December 3, 2019
Civil Rights: Americans with Disabilities Act
Submitted by Jennifer R Wilson
More than 55 million Americans—18% of our population—have some sort of disability. Those with disabilities, either physical or mental, receive civil rights protection from the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its subsequent amendments. The integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream of American life is a fundamental purpose of the ADA. Historically, public entities provided separate programs for people with disabilities and denied them the right to participate in the programs provided to everyone else. The ADA prohibits public entities from isolating, separating, or denying people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the programs that are offered to others. Programs, activities, and services must be provided to people with disabilities in integrated settings.
K-State Research and Extension program are open to all, regardless of disability status, and we have several responsibilities to ensure the accessibility of our programs. First, Extension offices and other locations where programs are held should be ADA accessible, or there should be a plan in place for how to serve those for whom it is not accessible. Second, all event flyers, program announcements and registration materials should contain the following statement:
“K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting (insert name) at (insert phone number and email). Notify staff of accommodation needs as early as possible.”
Lastly, when requests for reasonable accommodations are received, we have a responsibility to respond. Regardless of the program area in which you work, the Department of 4-H Youth Development provides assistance in responding to requests for accommodations. When a request is received, please contact them at 785-532-5800 to initiate accommodation request procedures. To learn more about this process, please refer to the presentation, Disability Accommodations: The Intentional Process of Equitable Programming on the KSRE Civil Rights website.
Learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act in the Primer for State and Local Governments.