Pacific ADA Center - HHS Region 9 - The Pacific ADA Center (the Center) will implement a comprehensive, sustained program of training, technical assistance, information dissemination, and research that advances the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) throughout Region 9. Training Activities The Center will conduct a variety of trainings throughout the project period that cover a wide array of topics for different audiences. Quarterly Lunch and Learns will be geared toward educating people with disabilities about their ADA rights. An ADA in Action bi-monthly series will host guest experts to talk about practical applications of implementing the ADA. Our Healthcare and the ADA Series will focus on healthcare-related barriers and solutions. In addition to these regular training series, the Center will host customized trainings upon request, provide some specialized training to address gaps in existing resources, and develop online courses for deeper understanding of complex topics. We will host an annual virtual conference and present at local, state, and national events that align with our mission. This will be measured by a 90% increase in knowledge and a 95% rating of training as good to excellent. Information Dissemination Dissemination efforts will take place through the Center’s website, social media accounts, newsletters and e-blasts, short-videos, traditional media platforms (print, radio, magazines, etc.), self-paced online courses, webinars, technical guidance materials, fact sheets, and archived recorded trainings. This will be measured by at least five resources published, a monthly newsletter, a 10% increase in social media followers, and a 10% increase in website traffic. Technical Assistance The Center uses two veteran staff members to provide TA for our region via phone, email, text, and our website contact form. We also contract with designated affiliates to expand our TA reach in their service areas. The Center will provide quarterly capacity building training to these affiliates to ensure they have the expertise needed to provide quality TA. The Center will spearhead a new TA initiative for ADA Coordinators. The ADA Coordinator Impact Network will train, mentor, and connect ADA Coordinators across the country to better support them in their roles and responsibilities. This initiative will be in partnership with several other regional ADA Centers. Another initiative, Strengthening ADANN’s Technical Workforce Capacity, will be led by the ADA KT Center and aim to build better infrastructure to support the professional development of TA specialists and improve the quality of TA services at all of the ADANN’s regional ADA Centers. This will be measured by an average of 90% knowledge, decision, or implementation outcomes and 80% useful information on TA Outcomes reports Research The Center will conduct two research projects this cycle. The first research project is in partnership with the University of Maryland to improve disability disclosure processes, accommodation practices, and ADA implementation in the workplace. Center staff will oversee the second research project, which will conduct a systematic gap analysis of ADA and disability-related content across nursing curricula, accreditation standards, and certification frameworks; produce recommendations informed by both nursing and other multidisciplinary experts; and deliver the first standardized tool for measuring how consistently nursing programs prepare students to care for individuals with disabilities. The Center will accomplish these goals and activities through a detailed project management plan that engages and supports our experienced and qualified staff, assistance from a wide network of affiliates and community partners, and continued prioritization of accessibility for all, and refining our work based on feedback from our stakeholders.
