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Community Access Monitor Project
This workbook was developed for the Massachusetts Office on Disability
by the Adaptive Environments Center, with support from the Boston
Foundation as part of the Community Compliance Campaign.
Materials Development Manager: Elaine Ostroff
Author: Nancy Goldman
/rr "irjiT DOCUMENTS
Technical Consultant: Chris Palames
Concept and Review: Kathy Gips, Massachusetts Office on Disability
Design and Production: Nancy Goldman
DEC 9 1932
Cover Design: Raine DeMuLouise
University of Massachusetts
Depository Copy © May 1992, Massachusetts Office on Disability/Adaptive Environments Center.
Permission is granted to reproduce materials from this workbook, subject to the
following conditions: (1) Each item must be reproduced as written, with no
• changes, including credits; and (2) items may not be resold.
Please note: The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board is in the process of
revising its Rules and Regulations to achieve substantial equivalency with the
A
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. revised version of
this workbook will be produced during the upcoming year to reflect the changes
in the state regulations. Please contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability for
further information.
Sketching and Measuring © 1982 Adaptive Environments Center. Used with
permission. Checklistfor Existing Facilities and ADA Title IIIFact Sheets © 1992
Adaptive Environments Center/Barrier Free Environments; produced for the
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Used with permission.
Thanks to the following people for their review:
Kris Antonucci, Greater Framingham Association of Individuals with Disabilities
Independent Living Center
Larry Braman, East Boston Citizen Advocates for Rights of the Disabled
Bruce Bruneau, Massachusetts Office on Disability
Larry Curtis, Wilmington Commission on Disability
Bill Henning, Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled
Pat Ryan, Boston Center for Independent Living
• B.J. Wood, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
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Community Access Monitor Project
MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE ON DISABILITY
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Publication No. 17177 - 156- 250 - 8/92 - est. cost per - 3.51 - C.R.
Approved by: Philmore Anderson State Purchasing Agent
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Community Access Monitor Project
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION PAGE
1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE 5
STATE AND FEDERAL ACCESS LAWS PAGE 9
Americans with Disabilities Act 9
&
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Rules Regulations 17
Related Federal Laws 20
Related Massachusetts Laws 23
PLANNING PAGE 25
Step 1: Get connected and get organized 25
Step 2: Choose an organization to work with 27
Step 3: Obtain information 27
Information Worksheet 29
Step 4: Determine which access regulations apply 33
Decision Trees 36
Step 5: Find out if any exemptions apply 38
Step 6: Contact owner or manager 40
Step 7: Prepare for the site visit 43
THE SITE VISIT PAGE 47
Step 8: Visit the organization to assess its accessibility 47
Sample checklist pages 48
ADVOCATING FOR ACCESS PAGE 51
Step 9: List access issues 51
Step 10: Follow up with owner or manager 51
Step 11: Continue to work for improved accessibility 57
Step 12: Write a letter of acknowledgment 59
Step 13: Write a letter of appreciation 61
Step 14: File a complaint if necessary 62
Summary
of Steps 67
(continued)
Massachusetts Office on Disability
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Community Access Monitor Project
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Table of Contents (continued)
resources
Community Access Monitors
Independent Living Centers
Local Commissions
State Agencies
Federal Agencies
Disability and Related Organizations
Publications
APPENDIX
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Rules and Regulations
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
ADA
Title II Highlights
ADA
Title III Highlights
ADA
Title III Fact Sheets
1. What Is a Public Accommodation?
2. Auxiliary Aids and Services: Providing Effective Communication ...
3. Communicating with People with Disabilities '
4. Tax Incentives for Improving Accessibility
5. Alternatives to Barrier Removal
Sketching and Measuring
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Massachusetts Office on Disability
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Community Access MonitorProject
Introduction
Introduction
The Community Access Monitor Project
Since the creation of the Community Access Monitor Project in 1985, over
1300 people have been trained by the Massachusetts Office on Disability to
survey buildings in their communities for accessibility and to advocate for
compliance with the law, and over 650 people have been certified as
Community Access Monitors.
In past years, the Community Access Monitor Project emphasized the
enforcement of the Architectural Access Board's Rules and Regulations.
Now, with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act in effect, require-
ments for access have broadened to include communication and program-
matic as well as architectural accessibility. As the scope of accessibility
legislation has broadened, so has the role of the Community Access
Monitor.
This workbook contains information on access legislation and provides a
step-by-step process for conducting assessments and encouraging volun-
tary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Archi-
tectural Access Board Rules and Regulations.
The Community Compliance Campaign
The Massachusetts Office on Disability has received a generous grant from
the Boston Foundation to fund advocacy work in the Boston Area. This
''Community Compliance Campaign" is a part of the Community Access
Monitor Project.
"Accessibility"
Architectural, communication, programmatic, and policy barriers prevent
people from participating fully in society. People with disabilities cannot
assume they can use common public places, such as stores, banks, offices,
and restaurants, or participate in ordinary activities, such as working,
getting an education, visiting friends, and attending community events.
Most non-disabled people take these freedoms for granted.
Massachusetts Office on Disability
Community Access Monitor Project
Introduction
"Accessibility" means much more than ramps for wheelchair access.
People with all types ofphysical, sensory, cognitive and other disabilities
must be ensured equal access to facilities, services, and programs. People
with disabilities must not be discriminated against through structural
barriers, unequal policies and practices, or inaccessible means of commu-
nication and dissemination of information.
The Role of the Community Access Monitor
Community Access Monitors play an essential role in encouraging access
improvements. While they do not have legal enforcement authority,
monitors have proven to be highly effective advocates. By coordinating
advocacy efforts with municipal disability commissions, Independent
ADA
Living Centers, coordinators, building inspectors, and others, moni-
tors make an enormous contribution to the implementationprocess.
Being a Community Access Monitor requires knowledge of access laws
and regulations, understanding of the range of organizations that have
responsibilities under both state and federal regulations, skill in surveying
and advocacy, and the ability to be persuasive and persistent. Through
this training program, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to
become an effective accessibility advocate.
Getting Involved
Accessibility in Massachusetts is mandated by complex and far-reaching
state and federal laws, whose enforcement depends upon the active
involvement of the disability community. Get involved; every individual
makes a difference. The law is behind you. Through your efforts, and the
collective effort of the Community Access Monitor Project and the whole
advocacy movement, you will help bring about change.
Massachusetts Office on Disability
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Community Access MonitorProject
Introduction
Community Access Monitor
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1) You have the right to public information.
2) You have the right to use your designation as a Massachusetts
Office on Disability Community Access Monitor in your
advocacy work.
3) You have the right to call the Massachusetts Office on Disability
for consultation and questions.
4) You have the responsibility to be knowledgeable about the intent
and scope ofboth state and federal regulations.
5) You have the responsibility to notify the organization in writing
of your interest in assessing its accessibility and to follow up
with a phone call.
6) You have the responsibility to complete surveys, advocate for
voluntary compliance, and fill out and file complaint forms when
appropriate.
7) You have the responsibility to decline requests for advice in
situations where you lack expertise.
8) You have the responsibility to use your designation as a Commu-
nity Access Monitor only in a volunteer capacity.
Massachusetts Office on Disability
