Americans with Disabilities Act Status Update What All Camp Directors Need to Know Presented by Jennifer K. Skulski National Center on Accessibility

Refresher Americans with Disabilities Act Title I – Employment Title II – State & Local Government Example: Day camp run by municipal park & recreation department Title III – Public Accommodations Example: Week long overnight camp coordinated by YMCA branch

Purpose of ADA Eliminate discrimination Employment Public Services Transportation Public Accommodations …… and more Expand integration 3

Americans with Disabilities Act 4 Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability against qualified individuals with disabilities.

Definition of a Disability A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; A record of such an impairment; or Regarded as having such an impairment. 5

Key Principles of the ADA Most integrated setting; When viewed in its entirety; Modification of policies, practices and procedures; Effective communication; Removal of physical or communication barriers to programs, activities, goods or services.

Defenses Direct threat Fundamental alteration to the nature of the program Undue hardship

Revised ADA Regulations (2010) Nondiscrimination policies 2010 Standards –New construction –Alterations –Additional design requirements Existing facilities

Important Dates General effective date –March 15, 2011 Compliance date for 2010 Standards –March 15, 2012 –The 2010 Standards must be followed for new construction, alterations, barrier removal and program access.

Nondiscrimination Policies Title II & Title III Regulations Service animals –A dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. –Animals used for emotional support are not covered. Wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices –Wheelchairs must be permitted in all areas of pedestrian use. –Other devices can be limited based on fundamental alteration to the nature of the program or direct threat.

Existing Facilities Title II –Program Access Title III –Readily Achievable Barrier Removal Safe Harbor –Safe to use 1991 in interim of compliance date –Does NOT apply to elements in existing facilities that were not subject to 1991 standards (i.e. Chapter 10 Recreation Facilities)

2010 Standards Common Elements at Camp Boating facilities Fishing facilities Swimming pools Sports courts Play areas

Scoping Accessible Routes Bowling lanes (5%) Shooting facilities (5%) Sports courts (connects both sides of court) Exercise equipment Amusement rides

Chapter 10: Recreation Facilities Boating Facilities Accessible route to boat slips Boarding piers

Chapter 10: Recreation Facilities Fishing Piers & Platforms Accessible routes Dispersion Railing height & edge protection Clear floor space

Chapter 10: Recreation Facilities Play Areas Accessible route at entry and at access/egress to accessible components Ground level components Transfer or ramp to elevated components Surfacing

Chapter 10: Recreation Facilities Swimming Pools, Wading Pools & Spas At least 2 accessible means of entry* Pool lift** Sloped entry** Transfer system Pool stairs * Exception allows for one means of entry at pools less than 300 linear ft. **At least one means of entry shall be a pool lift or sloped entry

Upcoming Rulemaking Outdoor Developed Areas –Trails –Campgrounds –Picnic Areas –Beaches Draft Final Guidelines (U.S. Access Board, Oct 2009) final.htm final.htm

Action Planning Accessibility Coordinator Access Team Accessibility Assessment of Facilities Self Evaluation of Policies & Procedures Transition Plan

Online Resources web modules on program access, universal designwww.ncaonline.org –Discover Camp –Discover Leisure –Universal Challenge Courses monthly webinar with Access Boardwww.accessibilityonline.org audio conferences, webinars hosted by the regional ADA Centerswww.ada-audio.org

Resources National Center on Accessibility – –(812) voice –(812) tty U.S. Department of Justice – –(800) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – –(800) U.S. Access Board – – (800) Regional ADA Centers – – (800)