I. Purpose

A. The Council seeks to actively involve people with developmental disabilities and their families in all of its meetings, projects, grants and other activities. Physical and programmatic accessibility are essential in order for such participation to occur.

B. This policy intends to assure that all activities sponsored or funded by the Council are accessible to its members and/or other participants who have disabilities, and to assure compliance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101-336) and the Rehabilitation Act.

II. Requirements

A. All Council-sponsored meetings shall be held in facilities that provide accessible parking, restrooms, and meeting rooms. Auxiliary aids and services shall be provided for persons requesting such accommodations.

B. All conferences sponsored or funded by the Council shall be held in facilities which provide accessibility of parking, restrooms, meeting rooms, guest rooms, restaurants, gift shops, transportation, and any other services offered by the facility. Auxiliary aids shall be provided by the facility for persons requesting such accommodations.

C. All materials used at Council-sponsored meetings and conferences shall be provided in alternative formats upon request. Reports and other materials published by the Council shall be provided in alternative formats upon request. Auxiliary aids and services shall be provided for persons requesting such accommodations.

D. All Council-funded demonstration projects shall be accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and any other appropriate State and Federal legislation.

E. All recreational or other activities sponsored or funded by the Council shall be accessible to persons with disabilities.

F. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations shall be encouraged to notify the Council in advance of the accommodations needed in order to assure their full participation in the activity.

G. The standards for accessibility shall be those included in the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.

H. Auxiliary aids and services shall include, but not be limited to: qualified interpreters, TTY's/TDD's, materials provided in alternative formats, closed caption decoders, open and closed captions, assistive listening devices, taped text, large print materials, assistance with reading, and assistance with writing.

I. The Council shall not be required to provide personal care assistance with toileting, dressing, eating, or any other personal self-care. The Council shall, however, reimburse Council members for the cost of personal assistants they need in order to attend Council meetings and activities.

Adopted 1/19/93