State ADA Compliance Office
Sharon Alston Ellis, J.D.
Mission, Vision and Values
Our Team
Mission
- We ensure all aspects of the State of Michigan are compliant with federal and state Americans with Disabilities Act-related laws. We engage citizens and advocacy groups to learn through listening.
Vision
- We commit to make the State of Michigan the best place where, with or without reasonable accommodations, those who want to work may do so, and all citizens can participate in its offerings.
Values
- We recognize the dignity, value and potential of every Michigan citizen, regardless of current ability.
- We acknowledge the unique talents and contributions every Michigan citizen offers and believe, with these talents combined, the State of Michigan is made stronger.
Past Projects
Background
Moving Forward
DTMB Building Audit
Title I
Transition Plan
- Completed in cooperation with the architectural firm Bergmann Associates and the Capital Area Center for Independent Living
- Assessed accessibility and signage under 2010 ADA Standards in nearly 40 DTMB managed facilities statewide
- Data will be put into an online database
- Using the data from our audit we will work to create a Transition Plan for DTMB
- Provide guidance to other departments in creating their Transition Plans
- Develop a new Statewide ADA Transition Plan, the first since 1992
- Protects employees from discrimination regarding:
- Hiring
- Firing
- Job Training
- And many other aspects of the job
- Covers reasonable accommodation for employees
Website Accessibility
Title II
ADA IT Team
- The public interacts more with the State via our websites than our buildings
- Worked closely with Ellen Martin, the State Webmaster to make our websites compliant
- Created a special presentation using blindfolds to teach awareness of the need for accessible websites for people with limited vision
- After first presentation, website compliance improved dramatically - now over 60,000 pages are accessible!
- Applies to State and local governments
- Protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination regarding:
- Services
- Programs
- Activities
- Pertains to both buildings and online applications/websites
- Many accessibility problems are IT related
- Created an ad hoc team to assist with IT related issues
- Focus of ADA IT Team is
- Awareness
- Education
- Training
- If permanent, will provide a one-stop shop for all ADA IT related issues
Lunch and Learn Sessions
Emergency Evacuation Chairs
- Working with Stryker to obtain emergency evacuation chairs for people with disabilities
- Once obtained through donations and discounts, will be installed in every DTMB managed facility
- Held lunch and learn sessions with Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators and ADA Coordinators from all departments in State government
- Offered resources and guidance and learned of issues and challenges coordinators face
- Partnering with other departments to provide training for agencies
Other Plans
- Work with BSBP to create online menus for their vendors in State buildings
- Revamp the Mi-Disability Resources page
- Develop training for RACs/ADACs to improve consistency in handling ADA issues
Sharon Alston Ellis, J.D.
Department Director
Joel Hoffman
Department Manager
Judy Ferrigan
Department Specialist
Dan Morgan
Department Specialist
Josh DeBrabander
Research Assistant
All three branches of government working together!
Executive
ADA
Legislative
Judicial