Do a self-evaluation of policies and procedures. Create a transition plan if changes to buildings or facilities are necessary to prevent discrimination. [DIVIDER LINE] [MOUSE ICON] Many federal agencies offer technical assistance to help you comply with section 504. For example, the National Endowment for the Arts publishes excellent () [MOUSE ICON] Your local ADA Center, formerly the Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center, can help you understand what laws apply and how to comply. Ten centers offer training and guidance around the country. The one that serves you including — the Great Lakes ADA Center serving Illinois can be reached by calling 800.949.4232 — (voice or TTY) or visiting the (). [DIVIDER LINE] 2. State and local laws Your organization may also be covered by state and local laws that prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. These can include state or local accessibility standards or laws that address such areas as service animals or companion animals. For example, these laws may include a broader variety of assistance animals that must be allowed to accompany people with disabilities or may impose stricter requirements for new construction. [LOCAL ICON] Examples of state and local laws that may affect nonprofits in the Chicago area include: () requires compliance with the accessible design standards of the Illinois Accessibility Code in new construction, additions and alterations to many public and private facilities. () includes accessibility requirements that are mostly consistent with the ADA. Updates to both the Illinois Accessibility Code and the Chicago Building Code are expected by 2016. 3. Employment laws If your organization has more than 15 employees, it is probably covered by title I of the ADA, which requires employers to provide to qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to
Do a self-evaluation of policies and procedures. Create a transition plan if changes to buildings or facilities are necessary to prevent discrimination. [DIVIDER LINE] [MOUSE ICON] Many federal agencies offer technical assistance to help you comply with section 504. For example, the National Endowment for the Arts publishes excellent () [MOUSE ICON] Your local ADA Center, formerly the Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center, can help you understand what laws apply and how to comply. Ten centers offer training and guidance around the country. The one that serves you — including the Great Lakes ADA Center serving Illinois — can be reached by calling 800.949.4232 (voice or TTY) or visiting the (). [DIVIDER LINE] 2. State and local laws Your organization may also be covered by state and local laws that prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. These can include state or local accessibility standards or laws that address such areas as service animals or companion animals. For example, these laws may include a broader variety of assistance animals that must be allowed to accompany people with disabilities or may impose stricter requirements for new construction. [LOCAL ICON] Examples of state and local laws that may affect nonprofits in the Chicago area include: () requires compliance with the accessible design standards of the Illinois Accessibility Code in new construction, additions and alterations to many public and private facilities. () includes accessibility requirements that are mostly consistent with the ADA. Updates to both the Illinois Accessibility Code and the Chicago Building Code are expected by 2016. 3. Employment laws If your organization has more than 15 employees, it is probably covered by title I of the ADA, which requires employers to provide to qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to
2015ADAComplianceGuide.docx