Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 24 - REACH Manual › Chapter 12 - (1L) Accessibility › Section 32-24-12.01 - Accessibility Plan

Current through June 25, 2024
The Center has a written plan for addressing barriers Identified in the following areas:
1.
Attitudes
- The REACH Center for the Blind is
				committed to the removal of all attitudinal barriers to service access. Center
				staff, OVRB personnel, and clients are assessed regarding attitudes, including
				perceptions that may be in conflict with full integration of people with
				disabilities into the programs and services of the organization. This
				assessment is conducted informally throughout a client's program of services
				and accomplished formally via the Staffing Checklist, Exit Interview, staff
				meetings, and the Center's Annual Survey.
2.
Architectural
-
				At a minimum of every three (3) years, an external inspection by a competent
				authority (i.e., rehabilitation engineer or technology specialist) is conducted
				based on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards with a written report
				of findings. The Assistant Director for Facility Management documents through a
				written corrective action plan all efforts to address deficit findings. The
				Center Director provides a written report of actions taken to enhance
				architectural accessibility resulting from client input and/or general
				operating activities in the annual outcomes management report.
3.
Transportation
-
				The client's need for transportation services to and from the Center to enable
				participation in programs and services is evaluated. Transportation to the
				Center at the beginning of a client's program of services and to his/her home
				at the end of the program is arranged by the OVRB referring counselor if
				needed. The Center provides resources to allow clients to return home one
				weekend each month during their stay at the Center, and enable them to
				participate in necessary programs and activities. Staff communicates with the
				client and the district counselor to determine transportation needs.
4.
Communication
-
				The need for interpreter services and alternate media by clients, staff and
				other stakeholders is addressed. The Center uses testing and training materials
				which are readily understandable by the client. The Center has the capability
				to produce audio tape, Braille, and large print media as needed. If
				appropriate, the Center, through its referring counselors, accesses needed
				communication services through the MDRS Office of Assistive Technology, MDRS
				interpreters for the deaf, other MDRS communication specialists, and as
				appropriate and necessary, by the purchase of services from private sector
				providers and/or other governmental agencies. The Center has an agreement with
				the University of Mississippi Medical Center for the provision of interpreter
				services for a wide array of foreign languages, should the need arise.
				(
Reference: "Interagency Agreements/Collaboration"
				file
.)
5.
Environmental
- Changing needs of the community,
				stakeholders, clients and staff are considered in planning for budget and
				utilization of financial resources.
6.
Financial
-
				Donations and other additional community resources are used to meet identified
				barriers of individual clients.
7.
Employment
- Staff training and client services
				address the employment barriers of persons with disabilities both locally and
				nationally.