Southeast ADA Center: Bridging accessibility and inclusion across the Southeast

GCM Staff Report
Posted 12/12/24

Since its establishment in 1991, the Southeast ADA Center has been a cornerstone in advancing accessibility, inclusion, and awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Based in …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Southeast ADA Center: Bridging accessibility and inclusion across the Southeast

Posted

Since its establishment in 1991, the Southeast ADA Center has been a cornerstone in advancing accessibility, inclusion, and awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the center serves eight states in the Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

As part of the ADA National Network, which includes ten regional centers nationwide, the Southeast ADA Center operates under the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University. The network is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A MISSION ROOTED IN EMPOWERMENT

The Southeast ADA Center's mission is multifaceted: promoting voluntary compliance with the ADA, providing accurate guidance and fostering collaboration between government entities, businesses, and the disability community. By addressing barriers to employment, civic participation and economic independence, the center helps create equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING AND RESOURCES

The center offers an extensive array of training programs, including online self-paced courses and tailored workshops. Highlights include:

Foundations of the ADA: A deep dive into the ADA's core principles, available in both English and Spanish.

ADA Title II Tutorial: Designed for state and local government staff, this course clarifies compliance requirements.

At Your Service: Aimed at businesses, this training focuses on welcoming customers with disabilities.

Banking for All: An innovative course promoting financial inclusion, informed by groundbreaking research.

Additionally, the center provides specialized training on topics such as effective communication, service animals, housing accessibility, aging in place and COVID-19-related workplace adjustments.

CUSTOMIZED SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

From public accommodations and criminal justice settings to educational institutions and religious organizations, the center's programs are tailored to meet diverse needs. For example, its courses on transportation, digital accessibility, and fair housing address critical issues that impact daily life for people with disabilities.

ACCESSIBLE HELP AND CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT

The Southeast ADA Center ensures that accurate, timely information is always within reach. Individuals and organizations can access confidential assistance via phone, email, or the center's website. The toll-free hotline (1-800-949-4232) is dedicated to the Southeast region, providing answers and referrals to regional experts for specialized guidance.

A LEGACY OF ADVOCACY

Over three decades, the Southeast ADA Center has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of accessibility and understanding. Whether through training, research or one-on-one guidance, the center continues to empower communities, bridging gaps and building a more inclusive Southeast.

For more information or to access training opportunities, visit www.ADAsoutheast.org.