Americans with Disabilities Act:Public Accommodations

"No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of any place of public accommodation."

Governor Mario M. Cuomo's Task force on the Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, is the most comprehensive law ever enacted by the federal government addressing the civil rights of persons with disabilities.

Generally, the ADA prohibits employers, organizations and businesses from excluding people fromjobs, services, leisure activities and benefits because of a disability. To more than 2 million New Yorkers with disabilities, the ADA eliminates barriers to productivity, independence and participation in community life.

The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990. It provides people with disabilities with protections against discrimination based on disability. These are similar to safeguards against discrimination based on race, creed, national origin, sex or religion which were extended to all Americans under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Similar protections against discrimination are already available to New York State residents under state human and civil rights laws, state and New York City building codes and the state transportation law.

This brochure explains some of the important rights consumers with disabilities have under Title III of the ADA when doing business in the private sector.

Some examples of public accommodations include restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, retail stores, doctors' and lawyers' offices and privately owned transportation systems. Certain features of the act vary from section to section as to how equal access is to be achieved. For example, most new construction must be accessible. On the other hand, for existing facilities, architectual and communication barriers to services must be removed if readily achievable, or alternative methods for providing access to the services must be offered.

Other Key Features Enforcement

The U.S. Department of Justice has the primary responsibility for enforcement of Title III ADA
requirements. People with disabilities who feel they have been discriminated against may also institute lawsuits. Regulations have been issued by the attorney general (28 CFR Part 36) which include the minimum guidelines for accessibility of new or remodeled structures developed by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.

How to Find Out More

For more specific information about public accommodation requirements, contact:

* New York State Office of Advocate for the Disabled at:
1 Empire State Plaza, 10th Floor,
Albany, NY 12223; or call Toll Free 1-800-522-4369 (Voice and TDD*).

* The U.S. Department of Justice, Office on the
Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Division,
P.O. Box 66118, Washington, DC 20035;
or call: (202) 514-0301 (Voice) or (202) 514-0381(TDD).

* Architectural and Transforation Barriers Compliance Board,
1111 18th St., NW Suite 50 1,
Washington, DC 20036;
or call: (202) 653-7834 (Voice) and TDD).

For more information about New York State laws prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations, contact the nearest regional office of theNew York State Division of Human Rights. Phone numbers for the nearest regional office can be obtained by calling the Office of Advocate for the Disabled.

* TDD: Telecommunications Device for the Deaf.

American with Disabilities Act: Transportation

"No entity shall discriminate against an individual with a disability in connection with providing transportation service."

Governor Mario M. Cuomo's Task force on the Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Amencans with Disabilities Act (ADA,". Public Law 101-336, is the most comprehensive law ever enacted by the federal government addressing the civil rights of persons with disabilities. Generally, the ADA prohibits employers, organizations and businesses from excluding people from jobs, services, leisure activities and benefits because of a disability. To more than 2.5 million New Yorkers with disabilities, the ADA eliminates barriers to productivity, independence and participation in community life.

The ADA was signed into law on July 26,1990. It provides people with disabilities with protections against discrimination based on disability. These are similar to safeguards against discrimination based on race, creed, national origin, sex or religion which were extended to all Americans under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Similar protections against discrimination arc already available to New York State residents under state human and civil rights laws, state and New York City building codes and the state transportation law.

This brochure explains some of the major transportation provisions of Titles 11 and III of the ADA. In many cases, these or similar protections against discrimination are already available to New York State residents under existing state laws. These include state human and civil rights laws, state and New York City building codes and the state transportation law.

Transportation must become more accessible to persons with disabilities. To comply with the law's requirements, operators may need to purchase new accessible equipment, provide special transportation services that are comparable to fixed route services and modify key facilities, such as passenger terminals, to insure accessibility. The required equipment and physical modifications will be phased in over a period of up to 20 years.

Other Key Features

* New bus and rail vehicles purchased or leased by public transit authorities on or after August 26, 1990 must be accessible.

* Public transit authorities must provide comparable paratransit service to individuals who cannot use accessible fixed route systems unless it would pose an undue burden.

* New vehicles, including buses and vans, which are purchased or leased by private entities to provide transportation services must be accessible unless the operator provides services to people with disabilities which are equivalent to those offered to the general public. Certain vehicles used in privately operated fixed-route services must be accessible.

* Over-the-road coaches purchased by large companies after July 26, 1996 must be accessible. In the case of small companies, the effective date is July 26, 1997. The President of the United States can extend this for one year. The law commissions a three-year study to determine the best way to provide access to over-the-road coaches.

* New bus and rail facilities must be accessible. In altered facilities, the altered area must be accessible to the maximum extent feasible. In major structural alterations, a path of travel to altered areas and restrooms serving altered areas must be accessible.

Services provided in existing facilities must be accessible when viewed as a whole.

* One car per train must be accessible by July 1995. 31 Key rail stations must be accessible by July 26, 1993, with exemptions available up to year 2020. * Amtrak stations must be accessible by year 2010.

Enforcement

The U.S. Department of Transportation has the primary responsibility for enforcement of the ADA requirements. People with disabilities who feel they have been discriminated against may also institute Iawsuits. 'Me secretary of transportation has issued regulations which incorporate minimum guidelines for accessibility of new or remodeled transportation facilities and vehicles (49 CFR Parts 27, 37, 38).

How to Find Out More

For more specific information about transportation requirements, contact:

* New York State Office of Advocate for the Disabled at: I Empire State Plaza, 10th Floor, Albany, NY 12223; or call: 1-800-522-4369 (Voice and TDD*).

* The U.S. Department of Justice, Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Division, P.O. Box 66118, Washington, DC 20035; or call: (202) 514-0301 (Voice) or (202) 514-0381 (TDD).

* Urban Mass Transportation Administration, 400 7th St., SW, Room 9316, Washington, DC 205901 or call: (202) 366-9306 (Voice) or (202) 755-7687 (TDD).

* Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1111 18th St., NW Suite 501, Washington, DC 20036; or call: (202) 653-7834 (Voice and TDD).

For more information about New York State laws prohibiting discrimination in public transportation, and other state transportation requirements, contact the nearest regional office of the State Department of Transportation, OR the state Division of Human Rights. Phone numbers for the regional offices of either agency can be obtained by calling the Office of the Advocate for the Disabled.

TDD: Telecommunications Device for the Deaf

Americans with Disabilities Act: Telecommunications

"...shall ensure that interstate and intrastate telecommunication relay services are available... to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals in the United States"

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, is the most comprehensive federal law ever enacted addressing the civil rights of persons with disabilities. Generally, the ADA prohibits employers, organizations and businesses from excluding people from jobs, services, leisure activities and benefits because of a disability. To more than 2.5 million New Yorkers with disabilities, the ADA eliminates barriers to productivity,
independence and participation in community life. The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990. It provides people with disabilities with protections against discrimination based on disability. These are similar to safeguards against discrimination based on race, creed, national origin, sex or religion which were extended to all Americans under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Similar protections against discrimination are already available to New York
State residents under state human and civil rights laws, state and New York City building codes and the state transportation law.

This brochure explains some of the important rights consumers with disabilities have to equal access to telephone services as required by Title IV of the ADA.

Private and public organizations that extensively use telecommunication in carrying out their business must have a telephone relay service for persons who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDDS) or similar devices. Organizations subject to the requirement can include state and federal agencies, legal and medical services, financial institutions, credit agencies and insurance companies. In addition, federally-funded television public service messages must be close-captioned for individuals with hearing impairments. New York State already has a statewide telephone relay service for people with disabilities.

Other Key Features

* Telephone companies shall ensure that interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services are available, not later than July 26, 1993.

* Relay services may be offered by the company itself or through another provider.

* Relay services must operate every day for 24 hours per day.

* Relay services may not cost more than voice services.

* Relay operators may not refuse calls or limit the length of calls that use telecommunications relay services.

* Relay operators must keep the content of any relayed conversation confidential and may not keep records of conversations.

* Relay operators may not edit or change conversations.

Enforcement

The Federal Communications Commission, the federal agency that regulates and enforces other telecommunication laws, is responsible for enforcing ADA telecommunication provisions. Persons with disabilities who feel they have been discriminated against should contact the Federal Communication Commission.

How to Find Out More

For more specific information about telecommunication requirements, contact:

* New York State Office of Advocate for the Disabled at: -I Empire State Plaza, 10th Floor, Albany, NY 12223; or call Toll-Free 1-800-522-4369 (Voice and TDD*).

* The U.S. Department of Justice, Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Division, P.O. Box 66118, Washington, DC 20035; or call: (202) 514-0301 (Voice) (202) 514-0381 (TDD)

* Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20554; phone: (202) 634-1837 (Voice) (202) 632-1836 (TDD).

For more information about New York State laws prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations, contact the nearest regional office of the New York State Division of Human Rights.

The Toll-Free New York State Relay Service can be reached by calling 1-800-421-1220 (Voice) or 1-800-662-1220 (TDD).

* TDD: Telecommunications Device for the Deaf.

Americans with Disabilities Act

"The significant benefits of effective implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act will accrue not only to New Yorkers with disabilities who will receive the improved access to employment, programs and services which they deserve, but also to all New Yorkers who will benefit from the contributions which people with disabilities can make to the economy and the community."

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, is the most comprehensive federal law ever enacted addressing the civil rights of persons with disabilities. Generally speaking, the ADA prohibits employers, organizations, businesses and state and local government from excluding people from jobs, services, leisure activities and benefits because of a disability. To more than 2.5 million New Yorkers with disabilities, the ADA eliminates barriers to productivity, independence and participation in community life.

The ADA was signed into law on July 26,1990. It provides people with disabilities with protections against discrimination based on disability. These are similar to safeguards against discrimination based on race, creed, national origin, sex or religion which were extended to all Americans under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Similar protections against discrimination are already available to New York State residents under state human and civil rights laws, state and New York City building codes and the state transportation law.

The following describes some of the major provisions of the ADA.

Employment

"No covered entity shall discriminate against a

qualified individual with a disability because of the

disability of such individual in regard to job application

procedures, the hiring, advancemen4 or discharge of

employees, employee compensation, job

training, and other terms, conditions, and

privileges of employment. "


The law covers all aspects of employment,

including the application process and hiring, on-

the-.job training, advancement, wages, benefits and

employer-sponsored social activities. Businesses

must provide "reasonable accommodation" to pro-

tect the rights of individuals with disabilities in

Wring and promotions. This may include restruc-

turing jobs, changing the layout of a workstation, or

modifying equipment.


Public Service & Accommodations


"No individual shall be discriminated against on the

basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of public

services and accommodations.


All agencies of state and local government must

ensure people with disabilities equal opportunities

in employment and "program accessibility" to any

benefits, activities or services carried out by a

public entity. Program accessibility may require

that sign language interpreters be provided or that

programs be moved to accessible sites. Require-

ments are similar to those established under the

Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Examples of public accommodations include res-

taurants, hotels, grocery stores, retail stores and

privately owned transportation systems. Certain

features of the act vary from section to section as to

how equal access is to be achieved. For example,

most new construction must be accessible. For

existing facilities, architectural and communication

barriers must be removed if readily achievable, or

alternative methods for providing access to the

services must be offered.


Transportation Services


"No entity shall discriminate against an individual with a

disability in connection with providing transportation service."



Public transportation must become more acces-

sible to persons with disabilities. To comply with

the law's requirements, operators are generally re-

quired to buy accessible vehicles when purchasing

new vehicles, provide special transportation ser-

vices that are comparable to fixed route services and

modify key facilities, such as passenger terminals,

to insure accessibility. The required equipment and

physical modifications will be phased in over a

period of up to 20 years.


Telecommunications


"... shall ensure that interstate and intrastate

telecommunications relay services are available...

to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals in

the United States. "



Every state must have a telephone relay service

for persons who use telecommunications devices

for the deaf (TDDS) or similar devices. The relay

service must be available for inter as well as intra-

state calls. In addition, federally-funded television

public service messages must be close-captioned for

individuals with hearing impairments.


Some Key Definitions


The term "disability" means:

* A physical or mental impairment that substan-

tially limits one or more of the major life activities,

for example, walking, seeing, speaking or hearing,

or

* A record of such an impairment, for example, a

person who has recovered from cancer, or


* Being regarded as having such an impairment

even when no limitations exist, for example, a

person who is scarred from burns, or a roommate of

someone who has AIDS.


The term "qualified individual with a disability"

means:


* An individual with a disability who, with or

without reasonable accommodation can perform

the essential functions of a job that such individual

holds or desires.


The term "reasonable accommodation" may in-

clude:

* Making existing facilities used by employees

readily accessible to and usable by individuals with

disabilities;


* Job restructuring, part-time or modified work

schedules.


* Acquisition or modification of equipment.


* Adjustment or modifications of examinations,

training materials or policies;


* Provision of qualified readers or interpreters.


The term "undue hardship" means:


* An action requiring significant difficulty or ex-

pense. In general, a larger employer will be ex-

pected to make accommodations requiring greater

effort or expense than a smaller employer.


How to Find Out More


For more information about the Americans with

Disabilities Act and other New York State laws

prohibiting discrimination against persons with dis-

abilities, contact:

New York State Office of Advocate for the Disabled,
1 Empire State Plaza, 10th Floor,
Albany, NY 12223
Phone: 1-800-522-4369 (Voice & TDD*).

* TDD: Telecommunications Device for the Deaf.


Employment

"No covered entity shall discriminate against a

qualified individual with a disability because of

the disability of such individual in regard to

job application procedures, the hiring,

advancement, or discharge of employees,

employee compensation, job training, and other

terms, conditions, and privileges of employment."


The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),

Public Law 101-336, is the most comprehensive

federal law ever enacted addressing the civil rights

of persons with disabilities. Generally, the ADA

prohibits employers, organizations and businesses

from excluding people from jobs, services, leisure

activities and benefits because of a disability. To

more than 2.5 million New Yorkers with disabili-

ties, the ADA eliminates barriers to productivity,

independence and participation in community life.



The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990.

It provides people with disabilities with protections

against discrimination based on disability. These

are similar to safeguards against discrimination

based on race, creed, national origin, sex or religion

which were extended to all Americans under the

Civil Rights Act of 1964. Similar protections against

discrimination are already available to New York

State residents under state human and civil rights

laws, state and New York City building codes and

the state transportation law.


This brochure explains some of the important

rights of individuals with disabilities in the work-

place and what employers must do to assure equal

treatment in employment and promotional opportu-

nities as required by Title I of the ADA. The most

important requirements of the ADA in this area

have been in effect in New York State for employ-

ees of four or more several years and are governed

by the State Human Rights Law.


The ADA covers all aspects of employment,

including the application process and hiring, on-

the- job training, advancement, wages, benefits, and

employer-sponsored social activities. Businesses

must provide "reasonable accommodation" to pro-

tect the rights of individuals with disabilities in

hiring and promotions. This may include restruc-

turing jobs, changing the layout of a workstation, or

modifying equipment. Reasonable accommoda-

tion is a concept already familiar to most employers

and widely used in today's work place.


Other Key Features


* Requires equal opportunity in selection, testing

and hiring of qualified applicants with disabilities.


* Prohibits discrimination against workers with

disabilities. Beginning in July 1992, it will apply to

all businesses employing 25 or more individuals

and then in July 1994, to all employing 15 or more.


* Applies to employers, employment agencies,

labor organizations, or joint labor-management

committees.


* Requires reasonable accommodation for appli-

cants and workers with disabilities when such

accommodations would not impose "undue hard-

ship."


* Employers may require that an individual not

pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.


* Employers may not make pre-employment in-

quiries about an applicant's disability.


* Pre-employment medical exams cannot be re-

quired for job candidates with disabilities unless

required for all entering employees in similar jobs,

and only after a conditional job offer has been

extended.



Enforcement


The Equal Employment opportunity Commis-

sioner (EEOC), the federal agency that regulates

and enforces other employment discrimination laws,

is responsible for enforcing ADA employment pro-

visions. Persons with disabilities who feel they

have been discriminated against should contact the

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Enforcement proceedings may also be available

under the New York State Human Rights Law.


How to Find Out More

For more specific information about employ-

ment requirements, contact:


* New York State Office of Advocate for the

Disabled at: I Empire State Plaza, 10th Floor,

Albany, NY 12223; or call Toll-Free 1-800-522-

4369 (Voice and TDD*).


* The U.S. Department of Justice, Office on the

Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Divi-

sion, P.O. Box 66118, Washington, DC 20035; or

call: (202) 514-0301 (Voice) or (202) 514-0381

(TDD).


* The Equal Employment Opportunity Commis-

sion, 1801 L Street, NW, Washington DC 20507; or

call Toll-Free 1-800/872-3362 (Voice) or 1-800/

800-3302 (TDD).


For more information about New York State

laws prohibiting discrimination in employment,

contact the nearest regional office of the New York

State Division of Human Rights.


TDD:Telecommunications Device for the Deaf.



DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES


Ambulance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 632-8888

Affirmative Action - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 632-6280

Counseling Center - - - - - - - - - - - - - -632-6720

Infirmary - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -632-6740

Disabled Student Services- - - - - - - - - - - - 632-6748/9

Library (Reference) - - - - - - - - - - - - 632-7110

Public Safety (Fire, Police, Snow Emergency)- - - 632-3333/333

Residence Life - - - - - - - - - - - - - 632-6750

Walk Service (8 pm - 3:30 am)- - - - - - - - - 632-6337


This card courtesy of Disabled Student Services Office



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL SERVICES from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM disabilities specialist to develop

The Office of Disabled and is designed to afford trans- an individualized plan for

Student Services coordinates portation services equivalent academic support services,

all University services per- to the Campus Bus system. testing accommodations,

taining to disabled students Approval for system use and communication with faculty

to provide an academic further details may be secured and regular dvisement and

environment free of the through the Office of Disabled consultation.

barriers that can hinder a Student Services.

students efforts to learn.

Some of these services are Accessibility The Center for the Disabled in

listed below. The office provides information the Reserve Room of the

about, assistance with, and Melville Library provides service

Referrals referrals for adaptive devices, to the visually and physically

The office maintains a liaison campus accessibility and sisabled. The center contains

with and makes referrals to removal of architectural Visual-Tek reading machines,

University services, faculty barriers. a brailler, and a talking

members, and federal as well calculator. The library also offers

as state agencies. services such as special study

carrels and a paging service in

Student Club (STAC) the stacks for disabled students.

The Office of Disabled Student

Listing of Aides Services sponsors, advises,

The Office of Disabled and provides assistance for

Student Services assists STAC (Students Toward an Counseling

students in locating student Accessible Campus) projects. Counseling is available for

aides, attendants (both paid In addition, the office also disabled students. The intake

and volunteer), readers, advocates for STAC when procedure is informal and

note-takers, tutors and requested. A furnished lounge consultation hours are flexible.

interpreters. The office also equipped with lockers, a Students may call (631)

provides a taping service on television a typewriter, and 632-6748 (TDD and voice) to

campus for disabled students. microwave oven is available arrange an appointment.

Call (631) 632- 6748 (TDD for student use.

and Voice) for assistance.

Test Proctoring Admission and Registration

The office provides facilities to The Office of Disabled Student

Special Equipment have exams proctored for Services assists students

tapes, wheelchairs and disabled students who either applying for University admission

Tape recorders and need extra time when taking and in orientation procedures

crutches can be loaned to tests or aid in reading questions (The academic requirements

disabled students for short and/or writing answers. and procedures for disabled

periods. Keys for key- students are the same as for all

operated elevators can also Learning Disabilities other applicants.) The office

be obtained. Support Services will also assist in the following

Students with documented meal plan, medical assistance

Transportation areas: registration, housing, (coordination with the Director

Campus Bus operates on learning disabilities work with of the University Health Service),

on-demand Para-Transit the learning academic needs and progress

system for individuals with and financial aid information,

disabilities.

The system operates seven days a week

For further information, call or write: (631) 632-6748 (TDD and voice)

The State University of New York at Stony Brook is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity
educator and employer




THE OFFICE OF LEARNING DISABILITIES
DIS ABLED STUDENT SERVICES SUPPORT SERVICES
UNIVERSITY AT STONY BROOK
CAREER & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Student Affairs Division
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
133 Humanities Building
State University of New York at Stony Brook


Philosophy

Disabled is a physical condition; handicapped is a state of mind.

The Office of Disabled Student Services works to put this philosophy

into practice. We provide the disabled student with physical

facilities and an academic environment that are conducive to

learning. In addition, we assist to fostering personal growth and

independence



The Office of Disabled Student Services makes no attempt to

segregate students into special classes. Rather, supportive services

are available to all disabled students who request them. These

services are designed to provide the support the student requires

to achieve their educational goals while caring for their personal

needs.


Americans with Disabilities Act


PARKING


Handicapped Parking



Handicapped permits are available for

approved applicants through town, county and

state agencies; temporary University permits

are available through the Office of Disabled

Student Services.



Permits are for the sole use of the individual

named on the permit or for transporting the

named individual; it may only be used at the

parking location at which the named individ-

ual is working or visiting.



Handicapped parking spaces are designated

by the universal logo depicted on the cover.



A listing of handicapped spaces by location

and number is available in all University

Offices.



These spaces are generally located, in both

garages and surface lots, as close to access

ramps and curb cuts as possible. Some recon-

struction of surface lot curb cuts and pathways

leading to them is necessary and are scheduled.



Signage



Methods of signage, either alone or in com-

bination, consist of a blue logo on a mental

ground which may be affixed to a wall, pillar

or post and ground markings outlined in blue

paint. These spaces are wide enough to

accommodate overhead wheel chair mecha-

nisms.


Compliance with ADA


The size, number and location of handi-

capped parking spaces are described in Title ll

Regulations of the ADA. In some cases, adher-

ing to a strict interpretation of the regulations

would not benefit individuals requiring special

parking services. South P lot serves as an

example. Based solely on the formula, we are

required to provide 40 spaces at that location;

we have nine, which are rarely used because

of the distance of the lot from main campus.

We have instead, placed additional spaces at

key areas such as Central Hall, the Student

Union and the Chemistry lot.



Usage is monitored on a daily basis through

Parking Enforcement Officer reports. In addi-

tion, quarterly reviews are conducted.

Individuals experiencing problems should

notify DOPTS with specific time and location

information.



Enforcements


Through experience, we have learned that

some individuals will either abuse or illegally

use the handicapped parking permit system

through duplication, forgery or unauthorized

use of a valid permit. Duplication and forgery

are punishable under law. Without exception,

individuals guilty of this infraction on campus

will be arrested and charges will be filed by

the University. Unauthorized use of valid

permit will result in ticketing, towing and for-

feiture of the permit. In order to obtain a

replacement, the named individual must make

application to the originating agency and may

be subject to a six month delay penalty.



In order to insure that Handicapped Permits

are being properly used, Parking Department

personnel will continue to perform indentifica-

tion checks throughout the year on individuals

using handicapped facilities.



Transportation


Campus Bus System

Four of our buses, purchased in March of

11, are equipped with wheelchair lift mech-

anisms; two buses scheduled for November,

192 delivery will be similarly equipped, as

will all future bus purchases. Our bus system

operates eight routes with a combined

287 individual runs. It is not, therefore, possi-

ble to insure that handicapped service is avail-

able on specific runs. All transit services,

whether public or private, face the challenge

of equal accommodation as specified and

required by the ADA. Complete equipment

replacement will take years. The University

now operates a Para-Transit System, which is

described below. This system offers equal

transportation accommodation to all campus

location on a reservation basis.


Charter Services


Most departments, clubs and associations

on campus require charter services for sporting

events, field trips and extracurricular activities.

All charter services are booked through the

Campus Bus Office. With the advantage of our

new bus fleet, we now handle 50% of all char-

ters through our system; all such charters use

the wheelchair lift buses. For charter services

that involve multi-day or long haul trips, ser-

vices are contracted with outside firms. All bus

contracts require that the successful bidder

provide on-demand accessible equipment.


Through this system, no one will be denied

the opportunity to participate in off-campus

extracurricular and social functions.



Para-Transit System

The ADA requires that we offer equivalent

transportation during similar periods and along

similar routes to our fixed transportation sys-

tem to any persons who are unable, because

of a disability, to avail themselves of regular

service. In December of 191 Campus Bus

began a Para-Transit on-demand service. This

service meets all ADA requirements and offers

some additional benefits.


Qualifications and Applications


Any individual requiring Para-Transit ser-

vices need only register with ODSS, providing

medical documentation and a complete

schedule of the times, locations and days of

the week that the service is required. ODSS

will handle reservations for students, faculty

and staff alike and relay the approvals to

Campus Bus. For those with permanent dis-

abilities, we will set either a semester or an-

nual schedule. Not all disabilities are permanent

in nature and we ill provide similar services

for those who, through accident or illness,

have temporary handicaps.



Reservations


All reservations are made through ODSS.

Schedules will be confirmed by Campus Bus

personnel. It may not be possible to schedule

same day service for those with temporary dis-

abilities. We ask those individuals to antici-

pate their return to work or classes by at least

a week. This will allow us the needed time to

adjust our schedules and provide additional

service. It is vital to the success of the opera-

tion that Campus Bus be given adequate

advance notice of any change in schedules

due to illness or any other reason.

Unannounced non-shows do a serious disser-

vice to others anticipating on-time service.



Locations


Our program exceeds ADA requirements. In

most cases we will provide door-to-door ser-

vice. While operations are restricted to the

campus roadway system, we are able to oper-

ate within the Dormitory road system and at

the entrances to all parking fields. Preferred

location pick-up should be discussed with

Campus Bus personnel when confirming

schedules.



Equipment and boarding Services


The para-Transit van is a 184 vintage, two

wheelchair, four passenger vehicle. Another,

four wheelchair, eight passenger van will be

added in September to ADA require-

ments and will serve as the primary service

vehicle. Drivers are trained in boarding assis-

tance techniques and, where safety considera-

tion allow, provide additional assistance past

ramps and doorways as requested. Vans are

radio equipped should emergency or Public

Safety services ever be required.



Personnel

All drivers are University trained in a pro-

gram consisting of 50 hours, combined class-

room and on-the-road instruction. Drivers are

licensed under NYS Article 19A specifications

and undergo extensive character referencing

and background checks including fingerprint-

ing and physical examinations. Additional

training is provided in radio and wheelchair

mechanism operations as well as assistance

techniques. Whenever possible, vans will be

serviced by both a driver and an assistant.



Interior Services Program


While not an ADA requirement, a golf cart

transport system of door-to-door service along

the Academic Mall and between campus areas

was inaugurated during the Spring, 1992

semester. The service is designed to lend assis-

tance between areas not accessible to van ser-

vice. For example, from the Javits Center to the

Student Union or Staller Center. Due to

equipment restrictions, this system will operate

only during the daylight hours of 8 A.M. to 5

P.M. As with the Para-Transit system, reserva-

tions must be cleared through ODSS



COSTS and CHARGES


Equipment and operations costs will be

funded form the budget of Parking and

Transportation Services. The ADA requires

"equal service" and under these guidelines we

must charge an amount equal to our regular

bus service fare for Para-Transit users. We urge

the purchase of semester bus passes for those

who intend to use the service on a permanent

basis.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Affirmative Action
474 Administration Z=0251
Phone: 632-6280

Office for Disabled Student Services
133 Humanities Z=5328
Phone: 632-6748

Parking & Transportation Services
146 Suffolk Hall Z=6235
Phone: 632-6420

Campus Bus
South P Lot Z=5101
Phone: 632-6424


INTERIOR SERVICES PROGRAM

While not an ADA requirement, a golf cart

transport system of door-to-door service along

the Academic Mall and between campus areas

was inaugurated during the Spring, 1 992

semester. The service is designed to lend assis-

tance between areas not accessible to van ser-

vice. For example, from the Javits Center to the

Student Union or Staller Center. Due to

equipment restrictions, this system will operate

during the daylight hours of 8 A.M. to

5 P.M. As with the Para-Transit system, reserva-

tions must be cleared though ODSS.


COSTS and CHARGES

Equipment and operations costs will be

funded from the budget of Parking and

Transportation Services. The ADA requires

"equal service" and under these guidelines we

must charge an amount equal to our regular

bus service fare for Para-Transit users. We urge

the purchase of semester bus passes for those

who intend to use the service on a permanent

basis.


COMMENTS

Many of these services, although long

overdue, are new and may overlook some

basic needs and inequities. We welcome your

comments and suggestions for improvements



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Affirmative Action
474 Administration Z=0251
Phone: 632-6280

Disability Support Services
128 Educational Communications Center (ECC) Z= 2662
Phone: 632-6748 Parking & Transportation Services
146 Suffolk Hall Z=6235
Phone: 632-6420

Campus Bus
South P Lot Z=5101
Phone : 632-6424

ADA: Facilities Compliance Program

A Guide to Understanding The Americans With Disabilities Act


Disability -(a) A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits

one or more of the major life activities of an individual;

(b) A record of such impairment; or (c) Being regarded as

having an impairment.


Facility - all or any portion of buildings, structures, sites, complexes,

rolling stock or other conveyances, equipment, roads, walks,

passageways, parking lots, or other real or personal property,

including the site where the building, property, structure, or

equipment is located. Includes both indoor and outdoor areas

where human-constructed improvements, structures, equipment

or property has been added to the natural environment.


Place of Public Accommodation - a facility operated by a private

entity falling within at least one of these 12 categories: (a) an inn,

hotel, motel, or other place of lodging except for an establishment

located within a building that contains not more than five rooms

for rent or hire and that is actually occupied by the proprietor

of such establishment as the residence of such proprietor;(b) a

restaurant, bar or other establishment serving food or drink;

(c) a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, stadium or other

place of exhibition or entertainment; (d) an auditorium, convention

center, lecture hall or other place of public gathering; (e) a

bakery, grocery store, clothing store, hardware store, shopping

center or other sales or rental establishment; (f) a laundromat,

dry cleaner, bank, barber shop, beauty shop, travel service, shoe

repair service, funeral parlor, gas station, office of an accountant

or lawyer, pharmacy, insurance office, professional office of a

healthcare provider, hospital, or other service establishment;

(g) a terminal depot or other station used for specified public

transportation; (h) a museum, library, gallery, or other place of public

display or collection; (i) a park, zoo, amusement park or other

place of recreation; (j) a nursery, elementary, secondary,

undergraduate, or post graduate private school or other place

of education; (k) a day care center, senior citizen's center,

homeless shelter, food bank, adoption agency or other social

service center establishment; (1) a gymnasium, health spa,

bowling alley, golf course or other place of exercise or recreation.


Commercial Facilities - facilities that are intended for non-

residential use by a private entity whose operations will affect commerce.


Readily Achievable - the limitation on a public accommodation

for the removal of architectural and communication barriers. It means

easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty

or expense. What is readily achievable for a large, profitable company

may not be readily achievable for an economically marginal company.


Undue Burden - means significant difficulty or expense and

along with "fundamental alteration" establishes the limitation on a

public accommodation with regard to the provision of auxiliary aids

and services so as not to discriminate against persons with disabilities.

Public Entity - (A) any State or local government; (B) any

department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality

of a State or States or local government, and (C) the National Railroad

Passenger Corporation, and any commuter authority (as defined in

section 1 03(8) of the Rail Passenger Service Act).



Evan Terry Associates P.C. 2129 Montgomery Highway Birmingham,

Alabama 35209 (205) 871-9818 FAX(205) 871-9766

Architecture ..........Accessible Design..........Planning .......... Landscape Architecture


Disability. A disability is defined as a physical or mental

impairment that substantially limits one or more major life

activities (e.g., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning,

or working).


Qualified. A qualified person is one who satisfies the primary

requirements of the position and can perform essential functions of

the job with or without reasonable accommodations. To be protected

against discriminatory employment practices, a person must have a

disability and be qualified for the position he or she seeks or

holds.

Essential Functions. Essential job functions are those primary

duties the person must be capable of performing, with or without

reasonable accommodations. Essential functions must be established

on an official written job description. Job descriptions must be

given to all prospective employees and made available to all

current workers.


Reasonable Accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are

defined as modifications to a job or the work environment that enable a

qualified applicant or employee with a disability to perform

essential job functions. They include adjustments to ensure that

a qualified individual with a disability has rights and privileges

in employment equal to those of nondisabled employees (Rumrill &

Gordon, 1992). Examples of accommodations include technological

devices (computer systems and assistive electronics) , architectural

modifications (ramps, elevators, widened doorways), work schedule

modifications, and changes in the work environment (lighting,

wheelchair accessible pathways, climate control). Employers are

required to provide reasonable accommodations unless implementation

would constitute an undue hardship.



A Guide to Understanding The Americans With Disabilities Act


DEFINITIONS


[Appendix M IQuestions & Answers

For more specific information about ADA requirements affecting Public Services and Public
Accommodations contact:

Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 66118
Washington, D.C. 20035-6118
(202) 514-0301 (Voice)
(202) 514-0383 (TDD)


For more specific information about ADA requirements affecting employment contact:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
1801 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20507
800-669-EEOC (Voice)
800-800-3302 (TDD)



For more specific information about ADA requirements affecting transportation contact:

Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street SW
Washington, DC 20590
(202) 366-9305 (Voice)
(202) 755-7687 (TDD)



For more specific information about requirements for accessible design in new construction
and alterations contact:

Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board
11 II 18th Street NW
Suite 501
Washington, DC 20036
800-USA-ABLE (Voice)
800-USA-ABLE (TDD)

For more specific information about ADA requirements affecting telecommunications
contact:


Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20554
(202) 632-7260 (Voice)
(202) 632-6999 (TDD)


ADA Handbook

OUTLINE OF ADA


Title I ADA Employment Section

Title 11 ADA Public Services and Public Transportation Section

Title III ADA Public Accommodations and Services Section

Title IV ADA Telecommunications Section

Title V ADA Miscellaneous Provisions

ABBREVIATIONS

ABA Architectural Barriers Act of 19C)S

ADA Americans with Disability Art cit 1990

ADAAG ADA Accessibility Guidelines for
Buildings and Facilities - Appendix "A" to D.O.J.
regulation on Title III - (Fed. Reg.7-26-91)

ANSI Al 17.1 American National Standard for Buildings and
Facilities - Providing Accessibility and Useability for Physically
Handicapped People - 1986

ATBCB Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board

CABO Council of American Building Officials

CDC Center for Disease Control

DOT Department of Transportation

EEOC Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

FCC Federal Communications Commission

FHAA Fair Housing Amendments Act - 1988

MGRAD Minimum Guidelines and Regulations for Accessible
Design (36 CFR part 1 1 90)

Rehab Act Rehabilitation Act of 1973

UFAS Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards - 1988