA?

A. The Americans with Disabilities Act makes it possible for everyone with a disability to live a life of freedom and equality. Passed by the Congress and signed into law by the President on July 26, 1990, the ADA is the first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. The ADA protects the civil rights of people with disabilities in all aspects of employment, in accessing public services such as transportation, and guaranteeing access to public accommodations such as restaurants, stores, hotels and other types of buildings to which the public has access.
Back to top

Q 5. What are the Titles of the ADA and how do they differ?

A. The efforts of the ADA National Network are focused on the first three titles of the ADA.

Title I focuses on employment. Businesses, or employers, must provide reasonable accommodations to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment. Possible accommodations may include restructuring jobs, altering the layout of workstations, or modifying equipment. Employers may not discriminate in the application process, hiring, wages, benefits, and all other aspects of employment.

Title II focuses on public services. Public services, which include state and local government instrumentalities, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK), and other commuter authorities, cannot deny services to people with disabilities or deny participation in programs or activities that are available to people without disabilities. In addition, public transportation systems, such as public transit buses, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Title III focuses on public accommodations. All new construction and modifications must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. For existing facilities, barriers to services must be removed if readily achievable. Public accommodations include facilities such as restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, retail stores, etc., as well as privately owned transportation systems.
Back to top

Q 6. Why is the ADA important?

A. Approximately 54 million Americans have one or more disabilities. That's almost 19%, or one in every five people living in this country. This number continues to grow as a larger percentage of our population acquire disabilities, often as a result of aging, or disabilities incurred in combat, as is the case with returning veterans.
Back to top

Q 7. What is the focus of the ADA National Network?

A. The focus of the ADA National Network is ensuring the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act through core activities of technical assistance, training, information dissemination and capacity building. Priorities vary somewhat by region based on need, but target individuals with disabilities, businesses, employers, state and local government entities, and educational institutions.
Back to top

Q 8. What resources are provided by the ADA National Network?

A. A wide variety of resources are available through the ADA National Network. They include:

· ADA information hotline (1-800-949-4232 V/TTY)

· Region-tailored ADA information, training and technical assistance

· Web-based training and information

· Webinars, podcasts, live-briefings, DVDs/video

· National ADA Symposium

· Regional and state training conferences

· Targeted outreach to business and service providers

· Public awareness programs
Back to top

Q 9. What distinguishes the ADA National Network from other organizations that help people with disabilities?

A. There are a number of distinguishing characteristics that make the ADA National Network different from other providers of ADA resources:

· The ADA National Network maintains and operates a nationally recognized toll free hotline with staff available to provide comprehensive information on all titles of the ADA.

· Since 1991, the ADA National Network, operating as DBTAC, was the first organization providing ADA resources of information, training and technical assistance nationwide.

· Services are custom tailored to the needs of the individual, business or agency seeking assistance.

· The ADA National Network informs, explains and helps individuals and businesses expand their knowledge and understanding of the ADA, rather than enforcing compliance, which is the role of the EEOC, Department of Justice, and the other federal agencies responsible for ADA enforcement.

· The ADA National Network actively provides outreach to businesses, employers, agencies and individuals. It is not a passive resource provider.
Back to top

Q 10. How can the ADA National Network help businesses?

A. The ADA National Network, through the resources it offers, can help businesses increase their market share with information on meeting the needs of people with disabilities. People with disabilities represent an untapped market for many businesses, and meeting their needs in the marketplace may positively impact a company's bottom line. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, people with disabilities engage in $175 billion in discretionary spending each year, four times the spending power of "tweens." Implementing the ADA standards can build brand loyalty among consumers and also enhance a company's reputation in local communities and throughout the region and nation.
Back to top

Q 11. How can the ADA National Network help employers?

A. The ADA National Network can help employers implement the ADA. It can provide information on how businesses may benefit from tax credits, and how employee loyalty can be strengthened as companies demonstrate their support for equal opportunity for all Americans.
Back to top

Q 12. How can the ADA National Network help government agencies?

A. The ADA National Network is a valuable resource for ADA coordinators in government entities at the community level in municipalities and counties, and in state agencies and departments. The Regional ADA National Network Centers can provide a broad range of assistance to ADA coordinators as they ensure their government entity is compliant with the requirements of the ADA.
Back to top

Q 13. How can the ADA National Network help individuals with disabilities?

A. The ADA National Network is a valuable resource and widely available to individuals with disabilities with an information hotline (800) 949-4232 (V/TTY), and a website: www.adata.org. The website provides extensive information and support through its listing of resources, blogs and online support communities. Additionally, Regional ADA National Network Centers and their state outreach affiliates are available to provide assistance.
Back to top

Q 14. How is the ADA National Network resourced?

A. The ADA National Network is funded through five-year DBTAC grants from the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Back to top

Q 15. How do I contact the ADA National Network?

A. Contact the ADA National Network with your questions on the ADA, resources available, or to find an ADA Center near you, by calling (800) 949-4232 (V/TTY). All calls are strictly confidential. Also, visit the ADA National Network website for links to extensive ADA information and training opportunities at www.adata.org. Media please contact Thomas Wright Partners at (804) 353-8022 (V/Relay).

Back to top