It's January 26, 1993 —
Do You Know Where Your ADA Self-Evaluation Plan Is?

WASHINGTON — A new guidebook published by the National Association of Towns and Townships (NATaT) will help local officials meet an important deadline under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — completing their communities' self-evaluation plans by January 26, 1993.

By this date, all jurisdictions must have evaluated all government programs, activities and policies to ensure that they do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. The January deadline also applies to completion of all non-structural changes identified in the self-evaluation, as well as to institution of a transition plan for phasing in needed structural changes. Finally, local governments must have a formal ADA grievance process in place by January 26, 1993.

An entire chapter of NATaT's guidebook, The Americans with Disabilities Act: a compliance workbook for small communities, is devoted to self-evaluation: what it is; a suggested three-step process; how to involve persons with disabilities; how to review employment practices; etc. The chapter also features three accessibility checklists: employment, programs and physical (buildings).

The publication is NATaT's newest technical assistance guidebook specifically geared to local officials in small towns. Featuring easy-to-use worksheets and checklists, the 80-page publication is intended to dispel myths about what the ADA does and does not require.

"By offering case studies and practical solutions to the ADA requirements, the workbook will ease the path of small-town officials in opening up their local government programs, services and jobs without regard to disability," noted Ronnie J. Kweller, NATaT's book editor.

The ADA, landmark legislation that ensures equal access to government programs, services and employment for persons with disabilities, was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Most of the ADA'S provisions that pertain to local government went into effect on January 26, 1992.

The Americans with Disabilities Act: a compliance workbook for small communities is available to NATaT members for $6 per copy and to others for $11 per copy. Volume discounts are available. Checks, money orders or purchase orders may be sent to the National Association of Towns and Townships, 1522 K Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20005; (202)737-5200, FAX (202)289-7996. •

Page 14 / Illinois Municipal Review / January 1993