Hello! Please note the following webinar that is available from United for Libraries FREE for Michigan Library Trustees (and Directors)! Accessibility and Public Libraries Under Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act: What Trustees Need to Know Jan. 11 at 11am ET Recent laws and societal shifts have increased knowledge and visibility about disabilities. As our population evolves and shifts, public libraries will have to adapt their buildings and services in order to continue to provide quality resources to their communities-and comply with state and federal laws. Accessibility of public services and facilities for people with disabilities is one of many important emerging issues for public libraries. In addition to being required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the need for accessibility is quickly becoming a simple operational necessity: * Approximately 17.7% of the U.S. population is over 65. Census.gov<https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/population-65-and-over.html> * 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have a disability. CDC.gov<https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html> * 10-20% of the global population are neurodiverse. Deloitte<https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace.html> * 1 in 5 Adults in the U.S. are estimated to have a diagnosed mental illness. NIH<https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness> This webinar<https://www.ala.org/events/accessibility-and-public-libraries-under-title-ii-americans-disabilities-act-what-trustees?_zs=pEsRn1&_zl=or3x9> will provide an intro to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a general overview of the legal expectations for public libraries to provide access and services to people with a wide range of disabilities. We'll also discuss emerging accessibility trends, such as language accessibility and religious accommodation. The presentation will be Trustee-focused-centered on the responsibilities of Trustees in ensuring that their libraries are truly welcoming to all of their communities, now and into the future. Register<https://www.ala.org/events/accessibility-and-public-libraries-under-title-ii-americans-disabilities-act-what-trustees?_zs=pEsRn1&_zl=or3x9> https://united.ala.org/accessibility-and-public-libraries-under-title-ii-of-... This program is funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Thanks! Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. "the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge." Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.
