April 17, 2012
Open Doors Organization is pleased to announce we have been accepted in the Combined Federal Campaign, the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges are made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) to support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.
News & Events
ODO accepted into CFC as Federal Grantee
ADA Training for Hotels
On May 22 Open Doors Organization (ODO) will launch a new ADA Hotel Training program in partnership with the ADA National Network and EIN SOF Communications.
New ADA Title III regulations came fully into effect (except for existing pools and spas) on March 15, 2012, and there are many changes affecting the lodging industry.
The 6-hour training, to be offered nationwide, will address new hotel-related ADA regulations and accessibility standards and allow attendees to ask questions regarding their own properties. Among the topics covered will be reservation policies, service animals, accessible room requirements and recreational facilities. There will also be sections on customer service best practices and tips for marketing to people with disabilities.
The first training will take place at ODO’s headquarters in Chicago. Additional dates and locations will be announced shortly.
Chicago: May 22 Flyer
For further details and registration, contact Open Doors Organization at 773-388-8839 or by email.
2012 Universal Access in Airports Conference Announced
On February 15, Open Doors Organization announced its Fourth Universal Access in Airports Conference, to be held October 16-18, 2012 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport. Key sponsors include Alaska Airlines, Air Serv Corporation and Boeing.
Universal Access in Airports (UAIA), provides a unique opportunity for dialogue among the various stakeholders in the aviation industry. This two-day conference, held biennially by Open Doors Organization since 2006, offers an open exchange of ideas and best practice solutions on customer service and accessibility for air travelers with disabilities and the mature.
Early Bird Registration is now open: Flyer/Registration Form. A variety of Sponsorship Opportunities are available.
A Preliminary 2012 Agenda will be posted shortly.
To learn about topics, speakers and sponsors from the previous UAIA, see the Universal Access in Airports 2010 Agenda pdf msdoc.
Featured Training
ODO Disability Awareness Course Offered by Airports Council International
ODO’s first training module developed for Airports Council International (ACI) is now open for registration at the ACI Online Learning Center. Entitled “Passengers with Disabilities and Reduced Mobility Awareness Training,” the course will provide participants with an awareness of, and appropriate responses to, customers with physical, sensory, mental, and hidden disabilities, as well as those using service animals.
Disability and Reduced Mobility Awareness Training is mandated for airline and airport frontline staff not only in the US under the Air Carrier Access Act but also in Canada under the Canada Transportation Act and in Europe under EC 1107.
The self-paced eLearning module takes approximately 2 hours to complete and costs $95 per enrollment.
Featured Project
ADA Motorcoach Training
In January 2012 Open Doors Organization (ODO), in cooperation with the United Motorcoach Association (UMA), launched a new training program for intercity and charter/tour bus operators. The program is designed to help companies meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and also provide the best possible service to their clients with disabilities including older travelers.
The lively, full-day training is conducted by two trainers, one a disability expert from ODO, the other a UMA board member and motorcoach operator. The morning session, which covers ADA basics, disability awareness and service on the coach, is for all personnel including drivers. The afternoon session, which addresses company policies and procedures, is for management
and sales staff.
The training is being marketed to state bus associations as well as to individual companies and groups of companies. For details and pricing, email
Laurel Van Horn, Director of Programs.
Next Group Training: Chicago, May 23, 9am-5pm
ODO Headquarters, 2551 N. Clark St. Suite 301
For details and registration, call 773-388-8839 or email Emma Schwartz.
Raise money for Open Doors Organization(Chicago IL) just by searching the web and shopping online!
