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 Access
Today, Summer 2002 - Special Volume, Issue 2 |
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Effective Communication in Parks and Recreation PDF version-Printer Friendly Version A woman walks to the front of the room and begins to communicate in American Sign Language. The hearing participants look at each other in confusion. Worry is displayed on each person's face as they wonder how will they understand the information presented in the class. For many people with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments, this scenario can be a daily event. Effective communication is essential for an individual to be able to participate and benefit in programs and activities. What is Effective Communication? Effective communication requires a public accommodation to ensure equal access to programs by including various types of auxiliary aids and services. Equal access for participants with visual, hearing or cognitive disabilities is often achieved by offering the same information in various formats in order for everyone to have a similar understanding of programs, services, or activities. A public accommodation can utilize a variety of auxiliary aids and services such as the provision of a sign language interpreter for a person who is deaf during a museum tour or a large print park map for a visitor who is visually impaired. Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (28 C.F.R. §36.303), "public accommodations shall take those steps that may be necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services, unless the public accommodation can demonstrate that taking those steps would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations being offered or would result in an undue burden, i.e., significant difficulty or expense." In addition, the ADA requires "a public accommodation shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities." Auxiliary Aids and Services The Americans with Disabilities Act provides examples of auxiliary aids and services in order to provide effective communication:
Planning Programs and Activities For recreation program coordinators, a critical component in program planning is determining how the program information will be conveyed and methods to provide effective communication for visitors with disabilities. For example, in many museums historical items are kept behind a glass case for preservation. What alternatives could be offered to a person who is blind so that they may benefit from the display of the artifacts? Providing audio description of the artifacts could give the visitor with the visual impairment a better idea of the size, shape, texture and use for the object. In addition, it would benefit all museum visitors by allowing more information to be included in the exhibit. When determining an effective auxiliary aid or service, take into account:
Appropriateness of the auxiliary aid is another key consideration. For instance, a written script is not beneficial in a movie theater. It is very difficult for a person to both follow along with the actions on the movie screen and read a written narration in the dark theater. A qualified sign language interpreter may also divert attention away from the movie. Captioning would be a better solution. Rear Window (r) captioning is a system that provides closed captioning to individuals at their seat as opposed to placing the caption on the movie screen itself. Reverse captions are displayed on an LED mounted in the back of the theater. Portable reflective panels attach to any theater seat allowing the patron to sit anywhere in the theater and adjust the reflector to their personal comfort. Providing An Interpreter
Many situations do require an interpreter. There are differences between a "qualified" interpreter and a "certified" interpreter. The ADA requires that in the event an interpreter is needed, a qualified interpreter be provided. A "qualified" interpreter should meet the prerequisite skills and be able to successfully communicate with the individual with a disability requiring the interpreter. Today, many states now require that interpreters be certified, this can include extensive training and some type of examination to meet state requirements for certification. When a request for an interpreter comes into a program, it is important that the program coordinator talk with the participant on his or her specific needs for communication during the program. What type of interpreter is needed? During the initial contact with the participant who is deaf, the program coordinator may learn that the individual does not know American Sign Language; instead he signs exact English. This is important new information that will help identify a qualified interpreter that specializes in signed exact English. Many recreation providers are concerned with finding a sign language interpreter at late notice. Consider implementing a policy for advance notification or request for services. Promote the notification policy in marketing materials like program brochures, fliers, web sites. For example, to schedule a tour with a sign language interpreter, indicate in the program brochure for the participant to notify the organization 48-72 hours prior to their visit. This advance notice also allows for information gathering on exactly what the person's needs are and time to make arrangements for the interpreter. Sign language interpreters can be contacted through an agency such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or a local Center for Independent Living. Many agencies have interpreters on call 24 hours a day, however, fees may be higher on short notice. In preparation for the possibility of providing an interpreter, agencies should be contacted to establish a procedure for scheduling an interpreter. Important information to inquire about may include:
Fees Associated with Auxiliary Aids and Services Often recreation providers are concerned with covering the cost for the auxiliary aids and services. The ADA specifically states a public accommodation may not impose a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of measures, such as the provision of auxiliary aids, barrier removal...and reasonable modifications...that are required to provide that individual or group with the nondiscriminatory treatment required by the Act or this part (28 C.R.F. § 36.301). One creative method to cover the costs of auxiliary aids and services is to raise the admission price a small amount, perhaps $1, for everyone and allocating the increase to a fund to specifically cover any expenses incurred from providing auxiliary aids and services. Planning Alternatives for Written Material
Tapping into Community Resources It is essential in program planning to understand your customer base. Surveys are an excellent tool to generate feedback. Tap into local centers for independent living for resources involving the local community, wants and needs for programming. Perhaps there is a population not being reached due to inaccessibility of a program. Advocates from local centers for independent living can provide valuable information on how to remove barriers to programs and increase participation by people with disabilities. Resources:
Access USA (Translation of Text to Braille) (613) 969-5158 (800) 263-2750 American Printing House for the Blind National Braille Press
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 8630 Fenton St, Suite 324 Silver Springs, MD 20910 (301) 608-0050 Voice/TTY (301) 608-0508 Fax www.rid.org E-mail: views@rid.org
The Captioning Group Inc 11149 Acama St Studio City, CA 91602 Voice (800) 717-9707 Fax (877) 822-3394 www.captioning.com E-mail capgroup@captioning.com Captioned Media Program National Center for Accessible Media Rapid Text
National Center for Accessible Media DVS Theatrical® 125 Western Avenue Boston, MA 02134 617-300-3400, Voice/TTY e-mail:ncam@wgbh.org American Council for the Blind North Texas Taping and Radio for the Blind
HITECH www.hitech.com E-mail info@hitech.com
U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section P.O. Box 66738 Washington, DC 20035-6738 (800) 514-0301 Voice (800) 514-0383 TTY www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm Disability and Business National Center on Accessibility
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