While the coronavirus pandemic has affected nearly everyone around the world, the virus poses unique challenges for people with disabilities.
To find help, many are turning to the Northeast ADA Center at ILR’s K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability.
Technical assistance specialists with strong expertise in the ADA and other disability-related regulations are available through a toll-free information line (800-949-4232) and national website to provide information, education, training and material in a personalized manner.
“Over the course of the pandemic, there was an initial flurry in calls early on,” said Joe Zesski, program manager of the Northeast ADA Center. “Then in March and April, we had a real sharp drop-off, but after a few months people really began reaching out again with questions and things have gotten very busy since then.”
According to Zesski, business owners, architects and designers, representatives of state and local government agencies, employers, people with disabilities and their family members, service providers, educational entities, and others interested in the ADA can receive individualized responses to questions on how to navigate the pandemic.
A county worker in New Jersey, wanting to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread, asked about touchless water faucets for sinks in bathrooms. Jennifer Perry, an access specialist, discussed the possibilities with him. When contacted for follow-up, the worker said the information clarified how he and his staff should administer changes on a large scale. “It is particularly helpful as a worker in the public sector because resources like this one help us know what we should do, rather than just what is required of us by law,” he said.
In June, Zesski communicated with an Adult Career & Continuing Ed Services-Vocational Rehabilitation counselor who questioned how the ADA applied when an employee could not wear a face mask due to a disability.
