Aging

1
Aging DisabilityThe ADA Applies to Seniors
Too!

• DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center
• CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY
• 800/949-4232 (V, TTY) www.adainformation.org

2
Disclaimer

• Information, materials, and/or technical
  assistance are intended solely as informal
  guidance, and are neither a determination of your
  legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA,
  nor binding on any agency with enforcement
  responsibility under the ADA.
• DBTAC authorized by NIDRR to provide information,
  materials, and technical assistance to
  individuals and entities that are covered by the
  ADA.

3
Set the Stage

• Importance of ADA to seniors
• Living longer, but prevalence of conditions not
  declining
• Importance of aging in place
• Economics- 75 of discretionary income

4
Aging in Place

• Recognition of value and desirability
• Health care reform and need for access to
  community resources
• AARP surveys
• Need for ADA compliance by Title II III to
  serve older persons

5
Age-Related Disability Issues

• Common functional limitations related to age

6
Common Age-Related Limitations

• Effect of environment improvements
• Not necessarily required by ADA but low cost and
  likely to increase interaction
• Categories
• Low vision
• Hearing loss
• Stamina mobility
• Cognitive impairments

7
Low Vision Issues

• After age 40, visual capacity usually begins to
  decline
• ¾ women ½ men experience moderate to severe
  visual capacity
• 1/3 of individuals age 75 have macular
  degeneration (loss of visual field)
• Type II diabetes blindness

8
Illumination Lighting Issues

• Older persons need 2-3 times illumination
• Persons over 50 often need time to adjust to
  changing levels of light
• Safety issues

9
Contrast Color Issues

• Color blindness affects 5 of population
• Older persons NOT color blind often find
  difficult to differentiate colors (eyes yellow
  with age)

10
Hearing Loss Issues

• Age most significant factor for hearing loss
• Hard-of-hearing 7 times more likely with seniors
  than under age 45
• Deaf and hard-of-hearing largest of people with
  disabilities

11
Hearing Loss Strategies

• Captioning
• Volume controls
• Speak moderate pace enunciate clearly
• Provide written text for spoken communication
  (e.g., directions)
• 711- Relay Service

12
Mobility Strength Limitations

• ½ over age 65 have arthritis
• Hand tremors in 33 of older population
• Loss of arm and leg strength (up to 80)
• 67 over age 75 use mobility device like cane,
  walker, or wheelchair
• Many low cost strategies

13
Balance Limitations

• 13 of seniors have balance impairments
• Factors include
• Low vision
• Joint restriction
• Effects of medication
• Strokes other neurological conditions
• Decreased sensory perception
• Inability to control extremities

14
ADA Seniors

• Legal implications for older Americans

15
ADA Civil Rights
16
5 Words to Remember

• Common Sense
• Good Faith Effort

17
Evolution of the Law

• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Architectural Barriers Acts (ABA) of 1968
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Fair Housing Amendments of 1988
• ADA 1990
• Civil Rights Act of 1991
• Rehabilitation Act of 1998 (as amended- Section
  508)

18
Main Categories

• Employment
• Barrier Removal- includes physical, programmatic
  communication barriers

19
Employment Basics

• Its all about equality
• ADA is not affirmative action
• Hire, promote, and fire the most deserving person
• Offers protection to qualified individuals with a
  disability
• Issues related to aging in the workplace

20
Reasonable Accommodations

• Modifications or adjustments to a job, employment
  practice, or work environment that makes it
  possible for an individual with a disability to
  enjoy an equal employment opportunity
• Undue hardship will not be imposed on employers

21
Title II Basics

• Covers State local governments
• Must provide program access and effective
  communication
• Includes public transportation
• Enforced by Department of Justice designated
  federal agencies

22
Title III Basics

• Applies to removal of both communication and
  physical barriers
• In existing facilities remove the readily
  achievable physical barriers
• For new facilities meet the minimum standards in
  ADAAG
• Provide effective communication
• Undue Burden

23
Title III Info

• Covers public accommodations, commercial
  facilities, some examinations/courses, and
  transportation
• 12 categories of public accommodations
• Nonprofits are included
• Enforced by the Department of Justice

24
Available Tax Incentives

• 50 TAX CREDIT for Small Business (1 million
  gross income OR less than 30 employees)
• Tax Deductions for Larger Businesses
• Capital Improvements Need Not Be Depreciated

25
Practical Title III Tips

• Conduct self-assessment/evaluation
• Develop accessibility plan-prioritize
• Demonstrate good faith effort
• Identify readily achievable changes
• Take advantage of available tax incentives
• Advertise positive steps taken

26
Web Pages Email

• Importance of accessible web pages
• Increased use of computer technology by seniors
• Section 508 requirements
• Educating web designers

27
Etiquette for Interacting with Older People

• Extend common courtesies basic respect
• Volume of speech
• Patience safety
• Value of large print, captioning, and signage

28
Resources

• DBTAC 800/949-4232 (V, TTY) www.adainformation.org
  
• Dept. of Justice 800/514-0301 www.ada.gov
• EEOC 800/669-4000 www.eeoc.gov
• Access Board 800/872-2253 www.access-board.gov
• AARP www.aarp.org