# Presentation: 561827

## Strategies and Best Practices for Creating an Effective Center Disability Program

- National Health and Wellness Conference
- April 26, 2007

## Panel Members

- Michael Farias, RN, Health and Wellness Manager, Shriver JCC
- Marsha Smith, RN, Health and Wellness Manager, St. Louis JCC
- Kay Bain, RN, Health and Wellness Manager/ Disability Coordinator, Oneonta JCC
- Michelle Day, Disability Program Manager, Humanitas
- Rowan Torrey, Center Director, Mississippi JCC

## Discussion Topics

- Applicant File Review and Reasonable Accommodation
- Staff Training
- Orientation/Student Awareness of Disability Program
- Accessibility Requirement
- Partnerships

## Meeting the Accessibility Requirement

-  Each center must develop a written self-assessment of the architectural and programmatic accessibility of the center
- This requirement is separate from the center facilities assessment that is conducted by an outside contractor on a regular basis

**Notes:**
Accessibility considerations related to disability usually conjure up visions of the physical plant—building ramps and reconstructing bathrooms, which must be considered, but only as one component of the overall vision of the center environment.  While making the center accessible may include alterations to facilities, it may also include attitudinal changes, program changes, and/or the provision of reasonable accommodation.  Many of these changes will benefit all students, not just those with disabilities. 

## Meeting the Accessibility Requirement

**How To Meet the Requirement**
* **Assemble a Team*
- Disability coordinator, facilities manager, and safety officer should assume lead roles
-  *Assess Architectural Accessibility*
- Complete the _[Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal](http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/checkweb.htm)_
- Make any changes that can be made using resources currently available

**Notes:**
 Meet-Convene a staff meeting to assign tasks related to meeting the requirement (disability coordinator with the support of the center director).  The disability coordinator, facilities manager, and safety officer should assume lead roles.

Checklist-local disability partners such as your center for independent living or vocational rehabilitation agency may be able to assist

## Meeting the Accessibility Requirement

*Assess Programmatic Accessibility*
- Complete _[Center Self-evaluation Tool](http://jcdisability.jobcorps.gov/html/selfeval.htm)_
- Make any changes that can be made using resources currently available
*Assess Communication Accessibility*
- Determine communication needs
- Make purchases, locate resources, and produce materials, as necessary/possible

**Notes:**
Communication needs-e.g., availability of TTY machine/use of the relay system, sign language interpreters, materials in alternate formats)

## Meeting the Accessibility Requirement

*Modify Center Safety Plan*
- Add general provisions to plan that consider the needs of people with disabilities
- Consult with local emergency services and disability partner organizations to determine any special considerations for persons with disabilities
*Develop an Accessibility Plan*
- The plan should include actions completed, priorities/next steps, and be reviewed/updated at least annually

**Notes:**
To download the checklist, center self-evaluation tool, and for more detailed information on meeting the accessibility requirement, see the accessibility and disability coordinator orientation modules of the Job Corps Disability Website.

## Best Practices

- Duties of the DC position are shared–usually by a health staff person (wellness manager) and a non-health staff person (academic manager)
- SOPs describe staff responsibilities and contain documents to support the applicant file review and reasonable accommodation processes (staff are aware of processes and can describe their role)
- Health and academic staff are included in the applicant file review process (if possible review all files)

## Best Practices

- The applicant is included in the accommodation process and a plan is agreed to prior to the applicant arriving on center
- DC participates in orientation by providing information (pamphlet, text in student handbook) about the disability program and center process for making an accommodation request
- Disability-related topics (awareness/etiquette, reasonable accommodation) are included in diversity discussions
- Disability-related training for students occurs on a regular basis

## Best Practices

- Students with disabilities receive individualized training (e.g., self-advocacy skills, disclosure)
- Staff training occurs more frequently than required yearly training and informal training is provided when indicated
- New employees receive general training about disability program and awareness as part of orientation
- Community resources are used for staff training

## Best Practices

- Joint training and regular contact between OA and center staff
- Resolve issues, fosters “open communication”
- Center staff train OA staff on what information is necessary and strategies for obtaining it
- The center has a relationship with local vocational rehabilitation agency and/or other local disability organizations (e.g., center for independent living, one stop, school system, colleges/universities, etc.)
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is used as an accommodation resource

## Job Corps Disability Website

**Notes:**
Address on web card

## Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities Website

- Learning  Strategies
- IEP as a Tool
- Professional Development
- 	Tools/Resources
- Webinar Announcements
- 	and Sign Up

- _http://jccdrc.jobcorps.gov/ld_

**Notes:**
Address on web card

Talk about learning strategies booklet here?

## Supporting Students with Mental Health Disabilities Website

- _http://jchealth.jobcorps.gov/health-topics/mhd_

**Notes:**
Address on web card