working with voters with disabilities by the catskill ... · – differently-abled people with...

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The Catskill Center for Independence Project HAVA presents… Working with Voters with Disabilities Catskill Center for Independence 2008

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Page 1: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

The Catskill Center for IndependenceProject HAVA presents…

Working with Voters with Disabilities

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 2: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 3: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Avoid outdated termsand negative terminology

– Do Not Say: handicapped victim sufferer invalid.

-Instead Say: Person with a disability Cancer survivor Person with AIDS Person who uses a

wheelchair

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 4: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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.

Page 5: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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.

Page 6: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Voting is a Civil Right; Discrimination is IllegalWithout 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.

Page 7: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 8: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Accessible vs. Handicapped

Accessible is an empowering word. Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 9: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 10: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 11: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 12: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 13: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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.

Page 14: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 15: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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.

Page 16: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Other Considerations & Things to Think About

– Service Animals

– Alternate Accessible Formats

– Policy Modifications

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 17: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 18: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Service Animals Continued:

Can be other animals besides dogs.- Miniature ponies

No proof required; no special license needed.

Page 19: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 20: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 21: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Physical Access of Polling Sites

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 22: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Priorities for accessible voting

Getting to the polling place

Entering the polling place

Using the polling place

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 23: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Parking

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Two 8’ wide designated accessible parking spaces can share one 8’ wide access aisle.

Page 24: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Exterior Accessible Route:

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Must connect accessible parking to accessible entrance and be a minimum of 36”wide.

Page 25: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Signage

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 26: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Barriers

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 27: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Entrance

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

A minimum clear width of 32” is required for the doorway at the accessible entrance.

Page 28: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Accessible Door Hardware

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 29: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Latch Side Clearance:

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Allows voter in a wheelchair or other mobility device to pull the door open and then enter; 18“ minimum required, 24” preferred.

Page 30: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Interior Accessible Route

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

By placing a large planter under the wall mounted object as a detectable warning, this

man could avoid an accident.

Page 31: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Voting Area

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Maintain a 36” wide clear path of travel throughout voting area.

Page 32: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

Additional Barriers in the Voting Area: Chairs

Lines

Bake sales/dinners/craft fairs

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 33: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

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

Page 34: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

For More InformationContact Project HAVA at:

The Catskill Center for [email protected]

Catskill Center for Independence 2008

Page 35: Working with Voters with Disabilities by The Catskill ... · – Differently-abled People with disabilities do not like these ... Some people who are deaf cannot hear perfectly well

The Catskill Center for Independence & Project HAVA thank you

for remembering…

Catskill Center for Independence 2008