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Disability Inclusion

Harvard University Disability Services accessibility.harvard.edu. Disability Inclusion. Shelby Acteson, Associate Director March 21, 2019. Our Mission.

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Disability Inclusion

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  1. Harvard University Disability Services accessibility.harvard.edu Disability Inclusion Shelby Acteson, Associate DirectorMarch 21, 2019

  2. Our Mission University Disability Resources (UDR) welcomes students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities. UDR provides leadership to University efforts to ensure an accessible, welcoming working and learning environment for individuals with disabilities while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

  3. What Guides Us The Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 (ADA) The ADA is a civil rights law and requires that people with disabilities not be excluded from participation, be denied benefits or be subjected to discrimination. ADA Amendments Act, 2008 (ADAAA) The intent of the ADAAA is to ensure broad coverage by shifting focus away from the question of whether an individual has a disability and toward the obligation of barrier removal and reasonable accommodation. Harvard’s commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) efforts.

  4. Myths vs. Facts Myths Facts One of the largest diversity populations in the US (1 in 5; 50% by age 65). While some disabilities are visible, many are not visible (~70%). Federal law requires that people with disabilities be served in the same setting and circumstances as people without disabilities. • Disability is an uncommon occurrence. • An individual’s disability is usually visible. • People with disabilities should be served separately and with special procedures to ensure that they can receive services while not affecting the services to others.

  5. General Disability Etiquette Disability language and etiquette practices are subjective. Many people have different beliefs about what they consider to be “respectful” behavior and language - even when describing their own disability. • Don’t make assumptions about what an individual with a disability may or may not need. • Always ask before offering assistance and wait for your offer to be accepted before trying to help. • Don’t touch an individual with a disability without permission. • Be considerate of the extra time a person with a disability may require. • The use of Person-first language is one way to address people with disabilities.

  6. People-First Language Preferred Inappropriate Handicapped woman Wheelchair bound The blind man The disabled Someone afflicted with multiple sclerosis (MS) Seeing eye dog The retarded; mentally retarded • Woman with a disability • Person who uses a wheelchair • Person who is blind • Person with a disability • Person with multiple sclerosis (MS) • Service animal • Person with an intellectual disability

  7. People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision • Verbally greet and identify yourself in a normal tone of voice to an individual who is blind. • Speak directly to an individual who is visually impaired, not through an intermediary. • Use visually descriptive language and be precise and thorough when describing people, places, things and when giving directions. Making references to colors, patterns, designs, and shapes is perfectly acceptable. • If information is written and unavailable in an alternate format, offer to read the text to the person if they would like.

  8. People with Mobility Impairments Always ask before extending assistance, e.g. pushing a mobility device. If assistance is declined, do not be offended. Allow individuals with disabilities who use a mobility device into all areas of a facility where members of the public are allowed to go, unless a particular type of device cannot be accommodated because of legitimate safety concerns. When meeting a person who has an upper body mobility impairment (i.e. unable to raise their arm or has an artificial limb), allow them to take the lead on things like handshakes. Place publications and meeting materials within reach.

  9. People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing • Speak directly to the individual who is deaf or hard-of-hearing, not their companion or interpreter. • Speak clearly in a normal tone of voice; only raise your voice if requested to do so. • If you are attempting to get the attention of an individual who is Deaf or hard of hearing, tap the individual on the shoulder or arm. • Ensure that people can clearly see your mouth while speaking; refrain from chewing gum, smoking or other actions that might distract from someone reading your lips. Do not speak slower or in an exaggerated manner. • If the person you are speaking with prefers typing or writing, communicate in the way that allows them to best understand what you are saying.

  10. Accessible Meetings & Events Microphone use by all attendees Clear sight lines to speakers and presentation (no screen glare) PPT & digital materials in accessible formats Minimal background noise in room Accessible access to facility and room location

  11. Accommodation Statement Harvard University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact [insert telephone number of the sponsor] in advance of your participation or visit. (shorter statement available, if needed) When to Use: This statement may be printed in any publication that describes a specific program or special event, e.g., seminar, film, speaker, performing arts series, employment programming, etc. Placement: This statement should be printed in an easy-to read type size and placed in a location that is easy to notice.

  12. Common Meeting/Event Accommodations Vision Hearing Microphones Preferential seating Room set-up and lighting Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) American Sign Language (ASL) • Preferential seating • Seating with clear sight lines (low vision) • Alternative formats for materials: • Large print (18 font or more) • Use of screen readers • Braille • Accessible communications, e.g. use Arial 12 font for emails

  13. University Disability Resources Additional Questions? Email: disabilityservices@harvard.edu Website: accessibility.harvard.edu Event Planning Resource List: http://accessibility.harvard.edu/pages/event-planning Thank you!

  14. References • Easter Seals http://www.easterseals.com/ • Employer Assistance Resource Network http://www.askearn.org/ • HUIT’s Online Digital Accessibility Resource: http://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/home • The National Center on Disability and Journalism’s “Disability Language Style Guide”: http://ncdj.org/style-guide/

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