2551 N Clark Street, Suite 301 Chicago, IL 60614
Ph. 773.388.8839 Fx 413.460.5995
ADA Audio-Conference Series to Feature Open Doors Organization
Laurel Van Horn, Research Director, ODO, and Ronald Pettit, Access Manager, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, were guest speakers on an Audio Conference Series hosted by DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center. The session, entitled "Ensuring Customer Service for People with Disabilities", took place Tuesday, May 18, 2010. For an audio recording and transcript of the session as well as speaker presentations, visit ada-audio.org/Archives/AudioConference/index.php?type=presenter&id=157&app=1
Accessible Airport Terminals (available for registration)
November 4th, 2010
The Access Board is developing design guidance and best practices on access to airports, a frequent source of complaints by travelers with disabilities. This session will review information collected to date on solutions to common access issues in airport terminals. This session will focus on areas of special concern such as accessible passenger loading zones, self-service ticketing kiosks, security checkpoints, boarding bridges and devices, signage, counters, communication systems, and service animal relief areas.
Presenters:
- Bill R. Botten
Accessibility Specialist
Office of Technical and Information Services
US Access Board
Continuing Education Recognition Available:
- Certificate of Attendance (Free)
- AIA CES ($25.00) : 1.5 Credits
- UI CEU ($0.00) : 0.15 Credits
Open Doors Organization Featured in NY Times
A recent article in the Business Day section of the NY Times highlights the airline training now offered by ODO in partnership with IATA-International Air Transport Association. Entitled "Smoothing the Way," it includes quotes and a photo of ODO Director Eric Lipp, taken during a training session held in Miami, Florida. The piece also includes statistics from ODO Market Studies among American travelers with disabiliteis.
www.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/business/27disabled.html?ref=todayspaper
Open Doors Organization Featured in Centerlines
Open Doors Organization and its Director Eric Lipp were recently featured in Centerlines, the official publication of Airports Council International-North America. The article, "Enabling the Disabled" looks at ways in which airports in the US and Canada are improving access for air travelers with disabilities. nxtbook.com
IATA—ODO Air Carrier Access Act Workshop:
Offered in cooperation with IATA
Dates/Locations:
Miami, Florida — February 17–19
Geneva, Switzerland — July 12–14
Montreal, Canada — August 25–27
Singapore — November 1–3
The workshop aims to explain the US DOT’s Air Carrier Access Act 14 CFR Part 382’s major directives regarding the implementation and conduct of barrier-free travel. It addresses the standing regulation in comparison to approaches the EU’s 1107/2006 regulation by discussing current solutions and processes including how to handle conflict-of-law and becoming a Complaint Resolution Officer. Airline representatives will learn how to join forces with airports and potential service providers and to understand process- and organizational constraints in managing these regulations.
How You Will Benefit
- Summarize the US DOT Air Carrier Access Act 14 CFR Part 382
- Summarize the EU’s 1107/2006
- Gain comprehensive list of resources
- Become a CRO (Complaint Resolutions Officer)
- Comparison of the 2 approaches (US—EU)
Designed for
- Airline representatives
- Airport operators
- Ground handlers/ service providers
- Airport concessions
- Aviation legal professionals
For additional information contact Eric Lipp (773)388-8839 or email ericlipp@opendoorsnfp.org
To register, iata.org/training/
Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Now in its third edition, the critically acclaimed Barrier-Free Travel is essential reading for every traveler with mobility limitations. With over 100 new photographs and updated travel rules and regulations, affecting access in and outside of the United States, this book gives you the tools and resources to navigate both the expected and the unexpected. Author Candy B. Harrington, who has specialized in the topic of accessible travel for 15 years, also edits Emerging Horizons, the accessible travel magazine. Read a sample chapter at Barrier Free Travel
ODO on the Radio: Easy Access Travel Talk Radio
Most of us love to travel, and neither age nor a disability makes any difference. Why should it? Eric and his guests have disabilities themselves and are proven experts in accessible travel. They’ll share experiences, knowledge and advice to help you minimize the hassle and maximize the fun. Accessible modes of travel, lodging, destinations and legal rights are just a few of the issues they explore. So get ready to listen, learn, laugh, and get out of the house!
Current show topics include: Destinations (Paris, Rockford, IL, Casablanca, Pittsburgh, Houston, Madrid), Ball parks and arenas, air travel, rental car and much more.
webtalkradio.net
Organization of the Year
ODO has been selected as the recipient of the Organization of the Year Award by the Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities, in the state of Illinois. We are very honored to receive this award.
Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities
ODO and the LIFE Center at RIC (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) have created a presentation that provides information that people with disabilities need to travel by air. Please click on the following link to view the presentation:
lifecenter.ric.org/content/4037/index.html?topic=4&subtopic=183
Easy Access Chicago
IT’S HERE! CHICAGO’S first-ever comprehensive access guide to the city, Easy Access Chicago provides a wealth of information for citizens and travelers with disabilities. A project of the Open Doors Organization - over a year and a half in the making under the leadership of Laurel Van Horn. The unveiling of the print guide took place on January 17, 2008 at the Chicago History Museum, formerly the Chicago Historical Society. The Easy Access Chicago guide is available by calling the Illinois Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2CONNECT or by visiting www.enjoyillinois.com or easyaccesschicago.org
Click on the following link for coverage of Easy Access Chicago by Fox News Chicago hosted on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qS9t4EtFXg
Or click on the play button below:
Gus Zografopoulos - Advisory Board member presented on our behalf on the topic of Travel and Tourism at the National ADA Symposium EXPO/AT Fair at the America’s Center in St. Louis on May 13th.
LATEST DISABILITY NEWS
ODO congratulates the Chicago Dept of Aviation and CSD Access for the following announcement. We are proud to have helped in this new service in the Chicago Airports!
CHICAGO AIRPORT SYSTEM INTRODUCES NEW ACCESSIBLE KIOSKS FOR TRAVELERSWITH DISABILITIES
ODO IN THE NEWS
ODO in Business Week
Eric Lipp is quoted in: www.businessweek.com/print/technology/content/dec2008/tc20081222_585171.htm
ODO in Smart Meetings
Following is the link to the article on Barrier Free Meeting in the Smart Meetings magazine:
www.smartmeetings.com/issues/october-2008/articles/barrier-free-meetings-how-to-make-your-event-all-inclusive
Disaboom
Look for our monthly articles at www.disaboom.com, Venture travel magazine, and Active Living.
ODO appeared in the NY Times in an article about Disaboom. travel.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/business/media/30adco.html
Thanks to Andrew Adam Newman for a great piece.
USATODAY
Eric Lipp was quoted in an article in USATODAY that discusses how wheelchair needs are tackled by airlines. Access this article at: www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-03-12-wheelchair-travel_N.htm?csp=34
RESOURCES
Revised ADA Regulations
Implementing Title II and Title III
Summary of Changes
On Friday, July 23, 2010, Attorney General Eric Holder signed final regulations revising the Department’s ADA regulations, including its ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Within the rule, important dates are specified in terms of when the rule becomes effective by means of its publication, and who must comply with its standards. Many terms are defined upon how they are used within the rule such as Service Animals and wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices. Effective communication for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are discussed in great detail, and new methods are put into place for booking accessible hotel rooms and purchasing accessible seating tickets for shows. Standards for recreational facilities are also widely covered. Some of the venues discussed are amusement parks, golf facilities, play areas, swimming pools and spas, judicial facilities, and assembly areas.
Click on the following links to see a full version of the revised ADA regulations and fact sheets describing these changes in more detail.
Title II and Title III
- Title II: Final Rule amending 28 CFR Part 35: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services
- Title III: Final Rule amending 28 CFR Part 36: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities
Appendices to Titles II and III:
Fact Sheets
- Highlights of the Final Rule to Amend the Department of Justice’s Regulation Implementing Title II of the ADA
- Highlights of the Final Rule to Amend the Department of Justice’s Regulation Implementing Title III of the ADA
- Adoption of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design
Air Carrier Access Act
For information of the Air Carrier Access Act go to airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/rules.htm
Advanced Aeromedical
Medical oxygen and mobility products for traveling patients, worldwide. www.aeromedic.com/homemain.html
Cruising
CHECK OUT: www.vacationstogo.com
They have an amazing NEW tool for cruising!! If you are looking for a cruise vacation this site has a comprehensive searchable database of the accessibility of every cabin aboard ships. They also have well trained reps in their disability group who will tend to any need you may have when cruising.
Disaboom
Check out the new website Disaboom! Go to www.disaboom.com
and keep up-to-date on this new online resource for people with disabilities! We’re a part of it. Are you?
TSA
The link below connects you to some important information from the TSA when traveling-including carrying on liquids and medications plus much more. A great resource!
www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
2002 & 2005 MARKET STUDIES
Visit ODO’s Market Study Page to view
PRESS RELEASE: DISABILITY TRAVEL SURVEY IDENTIFIES MOST POPULAR AMERICAN CITIES
JUST ONE BREAK, INC.
Looking for work or a good worker? JUST ONE BREAK, INC. has been providing employment services for people with disabilities for over 57 years, bringing employers and qualified applicant together. Never a fee for placement. Visit their website at jobs@justonebreak.com
Standard Taxi
SEE LINK AT BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR INFO ON ACCESSIBLE TAXI’S or www.standardtaxi.com
The Open Doors Organization is a 501(c)3, and your donation is fully tax-deductible. Contribute!
