IL Skills Training

Solving Local Barriers to Health Care with Community Engagement

Charles Drum, Danielle Bailey

Learn about Community Engagement (CE)-a community development technique for empowering communities to improve access to health care. Hear about how community engagement has improved access to health care in rural Oregon communities. Learn how local CILs can implement CE in their community.

Community Action Guide 

The Oregon Community Engagement Initiative 

Community Engagement Workbook 

Outpatient Health Care Usability Profile V4 

{/tab}

How to Host Independent Living Workshops Online 

APRIL Conference 2021

Tannis Hargrove 

We will discuss how to recruit, host and present independent living workshops online using zoom and participants will hear from CIL staff at CILs who have presented Healthy Community Living workshops online using the Community Living Skills or Living Well in the Community workshop curriculums. They will provide their experiences with workshop start-up and facilitation and be available to ask questions to help others get workshops via Zoom started at their organization. We will walk you through planning, outreach, recruitment and facilitation of online independent living workshops.

Powerpoint

Video on Online Faciliation from CIL Partners 

Fun & Fit: Recreation Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Audio Recording

Gary Maddox, Lacee Thompson, John Nousaine, Monique Stamps  -  2013

Discover new ways to use recreational activities to increase community participation.  Hear about a successful and innovative recreational program at one CIL that can be easily duplicated at your Center. Learn how to develop your own relationships with local recreation leaders and facilities to build access to recreational activities in your community.  Discover a new accessible twist on an old favorite form of exercise.

 DATR 2013 Fact Sheet  

DATR 2013 Flyer  

DATR Powerpoint-Converted to PDF  

Zip File of DATR Powerpoint   

Transcript  

Information and Referral

Increasing Financial Capability/ Growing Consumers' Personal Wealth

Audio Recording  

Tom Foley and Jacqueline Wilks - 2013

Learn about establishing banking relationships, avoidance of payday and predatory lenders, paying down debt and the value of a credit score. Hear how Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) can help people with low incomes save for high return investments in long-term assets and how the Earned Income Tax Credit applies to low-income filers. Get access to home ownership and retirement planning strategies that help build stable, long-term wealth. Find out about the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and its tools and resources aimed at helping individuals with disabilities increase their financial capability. 

Resources

http://www.annualcreditreport.com  (free credit report) Phone number 877.322.8228

http://www.creditkarma.com

http://www.creditbuildersalliance.org   (search “rent bureau” for renters’ info)

http://www.cfpb.gov   (for tools Jackie mentioned available from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

Transcript   https://www.april-rural.org/images/stories/2013/Financial_capability-71813-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

Asset Building: Growing Consumers Personal Wealth

Getting out the Jitters: Interviews   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouGRE-2kK_Y

Katrina Parsons - 2020 APRIL Conference

Do you know what is one of the most important aspects of a job application? An interview What is the number one fear that people (especially people with disabilities) have that is even greater than death? Public Speaking. This presentation will guide participants in preparing consumers for interviews and overcome their nerves and fear of talking to new employers to present themselves in the best manner possible so that they can get the job they want. We will go over strategies for consumers to use answer sample questions, non-verbal aspects of presenting themselves, and working on logistics of the interview (such as transportation and dress). The resume is what gets one the interview, and the interview is what gets one
the job.

 PDF  Transcript ready

{/tab}

Accessibility

Assistive Technology: Reuse it!: Explore AT Resuse programs for Consumers

Caroline Phillips, Jim Beck, Tiffany Clifford - 2013

Understand the positive impact safe, effective, and appropriate Assistive Technology Reuse has in the lives of individuals with disabilities.  Learn more about CILs that are conducting assistive technology reuse programs.  Explore assistive technology reuse tools and resources provided by the national Pass It On Center. Identify indicators of quality for assistive technology reuse within Independent Living Centers.

Transcript  https://www.april-rural.org/images/stories/2013/ATReuse-2013-06-27-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

Audio Description? What’s Up with This   https://youtu.be/cyYLELzKtVM

Rebecca Williams, Rene Cummins - 2020 APRIL Conference

Audio description has a long and notable history. So why has this form of effective communication often been unrecognized and seldom provided? As a form of effective communication, audio description is vital for full participation and understanding in numerous venues and situations. In this interactive session, a trained describer and a patron of audio description will present information and perspectives on the status of audio description and how attendees can promote audio description at home.

Q. Why do companies like HBO refuse to participate?

A. Rene—This is an advocacy issue. They have an obligation to provide effective communication, and it might be a good idea to hold up examples from their competitors who are providing audio description on their channels. There is always strength in numbers, so you may want to organize around this issue and start a communication campaign to request that they begin providing some audio description, especially for their own productions which they can totally control and include the audio description during production. I see this approach on Netflix, which offers audio description with their original productions as well as with a great many of their selections on their subscription service.

Becky -At this time the FCC rules for the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 [PL111-260] requires description from the following broadcast networks: ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC and the following non-broadcast networks: Discovery Channel, HGTV, History Channel, TBS, TNT, and USA.

Here’s what’s going on with subscription TV providers:

• AT&T U-Verse configuring audio description
• Comcast and XFINITY audio description services
• Cox Communications configuring audio description

HBO may fall under Title III of the ADA [place of public accommodation] The ADA requires public accommodations to provide effective communication. There may be responsibilities under the ADA. Technology has changed so much since the passage of the ADA. There are many services [via the internet, smart phones, etc.] that were not even imaginable in 1990, and therefore, requirements/standards/regulations were not developed that address this technology.

Networks/media providers can go beyond the law and provide access without/before being required to do so. We cannot address why companies such as HBO are not providing description services. Individuals can file complaints against HBO, etc. and let the courts decide if the requirement for effective communication applies to them. Folks who need/want description services need to exercise their right to request such, and if not provided to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Justice.  

Q. Due to the changing landscape of media shift to streaming, where do you see audio description in the future?

A. Rene—In my experience, this definitely becomes a problem. For example, if I go to the Redbox movie vending machine at the shopping center and rent a movie, I can turn on the audio description before watching in a similar manner to turning on the captioning before watching. However, with an app to stream Redbox from the internet, I have not found the counterpart option to turn on the audio description prior to watching. I know the audio description track is there because I have compared with the DVD from the Redbox vending machine. This is definitely a problem as the trend moves more and more toward streaming services.

Becky - We would like to see audio description requirements for all venues that provide filmed media – television, movies played in theaters and streaming venues. Unfortunately it may be quite some time before this is required in streaming applications. One issue is that there are no regulations or standards for the provision of effective communication in streaming venues. My understanding is the federal administration has halted work on all ADA new regulations at this time. Folks who want this service need to make their voices heard by contacting the Department of Justice. 

Q. Do apps like Hulu and Netflix required to have the audio description services. I only ask because Hulu doesn't have much audio description. How does that work for apps?

A.    Rene—Again, I think the dedication to providing audio description happens “on the front end” so to speak. With my Netflix subscription, once the audio description has been turned ON under settings, a Netflix offering automatically starts with audio description if it is available on that selection. This works the same if I am accessing Netflix through an app or if Netflix is streaming on my smart TV. For me, this is a very good way to find out if a movie or program has audio description or not since the selection will immediately begin with an audio description of the Netflix logo. Again, the requirement is to provide Effective Communication, so it is not acceptable to be providing absolutely no audio description at all. Pointing this out and quoting good examples from their competitors might be a good way to start the conversation. As mentioned in our workshop, The American Council of the Blind has a website that keeps updated on audio description at https:acb.org/adp/masterad.html. On that website, it lists current Cinema, DVD, TV, and streaming titles that are audio described. In that current list are Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, IMDb, TV, iTunes, Netflix, Prime Video, Spectrum-Access, and other sources. This might eliminate the trial and error of trying to find audio description on Hulu.

Becky – Audio description is not required for apps such as Hulu and Netflix under the Twenty First Century Accessibility and Communications Act at this time; however, these businesses may have a requirement to provide effective communication under Title III of the ADA. 

Q. You said it can be used in a court setting, but is it required if a juror has vision loss?

A.   Becky - Court systems fall under either Title II of the ADA [state and local government] or section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act [federal government]. Both of these laws require the provision of auxiliary aids and services when needed for effective communication. Audio description is one type of an auxiliary aid. If a juror with vision loss requests description in order to participate in the judicial process, and description is the only auxiliary aid that will provide equally effective communication then description should be provided unless the municipality or federal government can show why this service would result in an undue financial and administrative burden or a fundamental alteration [which is very difficult if not impossible to be proved by governmental agencies].

Q. Good progress with AD. Question, is how do we make AD available for viewers who are Deaf/Blind?

A.   Rene—Great question! Depending on the degree of hearing loss plus vision loss, this does get rather complicated. If the consumer is successful with using a tactile interpreter, a live action event such as live theater, museum demonstration or exhibitions, nature walks, etc., might lend themselves to having a tactile interpreter who also has the skills to add the audio description integrated into the tactile interpretation. As with all tactile interpretation, this adds another layer of complexity. For scripted audio description provided on television or movies, the consumer may not be able to benefit from the captions nor the audio description provided by the broadcast service. However, if the consumer can use the captioning and can adjust the volume to hear the audio description, I have found that both can be running at the same time. This makes perfect sense since one household might have a person who needs the captioning to watch a movie or program while another member of that household needs the audio description. Or, it could very well be the same person who needs both!

Becky - Great question and one I have not previously encountered. My first thought is this would probably require a tactile interpreter; however, this would work only in live action description where a tactile interpreter also has description skills. Not sure how/if this could be provided in other venues. Someone with knowledge of assistive technology may be better able to answer if such an accommodation is possible. 

Q. Are there any regulations regarding having audio descriptions for movies a person may want to rent or purchase on demand?

A. Becky – The final rule of the Department of Justice CRT Docket No. 126; AG Order No. RIN 1190-AA63 [https://www.ada.gov/regs2016/movie_rule.htm], effective January 17, 2017, requires that movie theater auditoriums provide closed movie captioning and audio description when showing a digital movie distributed with such features unless doing so would result in an undue burden or a fundamental alteration. The rule requires movie theaters to have a specified number of captioning devices and audio description devices based on the number of auditoriums in the movie theater that show digital movies. The rule does not impose any specific requirements for movie theater auditoriums that exhibit analog movies exclusively. The requirements of this rule apply only to public accommodations that own, lease, or operate movie theaters with auditoriums that show movies produced in digital cinema format (digital movies).

There are no specific rules that require audio description be provided on movies available for purchased; however, the requirement for effective communication may come into play. Businesses run on consumer demand. Individuals who want description services should reach out to produces/manufactures of movie DVDs and express their desire to have description services available in their products. 

Q. I’d like more places to use the technology of applications on phones, iPads, etc. so it’s accessible in formats we use every day and I can use my own headphones.

A.  Rene—Disney felt the same way, so they have an app to use audio description in first-run theaters where any Disney production is showing. In this way, you use your own technology that you are familiar with and that you know it works. I have had way too many failures in first-run movie theaters where they issue the viewer the theater’s equipment to use the audio description, and they insist that the movie is accompanied by audio description, only to find that the equipment did not work or the staff person did not know how to use it, or—shudder—the staff person had no idea what audio description is! As I said, I have had way too many failures in trying to use equipment in first-run movie theaters, so I agree with you about the need for apps to receive the audio description while watching the movie. Disney has set a really good example, but most of us do not want to be limited to only Disney movies. So, this becomes another good and necessary advocacy issue.

Becky - When folks use individual receivers to listen to description they can often use their personal head/ear phones. Several folks in one of the local playhouses where I provide description use their own earbuds.

Q. What are the steps to set up audio description on your TV?

A.  Rene—For regular broadcast television, go to the Secondary Audio Programming, or SAP, where you will also find selections for foreign languages. The selection will say video description or audio description, and select to turn it on. If the programming is not accompanied with audio description, the option will not be there to select. As I mentioned, with a subscription service like Netflix, go to Settings and turn on the audio description, and each selection you choose will automatically start with the audio description if it is available for that selection. 

Q. Are there govt. grants for audio descriptions that can be applied for state audio programs?

A.  Rene—I am not completely clear about this question, but I will take a crack at it. There are various grants for “diversity” but they often do not mention disability. You can start with the language in the grant posting and respond by making a case for disability being included in whatever group or groups they included in the grant opportunity. From there, if you want to make a case for audio description, please include a cross-disability set of examples as we did in our presentation to show how a broad range of people with diverse disabilities, including people who are aging, will benefit by the use of audio description for effective communication. Depending on how strongly you want to emphasize the requirement for effective communication under the law, you might want to site the various legal requirements presented during our workshop.

Becky – I do not know of government grants specifically for audio description. One can always begin with a “Google” search.

Folks may want to investigate arts councils, university art/drama departments, local theater groups, performing arts centers, etc. to investigate collaboration to develop/bring audio description into your community. Some cities have had luck forming arts advisory councils that focus on making the arts [drama, music, dance, language arts, museums, etc.https://adata.org/factsheet/quicktips-tax">https://adata.org/factsheet/quicktips-tax.

AT for Independence at Mealtimes and Medication Management  https://youtu.be/Hx3pOWSrG3I

Danny Housley - 2020 APRIL Conference

This presentation will cover high, medium, and low-tech solutions for eating, drinking and medication management. By the end, this presentation will cover high, medium, and low-tech solutions for eating, drinking and medication management. By the end of this presentation participants will be able to identify at least 2 pieces of high, medium, and low-tech assistive technology for eating, drinking and managing medication.

PDF AT for Independence at Mealtimes and Medication Management PDF

Tools and Partnerships for Digital Information Access

Danny Housley and Ken Mitchell

Accessible IOS Tools and RRS Powerpoint

Peer Mentoring and Support

Peer Support: The Bread and Butter of IL- August 15, 2018 (2)

Linda Pogue, and Ken Mitchell  - 2018

Build a Peer Support Program that is mutually beneficial and powerful. Tips and lessons learned from running peer support programs. Building up your peer supports.

Transcript  

Parenting with a Disability

Audio file    

Kelly Buckland, Sarah Launderville, Susan Yuan, Kimberly Tissot  - 2017

All 50 states updates on legislation parents with disabilities: http://heller.brandeis.edu/parents-with-disabilities/pdfs/table-legislation-by-state.pdf

Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a nationally recognized center that has pioneered research, training, and services for families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability or medical issue   http://lookingglass.org/index.php

This section contains articles and advice for people with disabilities who are parents or would like to become parents. Our definition of "parent" is wide: we include biological parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, grandparents and other relatives with disabilities who raise children. http://heller.brandeis.edu/parents-with-disabilities/parents/index.html

Representing Parents with Disabilities: Strategies & Solutions Presentation PDF file

 Transcript