EASY ACCESSIBILITY What did you say?? (Ice breaker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNoVSusaAVE What did you say?? (Ice breaker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNoVSusaAVE

EASY ACCESSIBILITY Disability Etiquette

Etiquette Tips Use Person First language Person First. He uses a wheelchair instead of he is confined to a wheelchair. He has Down syndrome instead of he’s down. She has a learning disability instead of she’s learning disabled. She has typical kids or kids without disabilities instead of normal kids. He has a brain injury.

Etiquette Tips With someone in a wheelchair be aware of: Height differences Personal Space People in wheelchairs, shorter statured folks and those who must sit don’t want you looking down at them. It’s hard on the neck. Don’t lean on wheelchairs or hang things from the handles. Don’t move them without permission. Don’t touch.

Etiquette Tips Be aware of: Communication Differences Interpreters Stutterers AugCom Users Slow Processors Interpreters/aides talk to the person who is Deaf, not the interpreter. In fact the interpreter may get behind you or up near a screen in a presentation. They need to be seen. Slow expresser Be patient and wait for slow expressers, augmented communication devices, and stutterers, they will get there.

Etiquette Tips Don’t Patronize Speech style does not reflect intelligence level Appearance does not reflect intelligence level Don’t assume someone who speaks with a slur or lisp is slow or stupid or childlike. Its insulting and more often wrong.

Etiquette Tips Be aware: Symptoms wax and wane. Treatments may cause temporary deteriorations Some wheelchair users are able to walk Many conditions wax and wane. Sometimes what looks like an injury is actually the physical effects of a long-term illness which worsens and recedes. It doesn’t mean someone is faking it. Many people who use wheelchairs can stand and even walk short distances.

Etiquette Tips Make allowances for service animals Safe Space Water and relief breaks Do not pet or distract Not only for the blind Leave room for the working animal, don’t put him in a place where he will be walked on or run over. Be sure he can be comfortable when working. Dog or miniature horse must be under the control of the handler. Must be housebroken. 2 legal questions are: Is the animal required because of a disability? What service does the animal perform for you?

Etiquette Tips Maintain an accessible environment De-cluttered area Good lighting Low counters Good lighting de-cluttered area, no loud visual or aural distractions.

Etiquette Tips Ask Before You Assist Doorways Chairs and tables Lights Don’t be too eager to help. Ask first. People count on doors and tables to help. Changing the lighting drastically can cause migraines or visual problems.

Physical Spaces – Stuff we can change EASY ACCESSIBILITY Physical Spaces – Stuff we can change

I Can’t Reach It! Make items on table reachable. Allow wheelchairs to roll under desks (no modesty panel).

I Can’t Reach It! Be sensitive to height limitations.

Move your Stuff! Keep pathways wide and clear.

Crash!! Install mirrors at corners for those who can’t hear someone coming.

Ouch! If hanging obstacles high (4” away from wall) then put something low as well so a blind person using a cane or dog can perceive the obstacle.

Helloo? Don’t rely soley on visual cues. Don’t leave the room or enter without letting a blind person know. Introduce yourself and others regularly.

Now What? Don’t mess up your own ADA compliance!

Signs, Sign Ups, and Sign Ons EASY ACCESSIBILITY Signs, Sign Ups, and Sign Ons

SIGNAGE clutter clarity Use Colorzilla to pick colors off the page you are using. Use a Contrast Checker to see if the contrast is good enough.

SIGN Where? Inaccessible to Some Accessible to Most

Digital Signage Transfer Information to Device Inaccessible to non-readers Transfer Information to Device Use audio option or digital device option for digital signage to accommodate non-readers or people with visual limitations.

Sign Our Form Protected Documents Accessible Online Forms

Sign On To Our Computer Log On Speech Options

EASY ACCESSIBILITY A Couple More

EMAILS Intelligent links Keep it simple Keep it clear and direct Don’t overemphasize

Flyers Watch your colors Pick simple fonts Offer a text version

Resources Students with Disabilities: Disability Services, http://www.uccs.edu/disability/ Main Hall 105, dservice@uccs.edu 719 255-3354 Staff and Faculty with Disabilities: ADA Coordinator Jeanne Durr jdurr@uccs.edu 719-255-3696 Visitors with Disabilities: Events Services Facilities Parking

Thank You!  Leyna Bencomo Assistive Technology Specialist 719 255-4202 lbencomo@uccs.edu