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 Catskill Center for Independence 2008

The Catskill Center for Independence Project HAVA presents… Working with Voters with Disabilities.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008. Interacting with people…not disabilities. Use Person First Language Person with a disability; person who uses a wheelchair; person who is blind.

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 Catskill Center for Independence 2008

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  1. The Catskill Center for IndependenceProject HAVA presents…Working with Voters with Disabilities  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  2. Interacting with people…not disabilities. • Use Person First Language • Person with a disability; person who uses a wheelchair; person who is blind. • This affirms the individual and confers respect.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  3. Do Not Say: handicapped victim sufferer invalid. -Instead Say: Person with a disability Cancer survivor Person with AIDS Person who uses a wheelchair Avoid outdated termsand negative terminology  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  4. HAVA’s Disability Access Requirements for Voting Systems. • Accessible voting systems used in federal elections. • At least one accessible system for each polling place. • Same opportunity for access and participation as other voters –a private and independent vote.

  5. How Voters Vote • Anyone can use the accessible voting system or ballot marking device (BMD). • How a person chooses to vote is up to the person, not the poll workers. • Dissuading a voter from using a BMD is discriminatory.

  6. Voting is a Civil Right; Discrimination is Illegal • Without knowing it, poll workers can inadvertently be violating a persons civil rights by the questions they ask. • Asking a voter what type of disability they have is unnecessary and illegal.

  7. HAVA’s Voting Information Requirements • Specific information posted at each polling site to include: • Sample ballot • Hours of operation for polls • Voting instructions, including how to cast a provisional ballot • Instructions for first time voters • Applicable Federal and State laws

  8. Accessible vs. Handicapped Accessible is an empowering word.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  9. Not So Politically Correct • Don’t Use: • Physically challenged • Mentally challenged • Differently-abled • People with disabilities do not like these terms.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  10. In the Vernacular • Using common everyday language is perfectly fine. For example saying: • “See you later” to someone who is blind or • “I hear that!” to someone who is deaf is part of normal speech. • Relax , converse normally, use some sensitivity.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  11. Speak directly to the person • When interacting with an individual with a disability who is accompanied by an interpreter or assistant, speak directly to that person, NOT their assistant.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  12. Habits of Speech • Some people who are blind can hear perfectly well – no need to shout! • Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well – no need to shout!  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  13. More on Communication • Lip readers need to see lips: face the person, don’t turn away, don’t over exaggerate mouth movements. • ASL interpreters are not required at polling sites; paper and pencil would suffice for communicating.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  14. A Person’s Equipment is Part of Their Personal Space • Never lean on someone’s wheelchair or move it without permission. • Sit down next to individual who uses a wheelchair; this allows a comfortable and relaxed exchange.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  15. When in doubt…ask! • If you are not sure how to assist a person with a disability, • Ask that individual how best to help. • Allow the person to direct you. • Respect their answer even if it is a refusal.

  16. Other Considerations & Things to Think About • Service Animals • Alternate Accessible Formats • Policy Modifications  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  17. Service Animals : • Are allowed in polling places. • Should not be distracted from their work. • Are NOT pets; they are working animals.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  18. Service Animals Continued: • Can be other animals besides dogs. - Miniature ponies • No proof required; no special license needed.

  19. Alternative Accessible Formats • Material provided to the public must be provided in alternative accessible format. It is the law. • Examples: large print, audio, Braille, electronic (CD/disk). • Types of documents: registration forms, sample ballots, provisional ballots, & more.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  20. Policy Modifications • May be permanent • responding to call button, maintaining clear path of travel • or temporary • portable ramps, cones for parking, signage  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  21. Physical Access of Polling Sites  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  22. Priorities for accessible voting • Getting to the polling place • Entering the polling place • Using the polling place  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  23. Parking Two 8’ wide designated accessible parking spaces can share one 8’ wide access aisle.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  24. Exterior Accessible Route: Must connect accessible parking to accessible entrance and be a minimum of 36” wide.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  25. Signage  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  26. Barriers  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  27. Entrance A minimum clear width of 32” is required for the doorway at the accessible entrance.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  28. Accessible Door Hardware  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  29. Latch Side Clearance: Allows voter in a wheelchair or other mobility device to pull the door open and then enter; 18“ minimum required, 24” preferred.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  30. Interior Accessible Route By placing a large planter under the wall mounted object as a detectable warning, this man could avoid an accident.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  31. Voting Area Maintain a 36” wide clear path of travel throughout voting area.  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  32. Additional Barriers in the Voting Area: • Chairs • Lines • Bake sales/dinners/craft fairs  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  33. Tips for Barrier-free Voting: • Provide accessible parking • Maintain 36” path of travel through out polling site • Provide signage indicating accessible route • Make certain bake sales/other events do not impede anyone’s ability to vote on election day!  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  34. For More InformationContact Project HAVA at: The Catskill Center for Independence nyshava@ccfi.us 1-888-NYS-HAVA 1-888-697-4282  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

  35. The Catskill Center for Independence & Project HAVA thank you for remembering…  Catskill Center for Independence 2008

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