ALERT: Changing time from 12 noon to 9 am and start game at 10 am due to ASL Films showing at the same day... Thank you...
-- Déjà vu Poker Club
presents
No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em Poker Night
~ Saturday, January 15, 2011 ~
SITE
LAAD Cajun Clubhouse
200 Rue de Belier
Lafayette, LA
(Direction can be found at mapquest.com)
------------------------------------------------
Door opens at 9:00 AM
---------------------------------------------
Poker Players: Sign-up & information of rules will be provided at 9:00 a.m.
First Come First Served (CAPACITY: 48 players LIMIT)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAME
1st session at 10:00 a.m.
NO Minors! ONLY Age of 21 & UP is allowed to play.
BUY IN: $ 50.00 ($ 40,000 in poker chips)
Unlimited Rebuys
RE BUY: $10.00
NEW Addition: 'Best My Hand' Jackpot (Optional): $5.00 to compete for the 'Best My Hand' of the day to win jackpot.
Prizes will be the ratio: 1 to 4 (¼) - 100% RETURNED
NON-Poker Players:
FLASH! We have a new addition game - Lingo (known as 'Dingo') for non-poker players.Sign-up & information of rules will be provided at 9:00 a.m.
For more details, contact Dale Granger, Poker Director at dgran10007@yahoo.com or LAAD's Public Relations atCajunLAAD@laad.net
LAADly Yours,
Cindy Robillard
Public Relations for LAAD e-News
Showing posts with label louisiana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label louisiana. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Miss Black Deaf Louisiana
Hello everyone...
Please note it's for contestant only, not includes members, committee, and etc. Please help us to spread the word to your friends.
Thanks and have a great week.
Tanya
Dear Deaf & Hearing of Hearing Community:
The 2011 Miss Black Deaf Louisiana Contestant Meeting is Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Baton Rouge at the Starbucks Coffee on College Drive. Anyone who would like to join the contestant pageant; you must attend the mandatory contestant meeting. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email atfamilybrown5@yahoo.com. I look forward to meeting you at the meeting.
Thank you,
Tanya
Please note it's for contestant only, not includes members, committee, and etc. Please help us to spread the word to your friends.
Thanks and have a great week.
Tanya
Dear Deaf & Hearing of Hearing Community:
The 2011 Miss Black Deaf Louisiana Contestant Meeting is Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Baton Rouge at the Starbucks Coffee on College Drive. Anyone who would like to join the contestant pageant; you must attend the mandatory contestant meeting. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email atfamilybrown5@yahoo.com. I look forward to meeting you at the meeting.
Thank you,
Tanya
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
2011 Miss Black Deaf Louisiana
Dear Deaf & Hearing of Hearing Community:
The 2011 Miss Black Deaf Louisiana Contestant Meeting is Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Baton Rouge at the Starbucks Coffee on College Drive. Anyone who would like to join the contestant pageant; you must attend the mandatory contestant meeting. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email at familybrown5@yahoo.com. I look forward to meeting you at the meeting.
Thank you,
Tanya Brown
The 2011 Miss Black Deaf Louisiana Contestant Meeting is Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Baton Rouge at the Starbucks Coffee on College Drive. Anyone who would like to join the contestant pageant; you must attend the mandatory contestant meeting. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email at familybrown5@yahoo.com. I look forward to meeting you at the meeting.
Thank you,
Tanya Brown
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Work Pay Job Fair in Lake Charles, LA
Coming up Soon!! Work Pay$ Job Fair for People with DisABILITIES in Lake Charles
What: WANTED: "Willing and Able Workers" for the Work Pay$ Job Fair for People with DisABILITIES - SWLA/Lake Charles LA Area
When: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Where: Calcasieu Parish Business & Career Solutions Center
4250 5th Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70607
"Talent Has No Boundaries: Workforce Diversity INCLUDES Workers With DisABILITIES!"
For more information on the Work Pay$ Job Fair available in SWLA/Lake Charles Area contact Wallace Johnson at Families Helping Families of SWLA, (337)436-2570 or 1-800-894-6558 or by email at: wljohnson@fhfswla.org.
For More Information on other Work Pay$ Job Fairs available in Louisiana during the month of October 2010 visit: www.work-pays.org or call the "Louisiana Workforce Commission" (225)342-7651.
Employers/Businesses that are hiring people for work can register to reserve exhibit booth space at the job fair by going to:
http://www.fhfswla.org/Documents/Work-Pay-Job-Fair-Flyer-Business-Registration-2010.pdf
What: WANTED: "Willing and Able Workers" for the Work Pay$ Job Fair for People with DisABILITIES - SWLA/Lake Charles LA Area
When: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Where: Calcasieu Parish Business & Career Solutions Center
4250 5th Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70607
"Talent Has No Boundaries: Workforce Diversity INCLUDES Workers With DisABILITIES!"
For more information on the Work Pay$ Job Fair available in SWLA/Lake Charles Area contact Wallace Johnson at Families Helping Families of SWLA, (337)436-2570 or 1-800-894-6558 or by email at: wljohnson@fhfswla.org.
For More Information on other Work Pay$ Job Fairs available in Louisiana during the month of October 2010 visit: www.work-pays.org or call the "Louisiana Workforce Commission" (225)342-7651.
Employers/Businesses that are hiring people for work can register to reserve exhibit booth space at the job fair by going to:
http://www.fhfswla.org/Documents/Work-Pay-Job-Fair-Flyer-Business-Registration-2010.pdf
Harold James Potter
In Loving Memory of Harold James Potter
October 11, 1952 – September 16, 2010
A resident of Baton Rouge, he died on Thursday, September 16, 2010, at his brother and sister-in-law’s home, of a massive heart attack. He loved to be with his brother Gary to go fishing, watch NASCAR, and watched New England Patriot football. He was born October 11, 1952, in Concord, NH. He is survived by 4 sisters and 4 brothers. His closest brother is Gary Potter and his other siblings include: Sandra Croswell, Allen Potter, Sharon Hall, Roy Potter, Linda Jacques, Ruth Mayo, and David Potter, and has lots of nieces and nephews.
Harold graduated from Austine School for the Deaf in 1972 and he went to NTID to obtain his associate of arts degree in photography. Then he moved to California to teach the chimpanzees sign language at Northridge of California State University for 3 years. Afterwards, he moved to Brattlesboro, VT to teach photography to Deaf children at Austine School for the Deaf. He was also a cottage parent to the Deaf children at Austine School for the Deaf. Then he moved to Fredericksburg, VA to work with his brother, Gary Potter. After that, he moved to Baton Rouge, LA and has been a residence of Baton Rouge for 3 years.
There will be a memorial service at Healing Place Church, 19202 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. An interpreter will be available. You are invited to attend his memorial service. Also, there will be another brief memorial to spread his ashes to say goodbye on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at 1450 Hwy 906, Monterey, LA 71354
October 11, 1952 – September 16, 2010
A resident of Baton Rouge, he died on Thursday, September 16, 2010, at his brother and sister-in-law’s home, of a massive heart attack. He loved to be with his brother Gary to go fishing, watch NASCAR, and watched New England Patriot football. He was born October 11, 1952, in Concord, NH. He is survived by 4 sisters and 4 brothers. His closest brother is Gary Potter and his other siblings include: Sandra Croswell, Allen Potter, Sharon Hall, Roy Potter, Linda Jacques, Ruth Mayo, and David Potter, and has lots of nieces and nephews.
Harold graduated from Austine School for the Deaf in 1972 and he went to NTID to obtain his associate of arts degree in photography. Then he moved to California to teach the chimpanzees sign language at Northridge of California State University for 3 years. Afterwards, he moved to Brattlesboro, VT to teach photography to Deaf children at Austine School for the Deaf. He was also a cottage parent to the Deaf children at Austine School for the Deaf. Then he moved to Fredericksburg, VA to work with his brother, Gary Potter. After that, he moved to Baton Rouge, LA and has been a residence of Baton Rouge for 3 years.
There will be a memorial service at Healing Place Church, 19202 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. An interpreter will be available. You are invited to attend his memorial service. Also, there will be another brief memorial to spread his ashes to say goodbye on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at 1450 Hwy 906, Monterey, LA 71354
Friday, September 17, 2010
White Cane Day in Baton Rouge
10/14 is White Cane Day in Downtown Baton Rouge
The White Cane is the primary aid providing mobility and safety to our blind citizens allowing them the freedom to participate fully in the life of their communities.
Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired celebrates White Cane Day
October 14, 2010
Downtown Baton Rouge
For further information contact: 225-757-3481
The White Cane is the primary aid providing mobility and safety to our blind citizens allowing them the freedom to participate fully in the life of their communities.
Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired celebrates White Cane Day
October 14, 2010
Downtown Baton Rouge
For further information contact: 225-757-3481
LAAD Website
Check update pictures at our website, www.laad.net from FUN DAY event. Look under Cine's and LAAD on Multi Media. Thank you.
We had 89 people with kids attending and we had a great time. Everybody enjoyed eating fried shrimp plate and also Congratulations to Mae Dupre won POTTO. Next event will be Halloween Party by NDMBA Fund on October 30, 2010. Look forward the flyer next week. Hope yall had a great time on Labor Day as we are closed that day and I did not send any emails last week due to Labor Day.
--
LAADly Yours,
Cindy Robillard
Public Relations for LAAD e-News
We had 89 people with kids attending and we had a great time. Everybody enjoyed eating fried shrimp plate and also Congratulations to Mae Dupre won POTTO. Next event will be Halloween Party by NDMBA Fund on October 30, 2010. Look forward the flyer next week. Hope yall had a great time on Labor Day as we are closed that day and I did not send any emails last week due to Labor Day.
--
LAADly Yours,
Cindy Robillard
Public Relations for LAAD e-News
Saturday, September 4, 2010
EVENTS/MEETINGS AT LAAD CLUBHOUSE
EVENTS/MEETINGS AT LAAD CLUBHOUSE
September 5, 2010-- NDMBA COMMITTEE MEETING at 10 am
September 5, 2010 -- Social Bingo
September 11, 2010-- Poker at 2 pm Menu will be Lasagna, green salad, and french bread--$5.00 per plate
September 12, 2010 --NDMBA's FUNDRAISING "FUN DAY" Look forward flyer through email and www.laad.net
September 18, 2010 -- Ways and Means Budget Meeting at 1 pm at LAAD Clubhouse and Rules and Regulations/ Guidelines Meeting after Ways and Means Budget
September 19, 2010 -- LAAD Monthly Meeting at 1 pm Check email about BBQ Hamburgers to order by September 11.
September 26, 2010 -- Social Bingo
September 5, 2010-- NDMBA COMMITTEE MEETING at 10 am
September 5, 2010 -- Social Bingo
September 11, 2010-- Poker at 2 pm Menu will be Lasagna, green salad, and french bread--$5.00 per plate
September 12, 2010 --NDMBA's FUNDRAISING "FUN DAY" Look forward flyer through email and www.laad.net
September 18, 2010 -- Ways and Means Budget Meeting at 1 pm at LAAD Clubhouse and Rules and Regulations/ Guidelines Meeting after Ways and Means Budget
September 19, 2010 -- LAAD Monthly Meeting at 1 pm Check email about BBQ Hamburgers to order by September 11.
September 26, 2010 -- Social Bingo
Saturday, August 14, 2010
LRS 2010 STATE PLAN PUBLIC MEETING LOCATIONS
LRS 2010 STATE PLAN PUBLIC MEETING LOCATIONS
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) is the state agency that administers the public Vocational Rehabilitation Program for persons with disabilities in Louisiana.
Effective July 1, 2010 LRS was transferred to the Louisiana
Workforce Commission from the Department of Social Services.
As a result of this transfer, the 2011 State Plan must be revised.
LRS will hold statewide public meetings to inform you of the revisions and provide an opportunity for you to express your views, opinions, concerns and comments.
Date & Time Location
Thursday, August 19th, 2pm-4pm NEW ORLEANS
UNO - Oliver St. Pe/TRAC Building
2000 Lakeshore Drive, Conference Room 101
Friday, August 20th, 1pm-3pm BATON ROUGE
LRS Regional Office
3651 Cedarcrest Avenue, Conference Room
Monday, August 23rd, 10am-12pm MONROE
LRS Regional Office, State Office Building
122 St. John Street, Conference Room
Monday, August 23rd, 2pm-4:pm SHREVEPORT
LRS Regional Office
1525 Fairfield Avenue, Conference Room
Tuesday, August 24th, 10am-12pm ALEXANDRIA
LRS Regional Office
900 Murray Street, 1st Floor Conference Room
Wednesday, August 25th, 10am-Noon LAKE CHARLES
LRS Regional Office,
3616 Kirkman Street, Conference Room
Wednesday, August 25th, 2pm-4pm LAFAYETTE
LRS Regional Office, Conference Room
Brandywine VI, 825 Kaliste Saloom Road
Thursday, August 26th, 2pm-4pm THIBODAUX
LRS Regional Office
1442 Tiger Drive, Conference Room
Interpreters for deaf/hard-of-hearing will be available at all sites.
We look forward to seeing you and invite your participation. Comments
will be recorded.
If you are unable to attend but would like to provide comments, you can send written comments through September 3, 2010 to the
following:
LRS Public Meetings, P.O. Box 91297, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9297.
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) is the state agency that administers the public Vocational Rehabilitation Program for persons with disabilities in Louisiana.
Effective July 1, 2010 LRS was transferred to the Louisiana
Workforce Commission from the Department of Social Services.
As a result of this transfer, the 2011 State Plan must be revised.
LRS will hold statewide public meetings to inform you of the revisions and provide an opportunity for you to express your views, opinions, concerns and comments.
Date & Time Location
Thursday, August 19th, 2pm-4pm NEW ORLEANS
UNO - Oliver St. Pe/TRAC Building
2000 Lakeshore Drive, Conference Room 101
Friday, August 20th, 1pm-3pm BATON ROUGE
LRS Regional Office
3651 Cedarcrest Avenue, Conference Room
Monday, August 23rd, 10am-12pm MONROE
LRS Regional Office, State Office Building
122 St. John Street, Conference Room
Monday, August 23rd, 2pm-4:pm SHREVEPORT
LRS Regional Office
1525 Fairfield Avenue, Conference Room
Tuesday, August 24th, 10am-12pm ALEXANDRIA
LRS Regional Office
900 Murray Street, 1st Floor Conference Room
Wednesday, August 25th, 10am-Noon LAKE CHARLES
LRS Regional Office,
3616 Kirkman Street, Conference Room
Wednesday, August 25th, 2pm-4pm LAFAYETTE
LRS Regional Office, Conference Room
Brandywine VI, 825 Kaliste Saloom Road
Thursday, August 26th, 2pm-4pm THIBODAUX
LRS Regional Office
1442 Tiger Drive, Conference Room
Interpreters for deaf/hard-of-hearing will be available at all sites.
We look forward to seeing you and invite your participation. Comments
will be recorded.
If you are unable to attend but would like to provide comments, you can send written comments through September 3, 2010 to the
following:
LRS Public Meetings, P.O. Box 91297, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9297.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Miss Louisiana UPDATE
If you have not yet heard, Andrea Sonnier received 2 awards at the recent Miss Louisiana Pageant.
She received an Honorable Mention for her dance talent AND she won Miss Congeniality (which was voted on by all the contestants).
To view Andrea preliminary performances, go to the http://www.misslouisiana.com/live2010/. Andrea is #28 .
6/24 she competed in Swimsuit and Evening Gowns
6/25 she competed in Talent and On Stage Question
6/26 was the final night of the competition - you can see Andrea during the group dance numbers and the final greeting to the cameras signing "I love you".
Congratulations to Andrea for a wonderful performance this weekend.
She received an Honorable Mention for her dance talent AND she won Miss Congeniality (which was voted on by all the contestants).
To view Andrea preliminary performances, go to the http://www.misslouisiana.com/live2010/. Andrea is #28 .
6/24 she competed in Swimsuit and Evening Gowns
6/25 she competed in Talent and On Stage Question
6/26 was the final night of the competition - you can see Andrea during the group dance numbers and the final greeting to the cameras signing "I love you".
Congratulations to Andrea for a wonderful performance this weekend.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Upcoming Training related to Deaf Education
Upcoming Training related to Deaf Education
Summer 2010
Deaf Education Administrators Seminar - Wednesday June 9, 2010
This one-day training opportunity is designed for principals, district coordinators / supervisors, directors, teachers and anyone interested in services and programs for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Mr. Kevin Williams, who helped create the Educational Interpreters Performance Assessment (EIPA), will share insights and ideas about key issues related to deaf education. Kevin will talk about language deficits, the impact that has on academics, and strategies to decrease the deficits. He will discuss language choices from speech, to cuing, to signing, resources (teachers, interpreters, materials, etc.) and take your questions and concerns about providing efficient and effective services to students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Registration is 8:30 – 9:00. Workshop is 9:00 – 4:00 with an hour for lunch. Lunch is on your own.
For more information contact Melodie Sparks 225-342-3661
There is no registration fee.
Available on Coursewhere now.
Educational Interpreter Mentor Training - Thursday June 10, 2010
This training is by invitation only. This one-day training opportunity is designed for mentors of educational interpreters (state mentor and district lead interpreters). If a district has lead interpreters they would like trained but who have not been invited, please contact Melodie @ 225.342.3661.
This training will address a variety of skills for mentoring interpreters through the tenants of the EIPA such as space, classifiers, key vocabulary, and fingerspelling. Use of prosody in interpretation will be the overriding focus of the workshop
Registration is 8:30 – 9:00. Workshop is 9:00 – 4:00 with an hour for lunch. Lunch is on your own.
There is no registration fee. Available on Coursewhere now.
This Professional Series workshop is being offered for .6 CEUs at the advanced Content Knowledge Level,
LRID is an approved RID CMP sponsor for continuing education activities.
Educational Interpreter Training – Friday June 11, 2010. Claiborne Building, Baton Rouge. This one day workshop will focus on voicing and noticing opportunities to give voice to your students. Discussion will focus on when to voice, how to voice, and what to do with gestures, emotions, sounds, etc. Denise Crochet, a nationally certified interpreter and one of our state mentors, will be presenting.
Registration is 8:30 – 9:00. Workshop is 9:00 – 4:00 with an hour for lunch. Lunch is on your own.
There is no registration fee. Available on Coursewhere now.
This Professional Series workshop is being offered for .6 CEUs at the beginning/intermediate Content Knowledge Level
LRID is an approved RID CMP sponsor for continuing education activities.
Signing Exact English – July 12 – 16 in Baton Rouge, LA. The Louisiana School for the Deaf is allowing us to utilize their facilities for this workshop series. The SEE Center will present a weeklong workshop for educational interpreters who use or want to learn about SEE. Five instructors work for a week with interpreters of all skill levels. Focus on fingerspelling, grammar, vocabulary and a variety of skills designed to improve the skills of classroom interpreters.
Available on Coursewhere now
To request accommodations for the workshops or information on cancellation, check on Coursewhere or contact Melodie Sparks melodie.sparks@la.gov
Summer 2010
Deaf Education Administrators Seminar - Wednesday June 9, 2010
This one-day training opportunity is designed for principals, district coordinators / supervisors, directors, teachers and anyone interested in services and programs for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Mr. Kevin Williams, who helped create the Educational Interpreters Performance Assessment (EIPA), will share insights and ideas about key issues related to deaf education. Kevin will talk about language deficits, the impact that has on academics, and strategies to decrease the deficits. He will discuss language choices from speech, to cuing, to signing, resources (teachers, interpreters, materials, etc.) and take your questions and concerns about providing efficient and effective services to students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Registration is 8:30 – 9:00. Workshop is 9:00 – 4:00 with an hour for lunch. Lunch is on your own.
For more information contact Melodie Sparks 225-342-3661
There is no registration fee.
Available on Coursewhere now.
Educational Interpreter Mentor Training - Thursday June 10, 2010
This training is by invitation only. This one-day training opportunity is designed for mentors of educational interpreters (state mentor and district lead interpreters). If a district has lead interpreters they would like trained but who have not been invited, please contact Melodie @ 225.342.3661.
This training will address a variety of skills for mentoring interpreters through the tenants of the EIPA such as space, classifiers, key vocabulary, and fingerspelling. Use of prosody in interpretation will be the overriding focus of the workshop
Registration is 8:30 – 9:00. Workshop is 9:00 – 4:00 with an hour for lunch. Lunch is on your own.
There is no registration fee. Available on Coursewhere now.
This Professional Series workshop is being offered for .6 CEUs at the advanced Content Knowledge Level,
LRID is an approved RID CMP sponsor for continuing education activities.
Educational Interpreter Training – Friday June 11, 2010. Claiborne Building, Baton Rouge. This one day workshop will focus on voicing and noticing opportunities to give voice to your students. Discussion will focus on when to voice, how to voice, and what to do with gestures, emotions, sounds, etc. Denise Crochet, a nationally certified interpreter and one of our state mentors, will be presenting.
Registration is 8:30 – 9:00. Workshop is 9:00 – 4:00 with an hour for lunch. Lunch is on your own.
There is no registration fee. Available on Coursewhere now.
This Professional Series workshop is being offered for .6 CEUs at the beginning/intermediate Content Knowledge Level
LRID is an approved RID CMP sponsor for continuing education activities.
Signing Exact English – July 12 – 16 in Baton Rouge, LA. The Louisiana School for the Deaf is allowing us to utilize their facilities for this workshop series. The SEE Center will present a weeklong workshop for educational interpreters who use or want to learn about SEE. Five instructors work for a week with interpreters of all skill levels. Focus on fingerspelling, grammar, vocabulary and a variety of skills designed to improve the skills of classroom interpreters.
Available on Coursewhere now
To request accommodations for the workshops or information on cancellation, check on Coursewhere or contact Melodie Sparks melodie.sparks@la.gov
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Listings of Deaf Owned Businesses
Owns a carpentry business doing anything you need to remodel your home or repair your home. He can do fencing, sheetrock, flooring, plumbing, remodel bathrooms, bedrooms, addition to the house, minor roof repairs, change appliances, build cabinets, painting, laminate wood, wood floors, or tile floors. Just ask me if I can do anything you need repaired or remodeled.
Deaf Renovator
Gary Potter
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
vp: 225-341-6431
email: DeafRenovator@aol.com
text: 225-302-1154
**********************************************************************************
Lisa Chase, MS
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
email: lisachase24@cox.net
videophone: 225-341-6431
Tutoring service for Deaf or hard of hearing K-12th grade.
Teach American Sign Language to large groups or small groups and one-on-one
************************************************************************************
Paul's Upholstery
Paul and Michelle Monistere
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Email: paulsup@cox.net
VP: (225) 341-6334
Telephone: (225) 275-3458
************************************************************************************
Cake Decorations
I started doing the cake decorations at home . If anyone need to get a cake for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and wedding. I have experiences in cake decorating at Wal-Mart for 10 years and Ambrosia Bakery for 1 and half years. The order should be placed within 2 weeks ahead of time for regular and special occasion cakes and wedding cake in 2-3 months ahead . Thanks!
Jill Haney
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
vp:225-663-8393
pager: jordan11@tmo.blackberry.net
Email: jahaney2@cox.net
####################################################################################
HAIRSTYLIST
Miquel Gautreau, hairstylist
Black Vanity Salon
303 E. Ascension St.
Gonzales, La 70737
Text: 225-266-1965
Email: hairartist@sprint.blackberry.net
Cut&Style, color, foil highlights
************************************************************************************
Photography Services
Need a photographer?
Tate Tullier Photography does weddings, family/maternity/children portraits, modeling/headshots, documentary photography and other whatnots.
Check out: www.tatetullier.com and/or www.tatephotoblog.com for more info.
Tate Tullier Photography
www.tatetullier.com (website)
www.tatephotoblog.com (blog)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Cajun Rob's Upholstery:
Experience over 30 yrs. Can do everything such as cars/trucks, campers,
furniture, boats, ATV, motorcycles, etc. Headliner your top of vehicle,
panels on side of vehicles, can do furniture... Antique or regular...
YOU NAME IT and I can do everything... Very Reasonable PRICE!!!!
Larry Robillard, Owner
New Iberia, La. 70560
VP: 337-376-0228 or 866-572-6390
Email: CajunRob05@yahoo.com
Text: 337-303-4603 or 337-303-4581
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Repair and sell Washer and Electric Dryer machine at home or your place.
Will negotiate on a good price
Robley Berzas...deaf person
call VP 504 273 1167
email rberzas1@cox.net
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Do you or anyone you know need help with acne problems? I have the solution for you. Have aching feet and legs?
Have dry skin or oily skin or combination skin?
I have something for you. Come and see me. Need information on cosmetics and skin care treatments for men, women and youth? Would you like to host a Mary Kay class (I call it a Mary Kay party) and earn free skin care and/or cosmetics?
Contact me and find out HOW.
My number is (225) 288-5316 text only or e-mail me at pdmnnad@yahoo.com or pnadkarni@marykay.com
If you are interested in trying out samples before you buy them, e-mail or text me to let me know when you would like me to come by and give you the samples to try.
I have samples for most products and if I don't have what you want I will order the product, just so you can try.
Contact me also about My Specials for Back to School, Christmas, Easter and other events.
##########################################################
HOUSECLEANING
Hi! No time to clean? I can do it for you. I am affordable, very reliable and have a good positive attitude. I provide the following services for you:
*dust..windex* *empty all trashs* *vacuum..sweep..mop* *cleans/disinfects all bathrooms* *change sheets/make bed*
*sort laundry..fold/hang* *unload/load dishes* *can transport you to any appointments, grocery stores, etc* *extra cleanings as you request*
*Weekly upkeeping of your house/apartment/condo* *Reasonable price* *Monday to Wednesday 7am to 4pm*
*Thursday to Friday 3pm to 6pm*
Starts Monday April 12th…..
Karla Smith
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Pager…cajunhotboiledcrawfish@tmail.com
Text…225.284.6964
Email…cajunhottabasco31@cox.net
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Specializing in Weddings
Wedding Showers & Baby Showers
Silk Arrangements for your home & more.
For more information email Evelyn Kuyrkendall
bayoulala04@yahoo.com
check this out for pictures of wedding I did below
www.evelyndesigns.com
~ Evelyn Kuyrkendall
www.evelyndesigns.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hansen's Landscaping & Lawn Service
Contact-email: hansenslandscaping@tmail.com (pager);
hansenslandscaping@yahoo.com (computer);
Text: 504-638-0681 and VP: 985-240-3132.
I'm doing the landscaping & lawn service for over 31 yrs.
Please contact me for anything u need me to do for u at your home and any places.
Cutting grass, edge, weedeat and blow; pulling weeds, trim bushes, trim flowers, spread mulch, kill weed with round up, spread weed-block on bed in the bedding/gardening areas, cut trees (medium and small), grinding stumps, planting flowers and plants, and I can do clean up mess of any kinds laying on ground, do cleaning up shed, garage and even attic, do cleaning windows inside and outside, cleaning gutters, blowing leaves and debris off any roofs and anywhere, and anything as possible as I can for u*_*!
************************************************************************************
Computer Repair/Web Design
Web Design * Cd/DVD Cover & Disc * Posters / Flyers * Postcards * Business Cards / Notepads * Magnets * Brochures / Newsletter * TV & Movie (Video) Productions * Computer Services (Diagonstic/Installation/Virus & Spyware Checkup) * Photo Restoring/Retouching * Much More!!! PROBLEM or HELP??? Contact Me Because I'M HERE TO HELP!!!
Chris Guidry, CEO/FOUNDER
TEL/VP #: 866-874-7938
AIM: CAGTECHSERVICE
EMAIL: CAGTECHONLINE@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.CAGTECHONLINE.COM
************************************************************************************
I do scrapbooking, inviation cards and tranform regular pictures into professional arts. offering a very good reasonable prices. As for inviation cards pls contact me in one month advance. For more information, contact via 936-828-4696 or email via silentangelscreatives@gmail.com
Silent Angel's Creatives
Lillian Beauchamp- Owner
Willis, Texas 77318
VP: 936-828-4696
Deaf Renovator
Gary Potter
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
vp: 225-341-6431
email: DeafRenovator@aol.com
text: 225-302-1154
**********************************************************************************
Lisa Chase, MS
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
email: lisachase24@cox.net
videophone: 225-341-6431
Tutoring service for Deaf or hard of hearing K-12th grade.
Teach American Sign Language to large groups or small groups and one-on-one
************************************************************************************
Paul's Upholstery
Paul and Michelle Monistere
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Email: paulsup@cox.net
VP: (225) 341-6334
Telephone: (225) 275-3458
************************************************************************************
Cake Decorations
I started doing the cake decorations at home . If anyone need to get a cake for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and wedding. I have experiences in cake decorating at Wal-Mart for 10 years and Ambrosia Bakery for 1 and half years. The order should be placed within 2 weeks ahead of time for regular and special occasion cakes and wedding cake in 2-3 months ahead . Thanks!
Jill Haney
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
vp:225-663-8393
pager: jordan11@tmo.blackberry.net
Email: jahaney2@cox.net
####################################################################################
HAIRSTYLIST
Miquel Gautreau, hairstylist
Black Vanity Salon
303 E. Ascension St.
Gonzales, La 70737
Text: 225-266-1965
Email: hairartist@sprint.blackberry.net
Cut&Style, color, foil highlights
************************************************************************************
Photography Services
Need a photographer?
Tate Tullier Photography does weddings, family/maternity/children portraits, modeling/headshots, documentary photography and other whatnots.
Check out: www.tatetullier.com and/or www.tatephotoblog.com for more info.
Tate Tullier Photography
www.tatetullier.com (website)
www.tatephotoblog.com (blog)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Cajun Rob's Upholstery:
Experience over 30 yrs. Can do everything such as cars/trucks, campers,
furniture, boats, ATV, motorcycles, etc. Headliner your top of vehicle,
panels on side of vehicles, can do furniture... Antique or regular...
YOU NAME IT and I can do everything... Very Reasonable PRICE!!!!
Larry Robillard, Owner
New Iberia, La. 70560
VP: 337-376-0228 or 866-572-6390
Email: CajunRob05@yahoo.com
Text: 337-303-4603 or 337-303-4581
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Repair and sell Washer and Electric Dryer machine at home or your place.
Will negotiate on a good price
Robley Berzas...deaf person
call VP 504 273 1167
email rberzas1@cox.net
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Do you or anyone you know need help with acne problems? I have the solution for you. Have aching feet and legs?
Have dry skin or oily skin or combination skin?
I have something for you. Come and see me. Need information on cosmetics and skin care treatments for men, women and youth? Would you like to host a Mary Kay class (I call it a Mary Kay party) and earn free skin care and/or cosmetics?
Contact me and find out HOW.
My number is (225) 288-5316 text only or e-mail me at pdmnnad@yahoo.com or pnadkarni@marykay.com
If you are interested in trying out samples before you buy them, e-mail or text me to let me know when you would like me to come by and give you the samples to try.
I have samples for most products and if I don't have what you want I will order the product, just so you can try.
Contact me also about My Specials for Back to School, Christmas, Easter and other events.
##########################################################
HOUSECLEANING
Hi! No time to clean? I can do it for you. I am affordable, very reliable and have a good positive attitude. I provide the following services for you:
*dust..windex* *empty all trashs* *vacuum..sweep..mop* *cleans/disinfects all bathrooms* *change sheets/make bed*
*sort laundry..fold/hang* *unload/load dishes* *can transport you to any appointments, grocery stores, etc* *extra cleanings as you request*
*Weekly upkeeping of your house/apartment/condo* *Reasonable price* *Monday to Wednesday 7am to 4pm*
*Thursday to Friday 3pm to 6pm*
Starts Monday April 12th…..
Karla Smith
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Pager…cajunhotboiledcrawfish@tmail.com
Text…225.284.6964
Email…cajunhottabasco31@cox.net
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Specializing in Weddings
Wedding Showers & Baby Showers
Silk Arrangements for your home & more.
For more information email Evelyn Kuyrkendall
bayoulala04@yahoo.com
check this out for pictures of wedding I did below
www.evelyndesigns.com
~ Evelyn Kuyrkendall
www.evelyndesigns.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hansen's Landscaping & Lawn Service
Contact-email: hansenslandscaping@tmail.com (pager);
hansenslandscaping@yahoo.com (computer);
Text: 504-638-0681 and VP: 985-240-3132.
I'm doing the landscaping & lawn service for over 31 yrs.
Please contact me for anything u need me to do for u at your home and any places.
Cutting grass, edge, weedeat and blow; pulling weeds, trim bushes, trim flowers, spread mulch, kill weed with round up, spread weed-block on bed in the bedding/gardening areas, cut trees (medium and small), grinding stumps, planting flowers and plants, and I can do clean up mess of any kinds laying on ground, do cleaning up shed, garage and even attic, do cleaning windows inside and outside, cleaning gutters, blowing leaves and debris off any roofs and anywhere, and anything as possible as I can for u*_*!
************************************************************************************
Computer Repair/Web Design
Web Design * Cd/DVD Cover & Disc * Posters / Flyers * Postcards * Business Cards / Notepads * Magnets * Brochures / Newsletter * TV & Movie (Video) Productions * Computer Services (Diagonstic/Installation/Virus & Spyware Checkup) * Photo Restoring/Retouching * Much More!!! PROBLEM or HELP??? Contact Me Because I'M HERE TO HELP!!!
Chris Guidry, CEO/FOUNDER
TEL/VP #: 866-874-7938
AIM: CAGTECHSERVICE
EMAIL: CAGTECHONLINE@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.CAGTECHONLINE.COM
************************************************************************************
I do scrapbooking, inviation cards and tranform regular pictures into professional arts. offering a very good reasonable prices. As for inviation cards pls contact me in one month advance. For more information, contact via 936-828-4696 or email via silentangelscreatives@gmail.com
Silent Angel's Creatives
Lillian Beauchamp- Owner
Willis, Texas 77318
VP: 936-828-4696
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Deaf Night Out in Lake Charles, LA
LA Deaf Connection Deaf Night Out - South Louisiana - Saturday, April 10 at Frosty Factory from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM,
4688 Common Street, Lake Charles, LA 70607
http://www.frostyfactoryclub.com/
Other details: Come join us for our first DNO in Lake Charles!
This place has a little of EVERYTHING for EVERYONE to enjoy- beer, daiquiris, cocktails, pool tables, TVs.......Come one, Come all!!!!
The Frosty Factory of Lake Charles - Welcome
www.frostyfactoryclub.com
4688 Common Street, Lake Charles, LA 70607
http://www.frostyfactoryclub.com/
Other details: Come join us for our first DNO in Lake Charles!
This place has a little of EVERYTHING for EVERYONE to enjoy- beer, daiquiris, cocktails, pool tables, TVs.......Come one, Come all!!!!
The Frosty Factory of Lake Charles - Welcome
www.frostyfactoryclub.com
Educational Interpreter Workshops
Educational Interpreter Workshops
The State Department of Education is sponsoring several workshops for educational interpreters.
Sign to Voice Interpreting: Interpreting for Child Signers
April 17, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
An Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Videoconference Workshop will be held at the Claiborne Building in downtown Baton Rouge. There is no registration fee and there is no lunch break (you may bring a lunch if you wish). For more information, please contact Melodie Sparks at 225-342-3661.
This video conference will focus on what skills are necessary to be able to effectively interpret for child signers. We will look at a variety of child signers and identify the differences in their communicaiton styles and how to approach the S-V task during the EIPA assessment process. We will provide strategies for coping when information is missed and what to do to prepare to take the S-V portion of the EIPA.
Educational Interpreter Mentor Training
Thursday, June 10, 2010
This training is by invitation only. This one-day training opportunity is designed for mentors of educational interpreters (state mentor and district lead interpreters). If a district has lead interpreters who would like to be trained but have not been invited, they may contact Melodie Sparks at 225-342-3661. This training will address a variety of skills for mentoring interpreters through the tenets of the EIPA such as space, classifiers, key vocabulary and fingerspelling. Use of prosody in interpretation will be the overriding focus of the workshop.
Registration is from 8:30-9:00; workshop is from 9:00 - 4:00 with an hour for lunch, which is on your own. No registration fee.
Educational Interpreter Training
Friday, June 11, 2010 - Claiborne Building, Baton Rouge
This one-day workshop will focus on voicing and noticing opportunities to give voice to your students. Discussion will focus on when to voice, how to voice and what to do with gestures, emotions, sounds, etc. Denise Crochet, a nationally certified interpreter and one of our state mentors, will be presenting.
Registration is from 8:30-9:00; workshop is from 9:00 - 4:00 with an hour for lunch, which is on your own. No registration fee.
Signing Exact English
July 12-16, 2010. Site TBD but will be in Baton Rouge
The SEE Center presents a weeklong workshop for educational interpreters who use SEE. Five instructors work for a week with interpreters of all skill levels. Focus on fingerspelling, grammar, vocabulary and a variety of skills designed to improve the skills of classroom interpreters.
For more information about any of these workshops, contact Melodie Sparks. Her phone number is 225-342-3661
The State Department of Education is sponsoring several workshops for educational interpreters.
Sign to Voice Interpreting: Interpreting for Child Signers
April 17, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
An Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Videoconference Workshop will be held at the Claiborne Building in downtown Baton Rouge. There is no registration fee and there is no lunch break (you may bring a lunch if you wish). For more information, please contact Melodie Sparks at 225-342-3661.
This video conference will focus on what skills are necessary to be able to effectively interpret for child signers. We will look at a variety of child signers and identify the differences in their communicaiton styles and how to approach the S-V task during the EIPA assessment process. We will provide strategies for coping when information is missed and what to do to prepare to take the S-V portion of the EIPA.
Educational Interpreter Mentor Training
Thursday, June 10, 2010
This training is by invitation only. This one-day training opportunity is designed for mentors of educational interpreters (state mentor and district lead interpreters). If a district has lead interpreters who would like to be trained but have not been invited, they may contact Melodie Sparks at 225-342-3661. This training will address a variety of skills for mentoring interpreters through the tenets of the EIPA such as space, classifiers, key vocabulary and fingerspelling. Use of prosody in interpretation will be the overriding focus of the workshop.
Registration is from 8:30-9:00; workshop is from 9:00 - 4:00 with an hour for lunch, which is on your own. No registration fee.
Educational Interpreter Training
Friday, June 11, 2010 - Claiborne Building, Baton Rouge
This one-day workshop will focus on voicing and noticing opportunities to give voice to your students. Discussion will focus on when to voice, how to voice and what to do with gestures, emotions, sounds, etc. Denise Crochet, a nationally certified interpreter and one of our state mentors, will be presenting.
Registration is from 8:30-9:00; workshop is from 9:00 - 4:00 with an hour for lunch, which is on your own. No registration fee.
Signing Exact English
July 12-16, 2010. Site TBD but will be in Baton Rouge
The SEE Center presents a weeklong workshop for educational interpreters who use SEE. Five instructors work for a week with interpreters of all skill levels. Focus on fingerspelling, grammar, vocabulary and a variety of skills designed to improve the skills of classroom interpreters.
For more information about any of these workshops, contact Melodie Sparks. Her phone number is 225-342-3661
Sunday, March 28, 2010
LA Deaf Connection
There are several ways to join/subscribe LA Deaf Connection!
1. Email me at ladeafconnection@gmail.com and request for me to add your email address to our listserve. It will be kept private and will not share with others. You will get the news every time I send out.
2. Join Facebook at La Deaf Connection http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baton-Rouge-LA/LA-Deaf-Connection/143790095174 Be a fan.
3. Join Twitter at http://twitter.com/ladeafconxion
4. Join the blog at http://ladeafconnection.blogspot.com
Thanks for being a part of ever growing and the oldest news in Louisiana!!
Walker Estes
Editor/Owner of LA Deaf Connection
1. Email me at ladeafconnection@gmail.com and request for me to add your email address to our listserve. It will be kept private and will not share with others. You will get the news every time I send out.
2. Join Facebook at La Deaf Connection http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baton-Rouge-LA/LA-Deaf-Connection/143790095174 Be a fan.
3. Join Twitter at http://twitter.com/ladeafconxion
4. Join the blog at http://ladeafconnection.blogspot.com
Thanks for being a part of ever growing and the oldest news in Louisiana!!
Walker Estes
Editor/Owner of LA Deaf Connection
Senator Mary Landrieu to Present Stimulus Check
As you know, the Federal Government has awarded the Deaf Action Center $1.4 million in stimulus funding for our AccessAmerica Video Remote Interpreting program.
Senator Mary Landrieu will be here at the Center (601 Jordan St) on Tuesday, March 30th at 1pm to officially present the grant award to us.
It would mean a great deal to Betty Phillips, our chairs, Gregory and Heidi Kallenberg, as well as, our president Patty Warmack if you could attend and be a part of this very historic occasion.
This is a momentous occasion for our Center and the community at-large. Please make every effort to attend!
David
David W. Hylan, Jr., MS, CICT
Executive Director
The Betty and Leonard Phillips Deaf Action Center
601 Jordan St, Shreveport, LA 71101-4748
318-425-7781
Senator Mary Landrieu will be here at the Center (601 Jordan St) on Tuesday, March 30th at 1pm to officially present the grant award to us.
It would mean a great deal to Betty Phillips, our chairs, Gregory and Heidi Kallenberg, as well as, our president Patty Warmack if you could attend and be a part of this very historic occasion.
This is a momentous occasion for our Center and the community at-large. Please make every effort to attend!
David
David W. Hylan, Jr., MS, CICT
Executive Director
The Betty and Leonard Phillips Deaf Action Center
601 Jordan St, Shreveport, LA 71101-4748
318-425-7781
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Save BRAD
http://www.deafvideo.tv/69901
Comply with BRAD (Baton Rouge Association of the Deaf) club that we must (not just need to- MUST) to save. BRAD was formed and is still members. BUT membership has dwindled. In old time, we has been though by donations, serving on committees, and serving as officers. We are not AGAINST BRAD, We are SAVE BRAD!!!
Committees -
President - Ed wood
Vice President - Ken Davis
Secretary - Pauline Wood
Treasurer - Houston Moss
Member-at-Large – Tommie Patterson, Lacey Richard and Dale Brazzle
Notice something that doesn’t sound right? President and Secretary are Husband and Wife. It is against law that to have a same family in committee. Will find it article of by-laws to get all information from the Robert’s Rules of Order
They are selling the club – Question: what will they do with money?
Frozen member – Question : Why? Closed Society – their saying; NO COMMENT. Where is our constitutional rights to knowledge why it frozen member – for what reason?
They proposed general meeting/ emergency meeting and cancelled for 4 (fourth) times within 3 months.
President duties –
Decide parliamentary questions
Administer the oath of office to NEW officers.
- FAILED
Vice President duties-
Function as a chairperson of the law committee
- FAILED
Secretary duties-
Keep a record of all meetings of the BRAD
Enter in the proper books all minutes of all meetings of the club
-FAILED
Treasurer-
Act as primary cosigner WITH one of THREE other officers
Deposit funds in the bank(s) designated by the BRAD (its name, not treasurer’s name)
-FAILED
BRAD, unless sooner dissolved in accordance with law, shall exist and continue, and shall have and enjoy corporate existence and succession, for a period of 99 years from (Sept. 30, 1964) herself.
Purpose:
The purposes of the BRAD are as follows;
To promote, by every means possible, the welfare of all the deaf and the hard of hearing
To sponsor cooperation and goodwill within our ranks;
To provide a wholesome, well rounded schedule of events, athletic, social and any other way, for the members and THEIR FRIENDS
To ENCOURAGE, by good example, A GROWING MEMBERSHIP IN THE BRAD
To cooperate with other organizations of the Deaf to ACHIEVE the purposes outline above
To buy, sell, lease, erect or otherwise acquire lands, clubhouses, and all necessary buildings and appurtenances to further such ends, to hold, maintain, rent, mortgage, or dispose thereof, and generally, to do all things necessary or proper to achieve such ends
To engage in any other lawful activity
- FAILED of ON PURPOSES.
Active members shall be deaf and hard of hearing of good character who pay required dues in order to be a member of this club. They SHALL HAVE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES in the conduct of business. They shall be members in good standing for at least one year before they are eligible to hold an office.
Notice of meetings of members
Otherwise provided in the articles or by-laws, and except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the authorized person or persons calling a members’ meeting shall cause WRITTEN NOTICE of the time, place and PURPOSE of the meeting to be given to all member entitled to vote at such meeting, at LEAST TEN (10) DAYS and not more than sixty days prior to the day fixed for the meeting.
For my thought ….
There has been betraying that had done, it comes from the leadership of BRAD who took an oath to uphold by-laws of BRAD. Over the years everybody expected the best from the leadership which is the glue that holds the community together and help BRAD grows. Instead of promoting young people to become our NEXT generation of leaders, respect has slowly been worn away for an organization founded over 60 years ago.
I remember and I was personally there to witness that Ed Wood was announced in 50th anniversary at Hotel (1998) to expressed his feeling and his OWN words: He would loves to see BRAD to everlasting than 50 years and see who is now president once again; against its grow. I am confused. (I have a record to prove what he has told in that day and he didn’t keep his word today).
Please spread this email attach to your neighbor, friends and family to give out moral support. This need to be HEAR! We no FEAR!
Truly yours,
KeepBRADopen
Comply with BRAD (Baton Rouge Association of the Deaf) club that we must (not just need to- MUST) to save. BRAD was formed and is still members. BUT membership has dwindled. In old time, we has been though by donations, serving on committees, and serving as officers. We are not AGAINST BRAD, We are SAVE BRAD!!!
Committees -
President - Ed wood
Vice President - Ken Davis
Secretary - Pauline Wood
Treasurer - Houston Moss
Member-at-Large – Tommie Patterson, Lacey Richard and Dale Brazzle
Notice something that doesn’t sound right? President and Secretary are Husband and Wife. It is against law that to have a same family in committee. Will find it article of by-laws to get all information from the Robert’s Rules of Order
They are selling the club – Question: what will they do with money?
Frozen member – Question : Why? Closed Society – their saying; NO COMMENT. Where is our constitutional rights to knowledge why it frozen member – for what reason?
They proposed general meeting/ emergency meeting and cancelled for 4 (fourth) times within 3 months.
President duties –
Decide parliamentary questions
Administer the oath of office to NEW officers.
- FAILED
Vice President duties-
Function as a chairperson of the law committee
- FAILED
Secretary duties-
Keep a record of all meetings of the BRAD
Enter in the proper books all minutes of all meetings of the club
-FAILED
Treasurer-
Act as primary cosigner WITH one of THREE other officers
Deposit funds in the bank(s) designated by the BRAD (its name, not treasurer’s name)
-FAILED
BRAD, unless sooner dissolved in accordance with law, shall exist and continue, and shall have and enjoy corporate existence and succession, for a period of 99 years from (Sept. 30, 1964) herself.
Purpose:
The purposes of the BRAD are as follows;
To promote, by every means possible, the welfare of all the deaf and the hard of hearing
To sponsor cooperation and goodwill within our ranks;
To provide a wholesome, well rounded schedule of events, athletic, social and any other way, for the members and THEIR FRIENDS
To ENCOURAGE, by good example, A GROWING MEMBERSHIP IN THE BRAD
To cooperate with other organizations of the Deaf to ACHIEVE the purposes outline above
To buy, sell, lease, erect or otherwise acquire lands, clubhouses, and all necessary buildings and appurtenances to further such ends, to hold, maintain, rent, mortgage, or dispose thereof, and generally, to do all things necessary or proper to achieve such ends
To engage in any other lawful activity
- FAILED of ON PURPOSES.
Active members shall be deaf and hard of hearing of good character who pay required dues in order to be a member of this club. They SHALL HAVE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES in the conduct of business. They shall be members in good standing for at least one year before they are eligible to hold an office.
Notice of meetings of members
Otherwise provided in the articles or by-laws, and except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the authorized person or persons calling a members’ meeting shall cause WRITTEN NOTICE of the time, place and PURPOSE of the meeting to be given to all member entitled to vote at such meeting, at LEAST TEN (10) DAYS and not more than sixty days prior to the day fixed for the meeting.
For my thought ….
There has been betraying that had done, it comes from the leadership of BRAD who took an oath to uphold by-laws of BRAD. Over the years everybody expected the best from the leadership which is the glue that holds the community together and help BRAD grows. Instead of promoting young people to become our NEXT generation of leaders, respect has slowly been worn away for an organization founded over 60 years ago.
I remember and I was personally there to witness that Ed Wood was announced in 50th anniversary at Hotel (1998) to expressed his feeling and his OWN words: He would loves to see BRAD to everlasting than 50 years and see who is now president once again; against its grow. I am confused. (I have a record to prove what he has told in that day and he didn’t keep his word today).
Please spread this email attach to your neighbor, friends and family to give out moral support. This need to be HEAR! We no FEAR!
Truly yours,
KeepBRADopen
Deaf Bowling in Kenner, LA
Deaf Bowling
Saturday, April 24th at 5:30 p.m.
All Star Lanes in Kenner, LA
2 hours of bowling plus shoes, unlimited soda and 16" single top pizza for up to 8 people: $82.64 or $6.00 per person plus $4.00 for shoes.
RSVP: Linda at PINKSADIETHREE@yahoo.com by April 17th
Saturday, April 24th at 5:30 p.m.
All Star Lanes in Kenner, LA
2 hours of bowling plus shoes, unlimited soda and 16" single top pizza for up to 8 people: $82.64 or $6.00 per person plus $4.00 for shoes.
RSVP: Linda at PINKSADIETHREE@yahoo.com by April 17th
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Town Hall Meeting at UNO in New Orleans, LA
Town Hall Meeting November 20, 2009 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
UNO TRAC Center, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and
the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division
announce a full-day Town Hall Listening Session.
• When: November 20, 2009, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Where: UNO TRAC Center, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans
This is one of a series of forums to obtain direct input from
the business/employer communities as well as the disability
community on EEOC's proposed regulations under the
Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA).
The event is free and open to the public.
RSVP Is Not Required
For more information,
visit www.advocacyla.org or
call 504-522-2337 (TTY 1-866-935-7348).
UNO TRAC Center, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and
the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division
announce a full-day Town Hall Listening Session.
• When: November 20, 2009, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Where: UNO TRAC Center, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans
This is one of a series of forums to obtain direct input from
the business/employer communities as well as the disability
community on EEOC's proposed regulations under the
Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA).
The event is free and open to the public.
RSVP Is Not Required
For more information,
visit www.advocacyla.org or
call 504-522-2337 (TTY 1-866-935-7348).
ADA/DPSC on Deaf Prisoners and Employees
The Louisiana Register includes information on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections
for offenders in jail and in employment practices. Includes information on people who are deaf and hearing impaired.
(http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/reg/regs2009.htm)
RULE Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Corrections Services
Americans with Disabilities Act
In accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49:950), the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Corrections Services, has promulgated the contents of Section 308 Americans with Disabilities Act.
Title 22
CORRECTIONS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Part I. Corrections
Chapter 3. Adult Services
§308. Americans with Disabilities Act
A. Purpose. To establish the secretary's commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related legislation as it pertains to services for offenders and to establish formal procedures regarding reasonable accommodations for those offenders.
B. Applicability. Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, Chief of Operations, Assistant Secretary, Regional Wardens, Wardens, Director of Probation and Parole, Director of Prison Enterprises and offenders who have a disability. Each unit head is responsible for ensuring that appropriate unit written policy and procedures are in place to comply with the provisions of this regulation.
C. Policy. It is the secretary's policy to provide offenders with access to housing, programs and services regardless of their disability to the extent possible within the context of the department's fundamental mission to preserve the safety of the public, staff and offenders and consistent with other classification variables that may affect custody, housing and program assignments. Equal access to programs, services and activities will be provided to all offenders based upon their classification.
1. Access to housing, programs and services includes the initiation and provision of reasonable accommodations including, but not limited to facility modifications, assistive equipment and devices and interpreter services. However, such accommodation should not constitute a danger to the offender or others and should not create undue hardship on the department or its employees.
2. Staff who are aware of or have reason to believe that an offender has a disability for which he may need accommodation are required to advise the unit ADA coordinator, who will evaluate the circumstances to determine if auxiliary aids and services and reasonable accommodations are required.
D. Definitions
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a comprehensive federal law which requires the state to provide equal access for people with disabilities to programs, services and activities of the department.
Auxiliary Aids and Services—external aids used to assist people who are hearing-impaired and may include qualified sign language or oral interpreters, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening devices, telephones compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD/TTY), videotext displays or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments.
Disability—a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual, including a record of such impairment or being regarded as having such impairment.
Effective Communication—communication with persons with disabilities that is as effective as communication with others. Effective communication is achieved by furnishing appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the services, programs or activities of the department.
Major Life Activity—walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, caring for one's self, sitting, standing, lifting, learning, thinking, working and reproduction. This list is illustrative only. The impairment to a major live activity must be long term.
Offender—anyone committed to the physical custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or under the supervision of the Division of Probation and Parole.
Qualified Interpreter—an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
a. An employee who signs "pretty well" or has only a rudimentary familiarity with sign language or finger spelling is not a qualified sign language interpreter pursuant to this regulation. Likewise, someone who is fluent in sign language but who does not possess the ability to process spoken communication into the proper signs or to observe someone else signing and change their signed or finger spelled communication into spoken words is not a qualified sign language interpreter. A departmental employee should not be allowed to interpret if his presence poses a conflict of interest or raises confidentiality and privacy concerns. On occasion, an offender may possess the skill level necessary to provide interpreting services; however, the impartially concerns remain, and in many, if not most, situations, offender interpreters should not be used due to confidentiality, privacy and security reasons.
Reasonable Accommodation—a modification or adjustment to a job, service, program or activity, etc that enables a qualified individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity for participation.
Requestor—a person who requests an accommodation for a disability.
E. Procedures
1. Initiation of Requests for Accommodation
a. A qualified individual with a known disability of a long term nature should be accommodated where reasonably possible. A request for accommodation may be filed orally or in writing.
b. An offender with a disability may be able to function in the unit without any accommodation other than that which may already have been provided. If not, the offender may request accommodation.
c. The ADA does not require that a request for accommodation be provided in any particular manner; therefore, the department is charged with having knowledge, or deemed with having knowledge, of the request regardless of the form of the request.
d. The department has in place a formal grievance mechanism through which an offender may seek formal review of a complaint relative to any request for reasonable accommodation.
e. An offender may submit a written request for accommodation through the ARP process or staff shall direct or assist the offender to write his request if the request is made verbally.
f. The ADA block on the ARP form shall be checked by the ARP screening officer and directed to the unit ADA coordinator.
2. Accommodation Review Process
a. Upon receipt of a request for accommodation, the unit ADA coordinator shall seek to determine the following:
i. if the medical condition is of a temporary or long-term nature;
ii. if additional medical information is needed. At this point of the process, the unit ADA coordinator may request that the unit medical director determine the following:
(a). what specific symptoms and functional limitations are creating barriers;
(b).if the limitations are predictable, subject to change, stable or progressive;
(c)how the limitations impact the offender's ability to fully participate in the activities and services provided;
iii. whether the condition complained of impairs a major life activity.
b. Once the initial information is gathered, a dialogue between the requestor and the unit ADA coordinator regarding resolution of the problem shall begin.
NOTE: It may take only a change in duty status to resolve the problem.
c. An exception to the need to make an accommodation includes, but is not limited to, the following:
i. not a qualified disability;
ii. threat to one's self or others. Considerations include:
(a). duration of the risk involved;
(b). nature and severity of the potential harm;
(c). likelihood the potential harm will occur;
(d). imminence of the potential harm;
(e). availability of any reasonable accommodation that might reduce or eliminate the risk;
iii. undue hardship. The decision to use this exception can only be made by the headquarters ADA coordinator after consultation with appropriate personnel. A written description of the problem with the requested accommodation and the difficulty anticipated by the unit should be sent to the headquarters ADA coordinator. Considerations include the following:
(a). scope of the accommodation;
(b). cost of the accommodation;
(c). budget of the department;
(d). longevity of the accommodation;
iv. alteration would fundamentally change the nature of the service, program or activity.
3. Decision
a. Consideration should be given on a case-by-case basis.
b. Once the decision to accommodate or not is made, the requestor must be informed in writing of the decision of whether or not an accommodation will be made, the reason for the decision and the accommodation to be made, if applicable, including any specific details concerning the accommodation. This decision shall be conveyed through the ARP First Step Process. The requestor shall also be informed of the right to appeal the decision through the ARP process.
i. For each decision, a copy of the packet of information containing the decision, all information used to reach a decision and all attempts to resolve the request shall be forwarded to the headquarters ADA coordinator. The unit ADA coordinator shall ensure that all requests for accommodation are properly and timely entered into the department's ADA database.
4. Appeal
a. The offender has the right to appeal to the second step in accordance with the ARP process.
b. The ARP response shall be issued in conjunction with the headquarters ADA coordinator and shall contain the relevant issues raised in Subparagraphs E.2.a, b and c.
5. Recordkeeping
a. The Headquarters ADA coordinator shall maintain records of all requests for accommodation made throughout the department.
b. To ensure uniform and consistent compliance with the provisions of this regulation, the headquarters ADA coordinator shall maintain and track statistics concerning all requests for accommodation from offenders and the nature and outcome of the accommodations requested.
c.If a pattern becomes apparent following review of the statistics, the headquarters ADA coordinator shall seek to remedy and/or correct any problems noted and report same to the secretary.
RULE
Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Corrections Services
Effective Communication with the Hearing Impaired
Title 22
CORRECTIONS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Part I. Corrections
Chapter 3. Adult Services
§312. Effective Communication with the Hearing Impaired
A. Purpose. To establish procedures to provide auxiliary aids and services whenever necessary to ensure effective communication with qualified individuals with disabilities.
B. Applicability. Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, Chief of Operations, Assistant Secretary, Regional Wardens, Wardens, Director of Probation and Parole, Director of Prison Enterprises, offenders, employees and visitors who are hearing-impaired. Each unit head is responsible for ensuring that appropriate unit written policy and procedures are in place to comply with the provisions of this regulation.
C. Policy. It is the secretary's policy to ensure that communication with offenders, employees and visitors with disabilities is to the same extent as communicating with others. The department shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program or activity conducted by the department where the auxiliary aids or services does not constitute an undue administrative and financial burden or fundamentally alter the service, program, or activity. Any male offender whose hearing cannot be restored to a "within normal limits" medical level with an auxiliary aid will be housed at either the Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) or Rayburn Correctional Center (RCC). Any female offender whose hearing cannot be restored to a "within normal limits" medical level with an auxiliary aid will be housed at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW.)
D. Definitions
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a comprehensive federal law which requires the state to provide equal access for people with disabilities to services, programs, and activities of the department.
Auxiliary Aids and Services (AAS)—external aids used to assist people who are hearing-impaired and may include qualified sign language or oral interpreters, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening devices, telephones compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD/TTY), videotext displays or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments.
Departmental Personnel—for the purpose of this regulation, this shall include, but not be limited to, nurses, physicians, social workers, therapists, admitting personnel, security staff, probation and parole officers and any other administrative staff who have or are likely to have direct contact with offenders and/or visitors.
Disability—a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual, including a record of such impairment or being regarded as having such impairment.
Effective Communication—communication with persons with disabilities that is as effective as communication with others. Effective communication is achieved by furnishing appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the services, programs and activities of the department.
Major Life Activity—walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, caring for one's self, sitting, standing, lifting, learning, thinking, working and reproduction. This list is illustrative only. The impairment to a major life activity must be long term.
Offender—anyone committed to the physical custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or under the supervision of the Division of Probation and Parole.
Qualified Interpreter—an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
NOTE: An employee who signs "pretty well" or has only a rudimentary familiarity with sign language or finger spelling is not a qualified sign language interpreter pursuant to this regulation. Likewise, someone who is fluent in sign language but who does not possess the ability to process spoken communication into the proper signs or to observe someone else signing and change their signed or finger spelled communication into spoken words is not a qualified sign language interpreter. A departmental employee should not be allowed to interpret if his presence poses a conflict of interest or raises confidentiality and privacy concerns. On occasion, an offender may possess the skill level necessary to provide interpreting services; however, the impartially concerns remain, and in many-if not most-situations, offender interpreters should not be used due to confidentiality, privacy and security reasons.
Reasonable Accommodation—a modification or adjustment to a job, service, program or activity, etc. that enables a qualified individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity for participation.
Requestor—a person who requests an accommodation for a disability.
TTY/TDD—a device that is used with a telephone or computer that has telephone text capability to communicate (by typing and reading communication) with persons who are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Visitor—for the purpose of this regulation, includes any non-departmental employee who is authorized to be on institutional grounds. i.e., volunteers, contractors, official guests, etc.
E. Procedures
1. Establishment of Auxiliary Aids and Services (AAS) Program. The department shall design and institute a program to provide auxiliary aids and services, schedule, announce and promote all training required, and draft, provide and maintain all reports as required by this regulation.
2. Designation of an official or office responsible for AAS.
a.Each unit ADA coordinator will be responsible for the AAS Program and shall maintain all necessary information about access to and the operation of the program.
b. LSP, RCC and LCIW unit ADA coordinators shall maintain a combination voice, TDD/TTY telephone line or dedicated TDD/TTY telephone line and shall publicize the purpose and telephone number broadly within the unit and to the public.
c. Each unit ADA coordinator shall provide appropriate assistance regarding immediate access to, and proper use of, the appropriate auxiliary aids and services available. It is the responsibility of the unit ADA coordinators to know where the appropriate auxiliary aids are stored, how to obtain services and how to operate them and shall facilitate maintenance, repair, replacement and distribution.
d. Each unit ADA coordinator shall maintain a recording system for inquiries regarding the provision of auxiliary aids and services and the response.
3. Provision of Appropriate Auxiliary Aids and Services
a. The department shall provide to offenders, employees and visitors who are deaf or hearing-impaired an appropriate auxiliary aid or service that may be necessary for effective communication as soon as practicable after determining that the aid or service is necessary.
b. The determination of which appropriate auxiliary aids and services are necessary and the timing, duration and frequency with which they will be provided shall be made by unit personnel, who are otherwise primarily responsible for coordinating and/or providing offender services, in consultation with the person with a disability. When an auxiliary aid or service is required to ensure effective communication, the unit shall provide an opportunity for an individual with a disability to request the auxiliary aid or service of the requestor's choice and shall give consideration to the choice expressed, but shall have the final decision regarding the accommodation to be provided.
c. The initial offender communication assessment shall be made at the time of the intake interview at a reception and diagnostic center or other appropriate classification center within 48 hours of arrival. Properly trained staff shall perform and document a communication assessment to determine the offender's level of effective communication. This assessment shall be conducted by an outside provider or departmental staff, barring any unusual or emergency condition within 10 weeks from the initial assessment. The written assessment shall be made a part of the offender's master prison record.
i. During the initial communication assessment, each offender shall be given a Request for Accommodation Form. This form shall also be made available to the current offender population. Offenders are free to reject or to fail to request auxiliary aids and services, but failure to use the designated form does not relieve the reception center/institution of its duty to assess the offender, nor to inform the offender of the availability of appropriate auxiliary aids and services. Refusal or failure by an offender to complete or return the Request for Accommodation shall not constitute a violation of the ADA or of the Resolution Agreement by the department.
ii. If the initial assessment reveals that an offender's hearing is below normal limits as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a male offender shall be transferred to LSP for continuation and completion of the classification process.
d. Each unit shall conduct a minimum of a yearly assessment of each offender with hearing or speech disability regarding the provision of appropriate auxiliary aids and services. If an intervening problem or adjustment is required, the offender shall request a medical call-out. Each unit shall maintain appropriate documentation that reflects the ongoing assessments. The information shall be filed in the offender's medical record.
4. Nothing in this regulation shall require that an electronic device or piece of equipment used as an appropriate auxiliary aid be used when or where its use may be inconsistent with other departmental regulations or unit policies or when use may pose security concerns. (For example, closed-captioned televisions are provided consistently for offenders with hearing disabilities with the same duration and frequency as televisions are provided to the other offenders classified in the same status. No offender will be provided a television if his status would not otherwise permit access.)
5.The department shall maintain an effective complaint resolution mechanism regarding the provision of auxiliary aids and services. Records shall be kept of all complaints filed and actions taken in response. All complaints shall be handled through each unit ADA coordinator and the grievance systems currently in effect. The warden designated to oversee the operation of the ADA Program at each institution or division shall conduct a meaningful review of this regulation on a semi-annual basis.
6. If an offender who is deaf or hearing-impaired does not request appropriate auxiliary aids or services, but departmental and/or unit personnel have reason to believe that the offender would benefit from appropriate auxiliary aids or services, the offender may be asked if the use of auxiliary aids would be beneficial and initiate the testing procedure without violating ADA.
F. Qualified Interpreters
1. The department shall provide qualified sign language or oral interpreters when necessary for effective communication with, or effective participation in, departmental programs and activities by employees, offenders and visitors who are deaf or hearing-impaired. In addition, the department shall offer qualified sign language interpreters to offenders who are deaf or hearing-impaired and whose primary means of communication is sign language and qualified oral interpreters to offenders who rely primarily on lip reading, as necessary, for effective communication.
a. The following are examples of circumstances when it may be necessary to provide interpreters:
i. initial intake and classification processing;
ii. regularly scheduled health care appointments and programs, such as medical, dental, visual, mental health and drug and alcohol recovery services;
iii. emergency health care where having an interpreter would not present an undue burden (e.g., interpreter can arrive at the scene quickly);
iv. treatment and other formal programming;
v. educational classes and activities;
vi. parole board hearings;
vii. disciplinary board hearings;
viii. criminal investigations (to the extent controlled by the department);
ix. classification review interviews;
x. grievance interviews;
xi. religious services; and
xii. formal internal investigations.
2. The department shall establish a contract with individual sign language interpreters or with interpretive agencies for hearing impaired offenders, employees or visitors who require this service, or shall provide other effective means to ensure that qualified interpreters or oral interpreters are provided within three hours of an unscheduled request and timely for scheduled requests. Additionally, as a back-up measure, the headquarters ADA coordinator shall maintain a list of all qualified sign language and oral interpreters (and their contact information) residing or working within a 50-mile radius of any unit housing deaf or hearing-impaired offenders. The headquarters ADA coordinator shall provide this information to the unit ADA coordinators at LSP, RCC and LCIW.
NOTE: The department shall ensure by contract or other arrangements that all services, programs or activities provided or operated by contractors are in compliance with ADA. Contracts with those entities that fail or refuse to comply with ADA shall be subjected to formal termination proceedings.
3. Between the time an interpreter is requested and when an interpreter arrives, unit personnel shall continue to try to communicate with the person who is hearing-impaired to the same extent as they would communicate with a person without a hearing impairment, using all available methods of communication. However, in an emergency, seeking the services of an interpreter shall not mean that medical treatment will be delayed until the interpreter arrives. In addition, upon arrival of the interpreter, unit personnel shall review and confirm with the offender, employee or visitor all information received prior to the interpreter's arrival.
4. Offenders requesting auxiliary aids and/or services, after the initial assessment and which would require a medical evaluation, shall be charged the standard medical co-pay.
EXCEPTION: The offender may be assessed the total costs of replacement of an auxiliary aid if it is determined that replacement is a direct result of the offender's negligence/damage to property.
G. Hearing Aids and Batteries
1. Each unit shall purchase appropriate types of hearing aid batteries and keep them in stock in the medical supply room during the length of time an offender who wears a hearing aid is housed at that unit. Replacement hearing aid batteries shall be provided to offenders who request them on the first business day following receipt of the request. If the request is made on a weekend or holiday or a night after regular business hours, the replacement battery will be provided on the first standard business day following the request.
2. Each unit shall send offender hearing aids to a hearing aid repair company as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) following a request for repair of the offender's hearing aid. The unit shall inform the offender in writing, as soon as possible, when his hearing aid was sent for repair and when it is expected to be returned by the repair company. The unit shall maintain written documentation of all hearing aid repairs, including detailed information regarding the vendor used, the date of the repair and the specific repairs performed. This information shall be submitted by each unit to the medical department at the Louisiana State Penitentiary quarterly for statistical compilation purposes.
H. Telephones
1. The department shall provide telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDDs/TTYs) for offenders who are deaf or hearing-impaired in a manner that ensures effective access to telephone services. In addition, the following is required so that those offenders who do hear will have access to TDDs/TTYs to communicate with family members or friends who are deaf or hearing-impaired.
a. Each unit shall make at least one TDD/TTY device available in each of the visiting areas where non-contact visits are conducted and the communication exchanged is accomplished over a telephone device. The unit can either permanently install the required TDD/TTY or make available a sufficient number of portable TDDs/TTYs for these visits.
b. Each unit shall provide a TDD/TTY to all deaf or hearing-impaired offenders residing in housing areas to the extent that pay telephones are available to other offenders. In those situations where the unit provides portable TDDs/TTYs, the housing officers shall provide them upon the offender's request, absent emergency circumstances such as lockdown.
c.The department shall take the necessary steps to provide offenders, with toll-free access to "800" numbers for telephone relay services and TDD/TTY operators. These numbers will be posted near all offender telephones, with notice that they are toll-free numbers. The telephone calls to the TDD/TTY operator will be provided free of charge, but any charges incurred to the receiving party will be handled as a standard offender telephone call. Thus, the offender or the receiving party shall be responsible for any long distance charges accrued.
d. Due to the fact that telephone calls placed via a TDD/TTY take longer than telephone calls placed using standard voice telephone equipment, the unit shall allow offenders needing TDD/TTY assistance to have 30 minutes per telephone call, barring any unusual circumstances.
2. Each unit shall ensure that at least one and no less than 25 percent of all offender telephones are equipped with volume control mechanisms and appropriate signs are displayed indicating the phone is volume controlled.
3. Each unit shall ensure that no less than 25 percent of all of its offender telephones are hearing aid compatible in the general population.
4. Each unit shall maintain records of all offenders who have been medically evaluated for any type of hearing impairment, the results of such assessment, date of any reassessment, any transfer or discharge of offenders assessed with a hearing impairment, requests for accommodations including the date requested and the determination and the provision of auxiliary aids or services and the date(s) provided. This information shall be submitted by each unit to the medical department of the Louisiana State Penitentiary quarterly for statistical compilation purposes.
I. Visual and Tactile Alarms
1. Where there are audible emergency alarms in visiting areas, each unit shall add visual alarms when an individual who is deaf or hearing-impaired is anticipated to spend significant periods of time in these areas.
2. Each unit shall place visual emergency alarms in rooms where offenders who are deaf may reside alone or work alone to ensure that they will always be alerted when an emergency alarm is activated. To be effective, such devices must be located and oriented so that they will spread signals and reflections throughout a space or raise the overall light level sharply.
3. Where each unit has audible alarms in housing areas, the unit shall add visual signal devices, when necessary, to alert offenders who are deaf or hearing-impaired to announcements (e.g., roll call.)
J. Televisions
1. Each unit shall provide and maintain closed-captioned television decoders (or built-in decoder televisions) in television rooms to enable offenders who are deaf or hearing-impaired to enjoy the same opportunity for television viewing as that afforded to other offenders.
K. Training
1. Annual training regarding this regulation shall be provided by the department to all employees through the regularly scheduled ADA Training Program.
2. The training program shall be sufficient in duration and content to instruct a reasonable number of personnel in access to the AAS Program, use of the program, and sensitivity to the needs of the deaf and hearing-impaired offender population. Such training shall include:
a.topics relevant to the health care needs of deaf and hearing-impaired offenders, such as the various degrees of hearing impairment;
b. language and cultural diversity in the deaf community;
c. dispelling myths and misconceptions about persons who are deaf or hearing-impaired;
d. identification of communication requirements of persons who are deaf or hearing-impaired;
e. the unique needs and problems encountered by late-deafened individuals;
f. psychological implications of hearing loss and its relationship to interaction with hearing health care professionals;
g. types of auxiliary aids and services as required pursuant to this regulation;
h. the proper use and role of qualified sign language interpreters;
i. procedures and methods for accessing the AAS Program for providing interpreters;
j. making and receiving calls through TDDs/TTYs and the Louisiana Relay or other relay service providers;
k. third party resources which can provide additional information about people who are deaf or hearing-impaired; and
l. the existence of the department's complaint resolution process.
L. Recordkeeping
1. The Headquarters ADA Coordinator shall maintain records of all requests for accommodation made throughout the department.
2. The headquarters ADA coordinator shall maintain and track statistics concerning all requests for accommodation from offenders, employees and visitors and the nature and outcome of the accommodations requested.
3. If a pattern becomes apparent following review of the statistics, the headquarters ADA coordinator shall seek to remedy and/or correct any problems noted and report same to the secretary.
RULE
Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Corrections Services
Equal Employment Opportunity
(Includes Americans with Disabilities Act)(LAC 22:I.201)
In accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49:950), the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Corrections Services, has amended the contents of Section 201 Equal Employment Opportunity.
Title 22
CORRECTIONS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Part I. Corrections
Chapter 2. Personnel
§201. Equal Employment Opportunity
(Includes Americans with Disabilities Act)
A. Purpose. To establish the secretary's commitment to equal employment opportunities and to establish formal procedures regarding reasonable accommodation for all employees, applicants, candidates for employment (including qualified ex-offenders) and visitors.
B. Applicability. Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, Chief of Operations, Assistant Secretary, Regional Wardens, Wardens, Director of Probation and Parole, Director of Prison Enterprises, employees, applicants, candidates for employment (including ex-offenders) and visitors. Each unit head is responsible for ensuring that appropriate unit written policy and procedures are in place to comply with the provisions of this regulation.
C. Policy. It is the secretary's policy to assure equal opportunities to all employees, applicants, candidates for employment (including ex-offenders) and visitors without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
1. Exceptions:
a. where age, sex or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary for proper and efficient operations;
b. where the implications of nepotism restrict such employment or employment opportunity; and
c. preferential hiring will be given to persons who actively served in the Iraqi/Afghanistan conflicts in accordance with Civil Service Rules.
2. Equal opportunities will be provided for employees in areas of compensation, benefits, promotion, recruitment, training and all other conditions of employment. Notices of equal employment opportunities will be posted in prominent accessible places at each employment location.
3. Equal access to programs, services and activities will be provided to all visitors. Advance notice of a requested accommodation shall be made during normal business hours to ensure availability at the time of the visit.
4. If any employee is made aware of or has reason to believe that a visitor to the unit is deaf or hard of hearing,
the employee is required to advise the person that appropriate auxiliary aids and services will be provided. The employee should then direct the visitor to the unit ADA Coordinator or designee. Likewise, such information must be forthcoming in response to any request for auxiliary aid or services.
D. Definitions
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)—a federal law to protect individuals 40 years of age and over from arbitrary discrimination in employment practices, unless age is a bona fide occupational qualification. The state of Louisiana has passed similar legislation and the term ADEA will refer to both federal and state prohibitions against age discrimination in this regulation.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a comprehensive federal law which requires the state to provide equal access for people with disabilities to programs, services and activities of the department, as well as to employment opportunities.
Applicant—a person who has applied for a job and whose qualification for such is unknown.
Auxiliary Aids and Services—external aids used to assist people who are hearing-impaired and may include qualified sign language or oral interpreters, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening devices, telephones compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD/TTY), videotext displays or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments.
Candidate—a person who has successfully passed the required test and/or meets the Civil Service minimum qualifications for the job sought.
Disability—a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual, including a record of such impairment or being regarded as having such impairment.
Effective Communication—communication with persons with disabilities that is as effective as communication with others. Effective communication is achieved by furnishing appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the services, programs or activities of the department.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)—the operation of a system of human resources administration which ensures an environment that will provide an equal opportunity for public employment to all segments of society based on individual merit and fitness of applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation or disability (except where sex, age or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to the proper and efficient operation of the department.)
a. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal regulatory body for EEO related complaints and charges.
Essential Functions—basic job duties that an employee/applicant must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ex-Offender—those offenders who are no longer in the physical custody of the DPS&C or no longer under the supervision of the Division of
Probation and Parole.
Family and Medical Leave—leave for which an employee may be eligible under the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
Major Life Activity—walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, caring for one's self, sitting, standing, lifting, learning, thinking, working and reproduction. This list is illustrative only. The impairment to a major life activity must be long term.
Qualified Individual with a Disability—an individual with a disability (as previously defined herein) who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Reasonable Accommodation—a modification or adjustment to a job, service, program or activity, etc., that enables a qualified individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity for participation.
Requestor—a person who requests an accommodation for a disability.
Seniority—a calculation of the number of years of service to the department and used in comparison to another employee's or applicant's number of years of service to the department. Seniority may be used as a factor in employment decisions but may never be used as a substitute for age discrimination.
Visitor—for the purpose of this regulation, includes any non-departmental employee who is authorized to be on institutional grounds. i.e., volunteers, contractors, official guests, etc.
E. Procedures
1. Coordination of ADA Matters
a. The secretary will establish and designate a Headquarters ADA Coordinator. This employee is charged with reviewing, recording and monitoring ADA matters for the department and will also advise and make recommendations to the secretary or designee regarding such matters as appropriate.
b. Each unit head will designate a primary unit ADA Coordinator to coordinate unit ADA matters. All units will prominently post the name and telephone number of the unit ADA Coordinator.
2. Initiation of Requests for Accommodation
a. A qualified requestor with a known disability of a long term nature should be accommodated where reasonably possible, providing the accommodation does not constitute a danger to the requestor or others and does not create undue hardship on the department or its employees.
NOTE: If a requestor is an employee, applicant or a candidate for employment, the requestor must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with the accommodation.
b. The ADA does not require that a request for accommodation be provided in any particular manner; therefore, the department is charged with having knowledge, or deemed with having knowledge, of the request regardless of the form of the request.
c. If an employee, applicant or candidate for employment informs anyone in his chain of command, Human Resources personnel or the unit ADA Coordinator that he has difficulty performing his job duties or participating in a program or service due to a medical condition, the employee, applicant or candidate for employment is deemed to have made a request for accommodation.
d. If a visitor informs an employee that he cannot participate in the visiting process or any other program or service that the visitor is entitled to participate in, the visitor is deemed to have made a request for accommodation.
e. Once any request for accommodation has been received, either verbally or in writing, the person receiving the request should immediately relay the request to the unit ADA Coordinator or designee.
f. An employee, applicant, candidate for employment (including ex-offenders) or visitor may complete a Request for Accommodation Form. The requestor completing the form must forward it to the unit ADA Coordinator for processing.
3. Accommodation Review Process
a. Upon receipt of the completed Request for Accommodation Form, the unit ADA Coordinator shall seek to determine the following:
i. if the medical condition is of a temporary or long-term nature;
ii. if additional medical information is needed from the requestor's physician or through a second opinion. At this point of the process, the unit ADA Coordinator may inform the requestor that his doctor must complete an Essential Function Form to determine the following:
NOTE: The Index of Essential Job Functions contains the Essential Functions Form for each job category used by the Department. The Index is maintained in each unit Human Resources Office)
(a). what specific symptoms and functional limitations are creating barriers;
(b). if the limitations are predictable, subject to change, stable or progressive;
(c). how the limitations impact the requestor's ability to perform the job, and for visitors, how the limitations impact the requestor's ability to fully participate in the activities and services to which the requestor is entitled;
iii. the condition impairs a major life activity.
b. If questions remain, staff may contact the requestor's treating physician directly.
c. The unit ADA Coordinator shall ensure that a formal request is submitted on a Request for Accommodation Form and provide assistance as needed.
d. Once the initial information is gathered, a dialogue between the requestor and unit ADA Coordinator regarding resolution of the problem shall begin.
e. The discussion may include the following matters:
i. if the problem is of a temporary nature, use of FMLA or sick leave, Workman's Compensation or a temporary halt of some job duties may resolve the problem;
ii. if a second medical opinion is needed, this is to be performed at the department's cost with a physician of the department's choosing;
iii. if the medical condition is deemed to be a qualified disability, this decision shall be documented;
NOTE: Due to the nature of a disability, the disability may progress and require additional modifications at a later date)
iv. the goal is to reach a mutually acceptable accommodation, if possible. The secretary or designee shall make the final decision on what the actual accommodation will be.
f. An exception to the need to make an accommodation includes, but is not limited to the following:
i. not a qualified disability;
ii. threat to one's self or others. Considerations are as follows:
(a). duration of the risk involved;
(b). nature and severity of the potential harm;
(c). likelihood that potential harm will occur;
(d). imminence of the potential harm;
(e). availability of any reasonable accommodation that might reduce or eliminate the risk;
iii. undue hardship. The decision to use this exception may be made by the Headquarters ADA Coordinator only after consultation with the undersecretary. A written description of the problem with the requested accommodation and the difficulty anticipated by the unit should be sent to the Headquarters ADA Coordinator. Considerations are as follows:
(a). scope of the accommodation;
(b). cost of the accommodation;
(c). budget of the department;
(d). longevity of the accommodation.
iv. alteration would fundamentally change the nature of the program, service or activity.
4. Decision
a. Consideration should be given on a case-by-case basis.
b. The granting of leave can be an accommodation.
c. Once the decision to accommodate or not is made, the requestor shall be informed in writing of the decision of whether or not an accommodation will be made, the reason for the decision and the accommodation to be made, if applicable, including any specific details concerning the accommodation. The requestor must also be informed of the right to appeal the decision to the Headquarters ADA Coordinator.
i. For each decision, a copy of the packet of information containing the decision, all information used to reach the decision and all attempts to resolve the request shall be forwarded to the Headquarters ADA Coordinator. The unit ADA Coordinator shall ensure that all requests for accommodation are properly and timely entered into the department's ADA database.
d. The original of the packet of information concerning the request with the decision shall be maintained in a confidential file for three years after the requestor has left the department's employ or notification has been received that a requestor no longer wishes to be afforded visitor status.
5. Appeal
a. The requestor has the right to appeal the unit's decision for the following reasons only:
i. the finding that the medical condition is not a qualifying disability;
ii. the denial of an accommodation; or
iii. the nature of the accommodation.
b. The requestor shall forward the appeal of the unit's decision to the Headquarters ADA Coordinator.
c. At the discretion of the Headquarters ADA Coordinator, additional information or medical documentation may be requested.
d. After consultation with the Undersecretary, the Headquarters ADA Coordinator shall issue a written appeal decision to the requestor, a copy of which shall also be sent to the appropriate Unit Head and unit ADA Coordinator.
e. No additional appeal will be accepted as the Headquarters ADA Coordinator's decision shall be final.
6. Recordkeeping
a. The Headquarters ADA Coordinator shall maintain records of all requests for accommodation made throughout the department.
b. To ensure uniform and consistent compliance with the provisions of this regulation, the Headquarters ADA Coordinator shall maintain and track statistics concerning all requests for accommodation from employees, applicants, candidates for employment and visitors and the nature and outcome of the accommodations requested.
c. If a pattern becomes apparent following review of the statistics, the Headquarters ADA Coordinator will seek to remedy and/or correct any problems noted and report same to the secretary.
7. Essential Job Functions
a. General Requirements
i. Employment candidates must complete an Essential Functions Form at the time of interview for employment and/or return to employment. Employees may be required to complete an up-to-date Essential Functions Form as appropriate and when deemed necessary by the unit head in order to ensure that the fundamental mission of the department is sustained.
ii. The Index of Essential Job Functions contains the Essential Functions Form for each job category used by the department. The Index is maintained in each unit Human Resources Office.
b. Employee and Unit Specific Requirements. Employees may be required to complete an up-to-date Essential Functions Form under the following conditions (not necessarily all inclusive):
i. exhaustion of sick leave and if applicable, exhaustion of FMLA entitlement;
ii. expressed inability to participate in a mandatory work-related activity (i.e., training) and/or to perform essential job functions; and/or
iii. appearance of the inability to perform essential job functions. When any of the described conditions exist, the unit head will require the employee to provide a new Essential Functions Form and "Medical Certification" from the employee's health care provider so the employee's status under the ADA can be assessed. The Medical Certification Form must include a prognosis, whether the condition is temporary or permanent, when the condition began, the expected date of return to duty, whether the employee is able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation and a description of the accommodation needed.
NOTE: In certain situations, a second opinion by an independent third party may be appropriate. This opinion will be at the unit's expense.
8. Conciliation Options for EEO and ADA Concerns
a. Should a requestor feel that he has experienced discrimination in any manner or not be satisfied with the results of the request for accommodation, he may seek conciliation through Corrections Services' grievance process, through the EEOC for employment related complaints and/or the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) for issues not related to employment.
b. Requestors are encouraged to use the internal procedures to address and resolve complaints to the extent possible. Use of these internal procedures does not restrict a requestor from filing with the appropriate federal agency prior to exhaustion of the department's internal process(es).
9. Departmental Conciliation of EEO and ADA Matters
a. The Headquarters Human Resources Section shall coordinate the Department's response(s) to complaints and charges of discrimination regarding equal employment opportunity matters. Complaints/charges may be addressed through the internal grievance procedure when such a grievance has been filed and heard at the appropriate unit levels.
b. For formal charges generated by the EEOC or the USDOJ, the unit head and the applicable unit's attorney will develop the department's response and conciliation opinion (if applicable.) Any unit receiving a "Notice of Charge of Discrimination" document from the EEOC or similar notice from the USDOJ shall forward the notice to the Headquarters Legal Services upon receipt.
10. Employment Applications of Ex-Offenders
a. All applications for employment received from persons who are ex-offenders will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the secretary. The committee shall be composed of the chief of operations or designee, assistant secretary or designee and the headquarters human resources director or designee. Consideration will be given to the unit head's recommendation, the ex-offender's crime, sentence, institutional record and length of time free from other convictions. The committee's recommendations will then be submitted to the secretary or designee for review with the Unit Head.
b. Ex-offenders will not be eligible for employment in positions which require an employee to carry a firearm in the performance of duty. This restriction is based on applicable Civil Service job qualifications and state and federal law.
11. Training
a. The department shall provide comprehensive annual training for all departmental personnel regarding this regulation.
b. Additional information pertaining to EEO, ADA and ADEA is available in any human resources office.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 49:950.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Corrections Services, LR 26:1308 (June 2000), amended LR 35:2194 (October 2009).
James M. Le Blanc
Secretary
for offenders in jail and in employment practices. Includes information on people who are deaf and hearing impaired.
(http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/reg/regs2009.htm)
RULE Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Corrections Services
Americans with Disabilities Act
In accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49:950), the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Corrections Services, has promulgated the contents of Section 308 Americans with Disabilities Act.
Title 22
CORRECTIONS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Part I. Corrections
Chapter 3. Adult Services
§308. Americans with Disabilities Act
A. Purpose. To establish the secretary's commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related legislation as it pertains to services for offenders and to establish formal procedures regarding reasonable accommodations for those offenders.
B. Applicability. Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, Chief of Operations, Assistant Secretary, Regional Wardens, Wardens, Director of Probation and Parole, Director of Prison Enterprises and offenders who have a disability. Each unit head is responsible for ensuring that appropriate unit written policy and procedures are in place to comply with the provisions of this regulation.
C. Policy. It is the secretary's policy to provide offenders with access to housing, programs and services regardless of their disability to the extent possible within the context of the department's fundamental mission to preserve the safety of the public, staff and offenders and consistent with other classification variables that may affect custody, housing and program assignments. Equal access to programs, services and activities will be provided to all offenders based upon their classification.
1. Access to housing, programs and services includes the initiation and provision of reasonable accommodations including, but not limited to facility modifications, assistive equipment and devices and interpreter services. However, such accommodation should not constitute a danger to the offender or others and should not create undue hardship on the department or its employees.
2. Staff who are aware of or have reason to believe that an offender has a disability for which he may need accommodation are required to advise the unit ADA coordinator, who will evaluate the circumstances to determine if auxiliary aids and services and reasonable accommodations are required.
D. Definitions
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a comprehensive federal law which requires the state to provide equal access for people with disabilities to programs, services and activities of the department.
Auxiliary Aids and Services—external aids used to assist people who are hearing-impaired and may include qualified sign language or oral interpreters, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening devices, telephones compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD/TTY), videotext displays or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments.
Disability—a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual, including a record of such impairment or being regarded as having such impairment.
Effective Communication—communication with persons with disabilities that is as effective as communication with others. Effective communication is achieved by furnishing appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the services, programs or activities of the department.
Major Life Activity—walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, caring for one's self, sitting, standing, lifting, learning, thinking, working and reproduction. This list is illustrative only. The impairment to a major live activity must be long term.
Offender—anyone committed to the physical custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or under the supervision of the Division of Probation and Parole.
Qualified Interpreter—an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
a. An employee who signs "pretty well" or has only a rudimentary familiarity with sign language or finger spelling is not a qualified sign language interpreter pursuant to this regulation. Likewise, someone who is fluent in sign language but who does not possess the ability to process spoken communication into the proper signs or to observe someone else signing and change their signed or finger spelled communication into spoken words is not a qualified sign language interpreter. A departmental employee should not be allowed to interpret if his presence poses a conflict of interest or raises confidentiality and privacy concerns. On occasion, an offender may possess the skill level necessary to provide interpreting services; however, the impartially concerns remain, and in many, if not most, situations, offender interpreters should not be used due to confidentiality, privacy and security reasons.
Reasonable Accommodation—a modification or adjustment to a job, service, program or activity, etc that enables a qualified individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity for participation.
Requestor—a person who requests an accommodation for a disability.
E. Procedures
1. Initiation of Requests for Accommodation
a. A qualified individual with a known disability of a long term nature should be accommodated where reasonably possible. A request for accommodation may be filed orally or in writing.
b. An offender with a disability may be able to function in the unit without any accommodation other than that which may already have been provided. If not, the offender may request accommodation.
c. The ADA does not require that a request for accommodation be provided in any particular manner; therefore, the department is charged with having knowledge, or deemed with having knowledge, of the request regardless of the form of the request.
d. The department has in place a formal grievance mechanism through which an offender may seek formal review of a complaint relative to any request for reasonable accommodation.
e. An offender may submit a written request for accommodation through the ARP process or staff shall direct or assist the offender to write his request if the request is made verbally.
f. The ADA block on the ARP form shall be checked by the ARP screening officer and directed to the unit ADA coordinator.
2. Accommodation Review Process
a. Upon receipt of a request for accommodation, the unit ADA coordinator shall seek to determine the following:
i. if the medical condition is of a temporary or long-term nature;
ii. if additional medical information is needed. At this point of the process, the unit ADA coordinator may request that the unit medical director determine the following:
(a). what specific symptoms and functional limitations are creating barriers;
(b).if the limitations are predictable, subject to change, stable or progressive;
(c)how the limitations impact the offender's ability to fully participate in the activities and services provided;
iii. whether the condition complained of impairs a major life activity.
b. Once the initial information is gathered, a dialogue between the requestor and the unit ADA coordinator regarding resolution of the problem shall begin.
NOTE: It may take only a change in duty status to resolve the problem.
c. An exception to the need to make an accommodation includes, but is not limited to, the following:
i. not a qualified disability;
ii. threat to one's self or others. Considerations include:
(a). duration of the risk involved;
(b). nature and severity of the potential harm;
(c). likelihood the potential harm will occur;
(d). imminence of the potential harm;
(e). availability of any reasonable accommodation that might reduce or eliminate the risk;
iii. undue hardship. The decision to use this exception can only be made by the headquarters ADA coordinator after consultation with appropriate personnel. A written description of the problem with the requested accommodation and the difficulty anticipated by the unit should be sent to the headquarters ADA coordinator. Considerations include the following:
(a). scope of the accommodation;
(b). cost of the accommodation;
(c). budget of the department;
(d). longevity of the accommodation;
iv. alteration would fundamentally change the nature of the service, program or activity.
3. Decision
a. Consideration should be given on a case-by-case basis.
b. Once the decision to accommodate or not is made, the requestor must be informed in writing of the decision of whether or not an accommodation will be made, the reason for the decision and the accommodation to be made, if applicable, including any specific details concerning the accommodation. This decision shall be conveyed through the ARP First Step Process. The requestor shall also be informed of the right to appeal the decision through the ARP process.
i. For each decision, a copy of the packet of information containing the decision, all information used to reach a decision and all attempts to resolve the request shall be forwarded to the headquarters ADA coordinator. The unit ADA coordinator shall ensure that all requests for accommodation are properly and timely entered into the department's ADA database.
4. Appeal
a. The offender has the right to appeal to the second step in accordance with the ARP process.
b. The ARP response shall be issued in conjunction with the headquarters ADA coordinator and shall contain the relevant issues raised in Subparagraphs E.2.a, b and c.
5. Recordkeeping
a. The Headquarters ADA coordinator shall maintain records of all requests for accommodation made throughout the department.
b. To ensure uniform and consistent compliance with the provisions of this regulation, the headquarters ADA coordinator shall maintain and track statistics concerning all requests for accommodation from offenders and the nature and outcome of the accommodations requested.
c.If a pattern becomes apparent following review of the statistics, the headquarters ADA coordinator shall seek to remedy and/or correct any problems noted and report same to the secretary.
RULE
Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Corrections Services
Effective Communication with the Hearing Impaired
Title 22
CORRECTIONS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Part I. Corrections
Chapter 3. Adult Services
§312. Effective Communication with the Hearing Impaired
A. Purpose. To establish procedures to provide auxiliary aids and services whenever necessary to ensure effective communication with qualified individuals with disabilities.
B. Applicability. Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, Chief of Operations, Assistant Secretary, Regional Wardens, Wardens, Director of Probation and Parole, Director of Prison Enterprises, offenders, employees and visitors who are hearing-impaired. Each unit head is responsible for ensuring that appropriate unit written policy and procedures are in place to comply with the provisions of this regulation.
C. Policy. It is the secretary's policy to ensure that communication with offenders, employees and visitors with disabilities is to the same extent as communicating with others. The department shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program or activity conducted by the department where the auxiliary aids or services does not constitute an undue administrative and financial burden or fundamentally alter the service, program, or activity. Any male offender whose hearing cannot be restored to a "within normal limits" medical level with an auxiliary aid will be housed at either the Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) or Rayburn Correctional Center (RCC). Any female offender whose hearing cannot be restored to a "within normal limits" medical level with an auxiliary aid will be housed at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW.)
D. Definitions
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a comprehensive federal law which requires the state to provide equal access for people with disabilities to services, programs, and activities of the department.
Auxiliary Aids and Services (AAS)—external aids used to assist people who are hearing-impaired and may include qualified sign language or oral interpreters, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening devices, telephones compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD/TTY), videotext displays or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments.
Departmental Personnel—for the purpose of this regulation, this shall include, but not be limited to, nurses, physicians, social workers, therapists, admitting personnel, security staff, probation and parole officers and any other administrative staff who have or are likely to have direct contact with offenders and/or visitors.
Disability—a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual, including a record of such impairment or being regarded as having such impairment.
Effective Communication—communication with persons with disabilities that is as effective as communication with others. Effective communication is achieved by furnishing appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the services, programs and activities of the department.
Major Life Activity—walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, caring for one's self, sitting, standing, lifting, learning, thinking, working and reproduction. This list is illustrative only. The impairment to a major life activity must be long term.
Offender—anyone committed to the physical custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or under the supervision of the Division of Probation and Parole.
Qualified Interpreter—an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
NOTE: An employee who signs "pretty well" or has only a rudimentary familiarity with sign language or finger spelling is not a qualified sign language interpreter pursuant to this regulation. Likewise, someone who is fluent in sign language but who does not possess the ability to process spoken communication into the proper signs or to observe someone else signing and change their signed or finger spelled communication into spoken words is not a qualified sign language interpreter. A departmental employee should not be allowed to interpret if his presence poses a conflict of interest or raises confidentiality and privacy concerns. On occasion, an offender may possess the skill level necessary to provide interpreting services; however, the impartially concerns remain, and in many-if not most-situations, offender interpreters should not be used due to confidentiality, privacy and security reasons.
Reasonable Accommodation—a modification or adjustment to a job, service, program or activity, etc. that enables a qualified individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity for participation.
Requestor—a person who requests an accommodation for a disability.
TTY/TDD—a device that is used with a telephone or computer that has telephone text capability to communicate (by typing and reading communication) with persons who are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Visitor—for the purpose of this regulation, includes any non-departmental employee who is authorized to be on institutional grounds. i.e., volunteers, contractors, official guests, etc.
E. Procedures
1. Establishment of Auxiliary Aids and Services (AAS) Program. The department shall design and institute a program to provide auxiliary aids and services, schedule, announce and promote all training required, and draft, provide and maintain all reports as required by this regulation.
2. Designation of an official or office responsible for AAS.
a.Each unit ADA coordinator will be responsible for the AAS Program and shall maintain all necessary information about access to and the operation of the program.
b. LSP, RCC and LCIW unit ADA coordinators shall maintain a combination voice, TDD/TTY telephone line or dedicated TDD/TTY telephone line and shall publicize the purpose and telephone number broadly within the unit and to the public.
c. Each unit ADA coordinator shall provide appropriate assistance regarding immediate access to, and proper use of, the appropriate auxiliary aids and services available. It is the responsibility of the unit ADA coordinators to know where the appropriate auxiliary aids are stored, how to obtain services and how to operate them and shall facilitate maintenance, repair, replacement and distribution.
d. Each unit ADA coordinator shall maintain a recording system for inquiries regarding the provision of auxiliary aids and services and the response.
3. Provision of Appropriate Auxiliary Aids and Services
a. The department shall provide to offenders, employees and visitors who are deaf or hearing-impaired an appropriate auxiliary aid or service that may be necessary for effective communication as soon as practicable after determining that the aid or service is necessary.
b. The determination of which appropriate auxiliary aids and services are necessary and the timing, duration and frequency with which they will be provided shall be made by unit personnel, who are otherwise primarily responsible for coordinating and/or providing offender services, in consultation with the person with a disability. When an auxiliary aid or service is required to ensure effective communication, the unit shall provide an opportunity for an individual with a disability to request the auxiliary aid or service of the requestor's choice and shall give consideration to the choice expressed, but shall have the final decision regarding the accommodation to be provided.
c. The initial offender communication assessment shall be made at the time of the intake interview at a reception and diagnostic center or other appropriate classification center within 48 hours of arrival. Properly trained staff shall perform and document a communication assessment to determine the offender's level of effective communication. This assessment shall be conducted by an outside provider or departmental staff, barring any unusual or emergency condition within 10 weeks from the initial assessment. The written assessment shall be made a part of the offender's master prison record.
i. During the initial communication assessment, each offender shall be given a Request for Accommodation Form. This form shall also be made available to the current offender population. Offenders are free to reject or to fail to request auxiliary aids and services, but failure to use the designated form does not relieve the reception center/institution of its duty to assess the offender, nor to inform the offender of the availability of appropriate auxiliary aids and services. Refusal or failure by an offender to complete or return the Request for Accommodation shall not constitute a violation of the ADA or of the Resolution Agreement by the department.
ii. If the initial assessment reveals that an offender's hearing is below normal limits as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a male offender shall be transferred to LSP for continuation and completion of the classification process.
d. Each unit shall conduct a minimum of a yearly assessment of each offender with hearing or speech disability regarding the provision of appropriate auxiliary aids and services. If an intervening problem or adjustment is required, the offender shall request a medical call-out. Each unit shall maintain appropriate documentation that reflects the ongoing assessments. The information shall be filed in the offender's medical record.
4. Nothing in this regulation shall require that an electronic device or piece of equipment used as an appropriate auxiliary aid be used when or where its use may be inconsistent with other departmental regulations or unit policies or when use may pose security concerns. (For example, closed-captioned televisions are provided consistently for offenders with hearing disabilities with the same duration and frequency as televisions are provided to the other offenders classified in the same status. No offender will be provided a television if his status would not otherwise permit access.)
5.The department shall maintain an effective complaint resolution mechanism regarding the provision of auxiliary aids and services. Records shall be kept of all complaints filed and actions taken in response. All complaints shall be handled through each unit ADA coordinator and the grievance systems currently in effect. The warden designated to oversee the operation of the ADA Program at each institution or division shall conduct a meaningful review of this regulation on a semi-annual basis.
6. If an offender who is deaf or hearing-impaired does not request appropriate auxiliary aids or services, but departmental and/or unit personnel have reason to believe that the offender would benefit from appropriate auxiliary aids or services, the offender may be asked if the use of auxiliary aids would be beneficial and initiate the testing procedure without violating ADA.
F. Qualified Interpreters
1. The department shall provide qualified sign language or oral interpreters when necessary for effective communication with, or effective participation in, departmental programs and activities by employees, offenders and visitors who are deaf or hearing-impaired. In addition, the department shall offer qualified sign language interpreters to offenders who are deaf or hearing-impaired and whose primary means of communication is sign language and qualified oral interpreters to offenders who rely primarily on lip reading, as necessary, for effective communication.
a. The following are examples of circumstances when it may be necessary to provide interpreters:
i. initial intake and classification processing;
ii. regularly scheduled health care appointments and programs, such as medical, dental, visual, mental health and drug and alcohol recovery services;
iii. emergency health care where having an interpreter would not present an undue burden (e.g., interpreter can arrive at the scene quickly);
iv. treatment and other formal programming;
v. educational classes and activities;
vi. parole board hearings;
vii. disciplinary board hearings;
viii. criminal investigations (to the extent controlled by the department);
ix. classification review interviews;
x. grievance interviews;
xi. religious services; and
xii. formal internal investigations.
2. The department shall establish a contract with individual sign language interpreters or with interpretive agencies for hearing impaired offenders, employees or visitors who require this service, or shall provide other effective means to ensure that qualified interpreters or oral interpreters are provided within three hours of an unscheduled request and timely for scheduled requests. Additionally, as a back-up measure, the headquarters ADA coordinator shall maintain a list of all qualified sign language and oral interpreters (and their contact information) residing or working within a 50-mile radius of any unit housing deaf or hearing-impaired offenders. The headquarters ADA coordinator shall provide this information to the unit ADA coordinators at LSP, RCC and LCIW.
NOTE: The department shall ensure by contract or other arrangements that all services, programs or activities provided or operated by contractors are in compliance with ADA. Contracts with those entities that fail or refuse to comply with ADA shall be subjected to formal termination proceedings.
3. Between the time an interpreter is requested and when an interpreter arrives, unit personnel shall continue to try to communicate with the person who is hearing-impaired to the same extent as they would communicate with a person without a hearing impairment, using all available methods of communication. However, in an emergency, seeking the services of an interpreter shall not mean that medical treatment will be delayed until the interpreter arrives. In addition, upon arrival of the interpreter, unit personnel shall review and confirm with the offender, employee or visitor all information received prior to the interpreter's arrival.
4. Offenders requesting auxiliary aids and/or services, after the initial assessment and which would require a medical evaluation, shall be charged the standard medical co-pay.
EXCEPTION: The offender may be assessed the total costs of replacement of an auxiliary aid if it is determined that replacement is a direct result of the offender's negligence/damage to property.
G. Hearing Aids and Batteries
1. Each unit shall purchase appropriate types of hearing aid batteries and keep them in stock in the medical supply room during the length of time an offender who wears a hearing aid is housed at that unit. Replacement hearing aid batteries shall be provided to offenders who request them on the first business day following receipt of the request. If the request is made on a weekend or holiday or a night after regular business hours, the replacement battery will be provided on the first standard business day following the request.
2. Each unit shall send offender hearing aids to a hearing aid repair company as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) following a request for repair of the offender's hearing aid. The unit shall inform the offender in writing, as soon as possible, when his hearing aid was sent for repair and when it is expected to be returned by the repair company. The unit shall maintain written documentation of all hearing aid repairs, including detailed information regarding the vendor used, the date of the repair and the specific repairs performed. This information shall be submitted by each unit to the medical department at the Louisiana State Penitentiary quarterly for statistical compilation purposes.
H. Telephones
1. The department shall provide telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDDs/TTYs) for offenders who are deaf or hearing-impaired in a manner that ensures effective access to telephone services. In addition, the following is required so that those offenders who do hear will have access to TDDs/TTYs to communicate with family members or friends who are deaf or hearing-impaired.
a. Each unit shall make at least one TDD/TTY device available in each of the visiting areas where non-contact visits are conducted and the communication exchanged is accomplished over a telephone device. The unit can either permanently install the required TDD/TTY or make available a sufficient number of portable TDDs/TTYs for these visits.
b. Each unit shall provide a TDD/TTY to all deaf or hearing-impaired offenders residing in housing areas to the extent that pay telephones are available to other offenders. In those situations where the unit provides portable TDDs/TTYs, the housing officers shall provide them upon the offender's request, absent emergency circumstances such as lockdown.
c.The department shall take the necessary steps to provide offenders, with toll-free access to "800" numbers for telephone relay services and TDD/TTY operators. These numbers will be posted near all offender telephones, with notice that they are toll-free numbers. The telephone calls to the TDD/TTY operator will be provided free of charge, but any charges incurred to the receiving party will be handled as a standard offender telephone call. Thus, the offender or the receiving party shall be responsible for any long distance charges accrued.
d. Due to the fact that telephone calls placed via a TDD/TTY take longer than telephone calls placed using standard voice telephone equipment, the unit shall allow offenders needing TDD/TTY assistance to have 30 minutes per telephone call, barring any unusual circumstances.
2. Each unit shall ensure that at least one and no less than 25 percent of all offender telephones are equipped with volume control mechanisms and appropriate signs are displayed indicating the phone is volume controlled.
3. Each unit shall ensure that no less than 25 percent of all of its offender telephones are hearing aid compatible in the general population.
4. Each unit shall maintain records of all offenders who have been medically evaluated for any type of hearing impairment, the results of such assessment, date of any reassessment, any transfer or discharge of offenders assessed with a hearing impairment, requests for accommodations including the date requested and the determination and the provision of auxiliary aids or services and the date(s) provided. This information shall be submitted by each unit to the medical department of the Louisiana State Penitentiary quarterly for statistical compilation purposes.
I. Visual and Tactile Alarms
1. Where there are audible emergency alarms in visiting areas, each unit shall add visual alarms when an individual who is deaf or hearing-impaired is anticipated to spend significant periods of time in these areas.
2. Each unit shall place visual emergency alarms in rooms where offenders who are deaf may reside alone or work alone to ensure that they will always be alerted when an emergency alarm is activated. To be effective, such devices must be located and oriented so that they will spread signals and reflections throughout a space or raise the overall light level sharply.
3. Where each unit has audible alarms in housing areas, the unit shall add visual signal devices, when necessary, to alert offenders who are deaf or hearing-impaired to announcements (e.g., roll call.)
J. Televisions
1. Each unit shall provide and maintain closed-captioned television decoders (or built-in decoder televisions) in television rooms to enable offenders who are deaf or hearing-impaired to enjoy the same opportunity for television viewing as that afforded to other offenders.
K. Training
1. Annual training regarding this regulation shall be provided by the department to all employees through the regularly scheduled ADA Training Program.
2. The training program shall be sufficient in duration and content to instruct a reasonable number of personnel in access to the AAS Program, use of the program, and sensitivity to the needs of the deaf and hearing-impaired offender population. Such training shall include:
a.topics relevant to the health care needs of deaf and hearing-impaired offenders, such as the various degrees of hearing impairment;
b. language and cultural diversity in the deaf community;
c. dispelling myths and misconceptions about persons who are deaf or hearing-impaired;
d. identification of communication requirements of persons who are deaf or hearing-impaired;
e. the unique needs and problems encountered by late-deafened individuals;
f. psychological implications of hearing loss and its relationship to interaction with hearing health care professionals;
g. types of auxiliary aids and services as required pursuant to this regulation;
h. the proper use and role of qualified sign language interpreters;
i. procedures and methods for accessing the AAS Program for providing interpreters;
j. making and receiving calls through TDDs/TTYs and the Louisiana Relay or other relay service providers;
k. third party resources which can provide additional information about people who are deaf or hearing-impaired; and
l. the existence of the department's complaint resolution process.
L. Recordkeeping
1. The Headquarters ADA Coordinator shall maintain records of all requests for accommodation made throughout the department.
2. The headquarters ADA coordinator shall maintain and track statistics concerning all requests for accommodation from offenders, employees and visitors and the nature and outcome of the accommodations requested.
3. If a pattern becomes apparent following review of the statistics, the headquarters ADA coordinator shall seek to remedy and/or correct any problems noted and report same to the secretary.
RULE
Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Corrections Services
Equal Employment Opportunity
(Includes Americans with Disabilities Act)(LAC 22:I.201)
In accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49:950), the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Corrections Services, has amended the contents of Section 201 Equal Employment Opportunity.
Title 22
CORRECTIONS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Part I. Corrections
Chapter 2. Personnel
§201. Equal Employment Opportunity
(Includes Americans with Disabilities Act)
A. Purpose. To establish the secretary's commitment to equal employment opportunities and to establish formal procedures regarding reasonable accommodation for all employees, applicants, candidates for employment (including qualified ex-offenders) and visitors.
B. Applicability. Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, Chief of Operations, Assistant Secretary, Regional Wardens, Wardens, Director of Probation and Parole, Director of Prison Enterprises, employees, applicants, candidates for employment (including ex-offenders) and visitors. Each unit head is responsible for ensuring that appropriate unit written policy and procedures are in place to comply with the provisions of this regulation.
C. Policy. It is the secretary's policy to assure equal opportunities to all employees, applicants, candidates for employment (including ex-offenders) and visitors without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
1. Exceptions:
a. where age, sex or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary for proper and efficient operations;
b. where the implications of nepotism restrict such employment or employment opportunity; and
c. preferential hiring will be given to persons who actively served in the Iraqi/Afghanistan conflicts in accordance with Civil Service Rules.
2. Equal opportunities will be provided for employees in areas of compensation, benefits, promotion, recruitment, training and all other conditions of employment. Notices of equal employment opportunities will be posted in prominent accessible places at each employment location.
3. Equal access to programs, services and activities will be provided to all visitors. Advance notice of a requested accommodation shall be made during normal business hours to ensure availability at the time of the visit.
4. If any employee is made aware of or has reason to believe that a visitor to the unit is deaf or hard of hearing,
the employee is required to advise the person that appropriate auxiliary aids and services will be provided. The employee should then direct the visitor to the unit ADA Coordinator or designee. Likewise, such information must be forthcoming in response to any request for auxiliary aid or services.
D. Definitions
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)—a federal law to protect individuals 40 years of age and over from arbitrary discrimination in employment practices, unless age is a bona fide occupational qualification. The state of Louisiana has passed similar legislation and the term ADEA will refer to both federal and state prohibitions against age discrimination in this regulation.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a comprehensive federal law which requires the state to provide equal access for people with disabilities to programs, services and activities of the department, as well as to employment opportunities.
Applicant—a person who has applied for a job and whose qualification for such is unknown.
Auxiliary Aids and Services—external aids used to assist people who are hearing-impaired and may include qualified sign language or oral interpreters, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening devices, telephones compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD/TTY), videotext displays or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments.
Candidate—a person who has successfully passed the required test and/or meets the Civil Service minimum qualifications for the job sought.
Disability—a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual, including a record of such impairment or being regarded as having such impairment.
Effective Communication—communication with persons with disabilities that is as effective as communication with others. Effective communication is achieved by furnishing appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the services, programs or activities of the department.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)—the operation of a system of human resources administration which ensures an environment that will provide an equal opportunity for public employment to all segments of society based on individual merit and fitness of applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation or disability (except where sex, age or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to the proper and efficient operation of the department.)
a. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal regulatory body for EEO related complaints and charges.
Essential Functions—basic job duties that an employee/applicant must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ex-Offender—those offenders who are no longer in the physical custody of the DPS&C or no longer under the supervision of the Division of
Probation and Parole.
Family and Medical Leave—leave for which an employee may be eligible under the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
Major Life Activity—walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, caring for one's self, sitting, standing, lifting, learning, thinking, working and reproduction. This list is illustrative only. The impairment to a major life activity must be long term.
Qualified Individual with a Disability—an individual with a disability (as previously defined herein) who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Reasonable Accommodation—a modification or adjustment to a job, service, program or activity, etc., that enables a qualified individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity for participation.
Requestor—a person who requests an accommodation for a disability.
Seniority—a calculation of the number of years of service to the department and used in comparison to another employee's or applicant's number of years of service to the department. Seniority may be used as a factor in employment decisions but may never be used as a substitute for age discrimination.
Visitor—for the purpose of this regulation, includes any non-departmental employee who is authorized to be on institutional grounds. i.e., volunteers, contractors, official guests, etc.
E. Procedures
1. Coordination of ADA Matters
a. The secretary will establish and designate a Headquarters ADA Coordinator. This employee is charged with reviewing, recording and monitoring ADA matters for the department and will also advise and make recommendations to the secretary or designee regarding such matters as appropriate.
b. Each unit head will designate a primary unit ADA Coordinator to coordinate unit ADA matters. All units will prominently post the name and telephone number of the unit ADA Coordinator.
2. Initiation of Requests for Accommodation
a. A qualified requestor with a known disability of a long term nature should be accommodated where reasonably possible, providing the accommodation does not constitute a danger to the requestor or others and does not create undue hardship on the department or its employees.
NOTE: If a requestor is an employee, applicant or a candidate for employment, the requestor must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with the accommodation.
b. The ADA does not require that a request for accommodation be provided in any particular manner; therefore, the department is charged with having knowledge, or deemed with having knowledge, of the request regardless of the form of the request.
c. If an employee, applicant or candidate for employment informs anyone in his chain of command, Human Resources personnel or the unit ADA Coordinator that he has difficulty performing his job duties or participating in a program or service due to a medical condition, the employee, applicant or candidate for employment is deemed to have made a request for accommodation.
d. If a visitor informs an employee that he cannot participate in the visiting process or any other program or service that the visitor is entitled to participate in, the visitor is deemed to have made a request for accommodation.
e. Once any request for accommodation has been received, either verbally or in writing, the person receiving the request should immediately relay the request to the unit ADA Coordinator or designee.
f. An employee, applicant, candidate for employment (including ex-offenders) or visitor may complete a Request for Accommodation Form. The requestor completing the form must forward it to the unit ADA Coordinator for processing.
3. Accommodation Review Process
a. Upon receipt of the completed Request for Accommodation Form, the unit ADA Coordinator shall seek to determine the following:
i. if the medical condition is of a temporary or long-term nature;
ii. if additional medical information is needed from the requestor's physician or through a second opinion. At this point of the process, the unit ADA Coordinator may inform the requestor that his doctor must complete an Essential Function Form to determine the following:
NOTE: The Index of Essential Job Functions contains the Essential Functions Form for each job category used by the Department. The Index is maintained in each unit Human Resources Office)
(a). what specific symptoms and functional limitations are creating barriers;
(b). if the limitations are predictable, subject to change, stable or progressive;
(c). how the limitations impact the requestor's ability to perform the job, and for visitors, how the limitations impact the requestor's ability to fully participate in the activities and services to which the requestor is entitled;
iii. the condition impairs a major life activity.
b. If questions remain, staff may contact the requestor's treating physician directly.
c. The unit ADA Coordinator shall ensure that a formal request is submitted on a Request for Accommodation Form and provide assistance as needed.
d. Once the initial information is gathered, a dialogue between the requestor and unit ADA Coordinator regarding resolution of the problem shall begin.
e. The discussion may include the following matters:
i. if the problem is of a temporary nature, use of FMLA or sick leave, Workman's Compensation or a temporary halt of some job duties may resolve the problem;
ii. if a second medical opinion is needed, this is to be performed at the department's cost with a physician of the department's choosing;
iii. if the medical condition is deemed to be a qualified disability, this decision shall be documented;
NOTE: Due to the nature of a disability, the disability may progress and require additional modifications at a later date)
iv. the goal is to reach a mutually acceptable accommodation, if possible. The secretary or designee shall make the final decision on what the actual accommodation will be.
f. An exception to the need to make an accommodation includes, but is not limited to the following:
i. not a qualified disability;
ii. threat to one's self or others. Considerations are as follows:
(a). duration of the risk involved;
(b). nature and severity of the potential harm;
(c). likelihood that potential harm will occur;
(d). imminence of the potential harm;
(e). availability of any reasonable accommodation that might reduce or eliminate the risk;
iii. undue hardship. The decision to use this exception may be made by the Headquarters ADA Coordinator only after consultation with the undersecretary. A written description of the problem with the requested accommodation and the difficulty anticipated by the unit should be sent to the Headquarters ADA Coordinator. Considerations are as follows:
(a). scope of the accommodation;
(b). cost of the accommodation;
(c). budget of the department;
(d). longevity of the accommodation.
iv. alteration would fundamentally change the nature of the program, service or activity.
4. Decision
a. Consideration should be given on a case-by-case basis.
b. The granting of leave can be an accommodation.
c. Once the decision to accommodate or not is made, the requestor shall be informed in writing of the decision of whether or not an accommodation will be made, the reason for the decision and the accommodation to be made, if applicable, including any specific details concerning the accommodation. The requestor must also be informed of the right to appeal the decision to the Headquarters ADA Coordinator.
i. For each decision, a copy of the packet of information containing the decision, all information used to reach the decision and all attempts to resolve the request shall be forwarded to the Headquarters ADA Coordinator. The unit ADA Coordinator shall ensure that all requests for accommodation are properly and timely entered into the department's ADA database.
d. The original of the packet of information concerning the request with the decision shall be maintained in a confidential file for three years after the requestor has left the department's employ or notification has been received that a requestor no longer wishes to be afforded visitor status.
5. Appeal
a. The requestor has the right to appeal the unit's decision for the following reasons only:
i. the finding that the medical condition is not a qualifying disability;
ii. the denial of an accommodation; or
iii. the nature of the accommodation.
b. The requestor shall forward the appeal of the unit's decision to the Headquarters ADA Coordinator.
c. At the discretion of the Headquarters ADA Coordinator, additional information or medical documentation may be requested.
d. After consultation with the Undersecretary, the Headquarters ADA Coordinator shall issue a written appeal decision to the requestor, a copy of which shall also be sent to the appropriate Unit Head and unit ADA Coordinator.
e. No additional appeal will be accepted as the Headquarters ADA Coordinator's decision shall be final.
6. Recordkeeping
a. The Headquarters ADA Coordinator shall maintain records of all requests for accommodation made throughout the department.
b. To ensure uniform and consistent compliance with the provisions of this regulation, the Headquarters ADA Coordinator shall maintain and track statistics concerning all requests for accommodation from employees, applicants, candidates for employment and visitors and the nature and outcome of the accommodations requested.
c. If a pattern becomes apparent following review of the statistics, the Headquarters ADA Coordinator will seek to remedy and/or correct any problems noted and report same to the secretary.
7. Essential Job Functions
a. General Requirements
i. Employment candidates must complete an Essential Functions Form at the time of interview for employment and/or return to employment. Employees may be required to complete an up-to-date Essential Functions Form as appropriate and when deemed necessary by the unit head in order to ensure that the fundamental mission of the department is sustained.
ii. The Index of Essential Job Functions contains the Essential Functions Form for each job category used by the department. The Index is maintained in each unit Human Resources Office.
b. Employee and Unit Specific Requirements. Employees may be required to complete an up-to-date Essential Functions Form under the following conditions (not necessarily all inclusive):
i. exhaustion of sick leave and if applicable, exhaustion of FMLA entitlement;
ii. expressed inability to participate in a mandatory work-related activity (i.e., training) and/or to perform essential job functions; and/or
iii. appearance of the inability to perform essential job functions. When any of the described conditions exist, the unit head will require the employee to provide a new Essential Functions Form and "Medical Certification" from the employee's health care provider so the employee's status under the ADA can be assessed. The Medical Certification Form must include a prognosis, whether the condition is temporary or permanent, when the condition began, the expected date of return to duty, whether the employee is able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation and a description of the accommodation needed.
NOTE: In certain situations, a second opinion by an independent third party may be appropriate. This opinion will be at the unit's expense.
8. Conciliation Options for EEO and ADA Concerns
a. Should a requestor feel that he has experienced discrimination in any manner or not be satisfied with the results of the request for accommodation, he may seek conciliation through Corrections Services' grievance process, through the EEOC for employment related complaints and/or the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) for issues not related to employment.
b. Requestors are encouraged to use the internal procedures to address and resolve complaints to the extent possible. Use of these internal procedures does not restrict a requestor from filing with the appropriate federal agency prior to exhaustion of the department's internal process(es).
9. Departmental Conciliation of EEO and ADA Matters
a. The Headquarters Human Resources Section shall coordinate the Department's response(s) to complaints and charges of discrimination regarding equal employment opportunity matters. Complaints/charges may be addressed through the internal grievance procedure when such a grievance has been filed and heard at the appropriate unit levels.
b. For formal charges generated by the EEOC or the USDOJ, the unit head and the applicable unit's attorney will develop the department's response and conciliation opinion (if applicable.) Any unit receiving a "Notice of Charge of Discrimination" document from the EEOC or similar notice from the USDOJ shall forward the notice to the Headquarters Legal Services upon receipt.
10. Employment Applications of Ex-Offenders
a. All applications for employment received from persons who are ex-offenders will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the secretary. The committee shall be composed of the chief of operations or designee, assistant secretary or designee and the headquarters human resources director or designee. Consideration will be given to the unit head's recommendation, the ex-offender's crime, sentence, institutional record and length of time free from other convictions. The committee's recommendations will then be submitted to the secretary or designee for review with the Unit Head.
b. Ex-offenders will not be eligible for employment in positions which require an employee to carry a firearm in the performance of duty. This restriction is based on applicable Civil Service job qualifications and state and federal law.
11. Training
a. The department shall provide comprehensive annual training for all departmental personnel regarding this regulation.
b. Additional information pertaining to EEO, ADA and ADEA is available in any human resources office.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 49:950.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Corrections Services, LR 26:1308 (June 2000), amended LR 35:2194 (October 2009).
James M. Le Blanc
Secretary
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)