The Accessible Virtual Community

This link provides downloadable access symbols, provided copyright free, for closed captioning, descriptive video, and web access.

This website provides information on accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities. This website contains a table of contents on all important aspects of building and facilities.

This four-page fact sheet “offers guidelines for applying universal design in the workplace to address the needs of employees and customers with disabilities”. The fact sheet also discusses the seven principles associated with universal design and how they can be applied to various areas of the workplace. Specific examples are provided.

This website focuses on some of the emerging accessibility issues, design parameters that affect sidewalks, street crossing design, and operation. It provides recommendations on how to design sidewalks, street crossings, intersections, shared use paths, and recreational pedestrian trails. (Last updated 2001)

Persons with disabilities like other consumers shop and work in retail stores. There are a number of simple and inexpensive ways to make your retail business more disability friendly. Some involve changes in appearance, others in physical arrangements. This web page offers suggestions which can greatly enhance the universal access to a store or business.

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace.

The NBDC is the leading resource for employers seeking to integrate people with disabilities into the workplace and companies seeking to reach them in the consumer marketplace. This website is rich in resources for employers, including Incentives & Return on Investment, Recruiting, Interviewing & Hiring, Achieving Workplace Success , and Retaining Valued Employees. A Job Seekers page is also available with fresh ideas, including "Elevator Pitches", networking area, resume writing assistance and more.

This checklist (1995) will help you identify accessibility problems and solutions in existing facilities in order to meet your obligations under the ADA, however may be outdated with regard to specific updates in the law.

This web page discusses the effect a disability may have on the ability to work, including the burdens that may be placed on the individual, their families, and the employers. Legislation regarding workers with disabilities as well as accommodations that can be made to the job or the workplace is also explained.

This 17 page research article gives background information regarding universal design in the workplace including social implications and its value from a management perspective. It consists of guidelines for universal design planning in different stages of the process as well as interviews with executives, mangers, and workers. The purpose of the research is to serve as a reference when introducing universal design to offices and other workplaces.