Accessibility

The NEA maintains an extensive listing of resources pertaining to accessibility and universal design. The NEA web site contains the text of the ADA act, as well as the ADA Architectural Guidelines (ADAAG), an ADA compliance guide, and links to other useful sites.

New York's Human Rights Law guarantees the State's citizens equal opportunity to "enjoy a full and productive life." including in public accommodation, housing, employment, etc. The law should be reviewed to understand the definitions of "disability" and "reasonable accommodation".

The ADA section of the Department of Justice's web site includes ADA law, updates on the law and how it is used and a good technical assistance program. The website offers information on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The US Access Board sets the recommendations on architectural access guidelines. Their site has the ADA architectural guidelines and notices of proposed changes to the guidelines. There is always a period during which the public may comment on guideline changes. An e-newsletter is also available.

The League's web site has a list of manufacturers and distributors of listening devices.

The Lions Club will loan FM listening systems and other assistive hearing devices to non-profits at no cost.

The RERC is a national project funded by National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and the U.S. Department of Education with a mission of finding technological solutions for people with hearing loss. The organization conducts research, hold seminars and training sessions, and provides information to users on amplification and assistive technology.

This is a comprehensive site to get an overview of assistive listening devices, descriptions of different kinds of systems, a publication list and much more.

Supported by NYSCA, TAP provides a membership service for theatregoers who are hard of hearing or deaf, have low vision or are blind, who cannot climb stairs or who require aisle seating or wheelchair locations. Funding is available for NYSCA grantees toward the costs of open captioning through TAP.

NCI provides real-time captioning of performances, meetings, and other events.

Media Access Group provides captioning services for online and streaming media, live programs and teleconferences, film, television, and subtitles in a variety of languages.

DHIS provides NYC-area interpretation in American Sign Language, foreign sign languages, spoken and/or signed English and Communication Access Realtime Translation.

Hands On provides sign language interpreted performances of theatrical productions, a monthly calendar of events for the deaf community and consultation services for arts organizations and consumers.

In addition to resource information and product catalogs on its web site, the American Printing House for the Blind will make Braille, tactile or audio versions of materials.

The Center has done much innovative work in making media accessible. Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Resources and technical information on web accessibility.