ADA Updates
Disability Service Facilitator Program
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law and recognition of the gaps in service that remain for people with disabilities here in Pittsburgh, the City is implementing the Disability Service Facilitator Program to ensure efficient, integrated service to the disability community while minimizing potential violations to the ADA by City actions. This program will increase efficiency and quality of services, and help the City comply with all state and local accessibility laws. Read more here: https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases/4383.
COVID-19 Announcement
All City of Pittsburgh staff who are able to work remotely are doing so in conjunction with Federal and State authorities. We are prioritizing the health and safety of Pittsburgh residents, many of whom are particularly vulnerable to the virus and its effects.
The City is working hard to ensure that our programs and services remain accessible to all members of the public. We are looking into accessible technologies for community outreach for remotely held meetings. The City supports community efforts to strengthen and increase capacity alongside its already strong networks as we work to ensure access to the programs and services provided by the local government.
At this time all City-County Task Force on Disabilities meetings have been canceled until further notice.
Please also keep a close eye on the City's website and social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for changes and updates https://pittsburghpa.gov.
The ADA Coordinator can be contacted by phone at remote telephone number 412-301-7041.
Resources for the disability community regarding COVID-19
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Disability Rights Pennsylvania: COVID-19 closures, announcements, and resources from the State of Pennsylvania
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U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19 provides information on employment issues such as the kinds of health-related questions employers are allowed to ask, medical exams they are allowed to conduct, and when they may require a worker to stay home.
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U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): Coronavirus Resources provides information on workplace safety, wage and hour issues, unemployment insurance, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other employment issues.
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The Administration for Community Living (ACL): What People with Disabilities and Older Adults Need to Know About Coronavirus provides information on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases; to get more localized information and guidance, the site includes links to help you find state, local, and territorial health departments and tribal and Indian organizations.
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Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Education: Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students reminds schools, including post-secondary schools, that while they continue to operate and provide educational programs, students with disabilities need to be accommodated; a brief video on Online Education and Website Accessibility provides an overview of requirements and resources related to accessible distance learning programs and other online functions of educational institutions.
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Emergency and Disaster Response: ADA Lessons Learned: A compilation of best practices and ADA legal requirements for effective emergency and disaster response activities to people with disabilities.
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Guidance Sheet on Accessible Drive-Thru-Medical Sites: Addresses the accessibility of drive-thru medical sites which have become increasingly utilized in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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ADA National Network: Disability & COVID-19 Resource Portal
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National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC): COVID-19 Transportation Resources
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Accessible COVID-19 Resources (Georgia Tech Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation): CDC resources on COVID-19, organized by accessibility type
