Inaugural ADA In Corrections Symposium

Targeted programs that provide corrections-specific education, support, and guidance in achieving compliance with ADA regulations in correctional settings are limited. According to front-line ADA coordinators nationwide, most ADA compliance-related educational opportunities and support networks are often organized and presented by non-correctional staff, with little recognition and understanding of the differences that must be considered in achieving ADA compliance in correctional settings.

The goal of this project is to convene, in-person, ten (10) front-line ADA Coordinators from correctional systems across the United States and outlying U.S. territories. These coordinators will be brought together to discuss current trends in meeting ADA compliance and identify educational gaps/learning opportunities for ADA coordinators in correctional settings. Regulations listed in Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Regulations: State and Local Government Activities would be the focused subject matter to guide this program.

Objective(s):

1. Appraise current available ADA training opportunities to determine suitability of their content to be tailored to an audience of correctional professionals.
2. Facilitate meaningful dialogue between coordinators that identifies the current trends and priorities of ADA coordinators working in correctional settings.
3. Develop a proposed program outline, educational opportunities, and resources needed to facilitate a 2-day corrections-specific ADA symposium to be held at a future date.

Phases of the Program:

This project is designed to develop an outline of priorities and topics to guide the development a corrections-specific ADA Symposium to occur at a future date. The proposed symposium will provide education, support, and resources to ADA coordinators nationwide by experienced ADA coordinators. Additional participants for this strategic planning meeting and proposed symposium will include correctional accreditation agencies and identified federal agencies that provide support to systems in coordinating the ADA needs of persons in custody.

Target Audience/Who Should Apply:

Front-line, experienced ADA coordinators who actively participate in the NCACISG as identified by their ADA coordinator peers.

Prerequisites:

Endorsed as an active network member within the National Corrections ADA Coordinators Information Sharing Group (NCACISG).