Tapping Technology - March 1994

	March 1994

Misspelled words, Smokin' Snowmen, and the handrails were too short!

Ernie Lareau caught us again, revealing the shortcomings of our spell checker and clip art programs (some people just won't take "the computer did it" as an excuse). Many thanks, Ernie, for your careful proofreading. An additional comment from Mr. Lareau concerned Stories of an Occupational Therapist / Accessibility Consultant (TT, page 8, December, 1993). Quotes Mr. Lareau:

"...The extension of handrails on both sides of the stairs is detailed in Part III, ADA, 4.9.4(2), Page 30 as follows: "If handrails are not continuous they shall extend at least 12 inches beyond the top riser and at least 12 inches plus the width of one tread beyond the bottom riser etc."

The article states "8 inches beyond the top and bottom steps."

TT:
The article states 8 inches beyond the top and bottom steps because that is the modification made to that residence. This article was an accounting of accommodations a couple made to their private residence to meet their specific needs. Such modifications to private residences do not fall under ADA regulations.
Both accolades and accusations, keep those cards and letters coming! Your submissions are requested for our upcoming issues on "International Aspects of Assistive Technology" and "Assistive Technology in Education". Call or write for timelines and submission guidelines.

Diversity in the Marketplace Theme of GCEPD Annual Conference

The Maryland Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through increased community awareness. The GCEPD promotes employment opportunities for people with disabilities through expanded awareness of employment barriers, encouraging people with disabilities to seek rehabilitation to develop marketable skills and providing information and referral services.

Each April the GCEPD recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions toward the integration of persons with disabilities into society with an awards program. Prior to the awards program, the GCEPD sponsors a morning conference. This year's Annual Conference and Awards Luncheon will be held on Friday, April 29, 1994, at Martin's West in Baltimore, MD. Entitled "DIVERSITY IN THE MARKETPLACE: People with Disabilities as Employees and Consumers", this conference is based on the GCEPD belief that people with disabilities are an economic force which employers and business owners need to encompass in their marketing and hiring strategies. This conference will provide consumers with disabilities the tools for self advocacy and will provide employers with the motivation and information to facilitate inclusion. Concurrent workshops seek to divide the marketplace into three perspectives: that of the consumer, the employer and the site manager. Merged, these workshops provide the building blocks for a unified marketplace, equally beneficial for the employee / consumer with a disability and the employer / business owner. Paul Hern of the Dole Foundation and John McDonald, Ambassador to the United Nations for Disability Issues, have agreed to speak on these important issues.

For more information, please contact the GCEPD at (410) 333-2263 (V/TTY).


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