News from the Center
ADA Distance Learning 2004
ADA Distance Learning 2004 provides continuing education on regulations and trends under the ADA. All you need is a telephone. Participate by yourself or invite colleagues to sit around a speaker phone. The toll free phone number will be sent to registrants prior to each session. Each session is real-time captioned on the host website so that people who are deaf and people who prefer to read the presentation and questions and answers can participate.
Fee: $40 businesses; $25 government agencies, non-profit organizations, individuals
To register: email adainfo@NewEnglandADA.org or call 800-949-4232 voice/tty with your name, affiliation, address, phone and email address. We will send you an invoice after the teleconference has occurred.
All sessions are on Tuesdays from 2 - 3:30 pm Eastern.
We will email you the toll free call-in number a few days before each session.
August 17
What Makes A Meeting Accessible?
June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant and Author of "A Guide to Planning Accessible Meetings" and "Accessibility Guidelines for Speakers"
Access by people with disabilities to meeting rooms and all of the amenities associated with conferences, workshops, and seminars is frequently overlooked or misunderstood. Join us for this session where our speaker will outline the major areas where issues of access should be considered during the planning and conduct of a successful meeting. Strategies for addressing space needs, working with hotel and catering staff, written and oral communication and tips for presenters will be discussed.
September 21
Is My Business Accessible? Conducting a Self-Assessment: What Do I Need to Consider?
Mark Derry, Eastlake, Derry & Associates, LLC
Is my business grandfathered? What do I need to do to make it accessible for people with disabilities? What tools are available to assist in this process? Many business owners state that they want to make their business accessible but don't know where to start. Conducting a review of the physical accessibility of a facility can be an overwhelming task. Determining the scope of the review as well as potential accessibility solutions can stymie even the most seasoned businessperson. Join our speaker as he outlines the steps to be taken when initiating a self-assessment as well as tools and resources that are available.
ADA Center Regional Advisory Board Meeting
The New England ADA & Accessible IT Center's Regional Advisory Board recently met at the New England Assistive Technology Center (NEAT) in Hartford, CT. NEAT was established to provide information and access to equipment and devices that can change the lives of people of all ages and with all types of disabilities. NEAT operates under the auspices of The Connecticut Institute for the Blind/Oak Hill, a 109 year old non-profit organization. The Advisory Board received a tour and demonstration of NEAT's 25,000 sq. feet of space for product demonstrations, expos, classes, computer use, research and equipment restoration.
NEAT is open Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm and the first Saturday of every month from 9:00am-2:00pm. You can contact them by calling (866) 526-4492 toll free in Connecticut or (860) 243-2869. You can also email NEAT at info@neatmarketplace.org, or visit the NEAT Marketplace website 
(www.neatmarketplace.org).
