Universal Access NY Indicators – Preliminary Questions



Carefully discuss each question and complete the corresponding Quality Indicators. The ratings are as follows:
5 = Exemplary, can educate others about this issue
4 = Indicator evident across all situations
3 = Indicator evident across some, but not all, situations
2 = Indicator not evident, planning is underway
1 = Indicator not evident, no planning has been initiated

1.0 Outreach and Intake
Does the One-Stop actively recruit participation from all groups of potential customers, and offer assistance during intake, effectively meeting the support and privacy needs of each One-Stop customer?
 
2.0 Physical Access
Are the interior and exterior entryways and public areas of the One-Stop logically arranged, clearly labeled, free from barriers, and contain furniture and fixtures usable by all customers?
 
3.0 Service Delivery
Does each customer have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the One-Stop staff and partners, in the design and delivery of education, services, and supports, resulting in meaningful and substantive employment?
 
4.0 Youth
Does the local workforce area Youth Council develop and maintain collaborative relationships, involving the broadest variety of youth toward preferred outcomes in employment and postsecondary education with necessary supports?
 
5.0 Technology
Are all customers provided ready access to One-Stop telecommunications, workstation and informational technologies through staff assistance, modifications and assistive devices?

1.0 Outreach and Intake

Question: Does the One-Stop actively recruit participation from all groups of potential customers, and offer assistance during intake, effectively meeting the support and privacy needs of each One-Stop customer?

Follow-up Indicators: Rate 1-5 Change Desired?
1.1 Staff Knowledge
1.1.1 Staff Knowledge Staff demonstrates knowledge on how to help all customers feel welcome through listening and accommodation.    
1.1.2 Staff Knowledge Staff is aware of, and practices procedures to offer and respond to requests for accommodations and modifications.    
1.2 Partners
1.2.1 Partners Written releases are obtained from customers before personal information is shared with other agencies.    
1.2.2 Partners A common process exists for intake between partners, resulting in a seamless referral of customers for services.    
1.3 Intake
1.3.1 Intake All potential customers are offered disability accommodation assistance without regard to perceived disabilities.    
1.3.2 Intake Questions to a customer to obtain personal information occur in private, where each customer is informed that the information they share will be kept confidential.    
1.3.3 Intake Customers have multiple opportunities to request an accommodation during the intake process.    
1.3.4 Intake Customers are presented with their rights to nondiscrimination in an accessible and understandable format.    
1.4 Outreach
1.4.1 Outreach Specific outreach activities attract a diverse group of customers, including customers with significant disabilities.    
1.4.2 Outreach Marketing materials include positive representations of a diverse group of customers who receive One-Stop services, including individuals with disabilities, and are available in a variety of accessible formats.    
1.4.3 Outreach Information is collected and reviewed about the number of and demographic characteristics (including disability status) of customers who participate in the One-Stop as a result of outreach activities.    
1.4.4 Outreach Information is presented to employers regarding advantages and strategies for hiring a diverse workforce, inclusive of individuals with disabilities.    
2.0 Physical Access

Question: Are the interior and exterior entryways and public areas of the One-Stop logically arranged, clearly labeled, free from barriers, and contain furniture and fixtures usable by all customers?

Follow-up Indicators: Rate 1-5 Change Desired?
2.1 Exterior
2.1.1 Exterior The sidewalk or path leading to the entrance is at least 3 feet wide, is free of protruding objects, does not require the use of steps and is slip resistant.    
2.1.2 Exterior Ramps leading to the entrance are at least 3 feet wide, include railings on both sides, have level landings, and a gentle slope.    
2.1.3 Exterior The parking lot includes an adequate number of clearly marked, accessible parking spaces with adjacent areas for lifts, with ongoing enforcement procedures in place.    
2.1.4 Exterior In communities where mass transit is available, the One-Stop is located near transit stops along frequently traveled transit lines (e.g., bus stops, subway stations).    
2.2 Entry
2.2.1 Entry Powered exterior doors open wide, are operable with a closed fist, with clear wall space on the latch side of door.    
2.2.2 Entry The well-lit entryway has a level threshold, with low pile, fastened doormats/carpeting and provides direct access to the main floor, lobby and elevator.    
2.3 Interior
2.3.1 Interior There are ramps and elevators to all levels that can be utilized without assistance, by all customers.    
2.3.2 Interior Doors open wide with a closed fist and without too much force, with clear wall space on latch side of door and a level threshold.    
2.3.3 Interior Desks and other furniture are positioned at least 3 feet apart, have enough clearance for mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs), and can accommodate a variety of customers.    
2.3.4 Interior Restroom sinks, toilets, urinals and other fixtures are positioned and located to allow access for all customers and types of mobility devices.    
2.3.5 Interior All interior routes are at least 36” wide, clear of obstructions, well lit, and covered with either bare flooring or low-pile carpeting.    
2.3.6 Interior Drinking fountains, elevators, telephones and other fixtures with controls are positioned and designed so that all customers can access each fixture.    
2.3.7 Interior Stairs between floors have continuous railings on both sides with extensions beyond the top and bottom of stairs, and reflective non-slip treads.    
2.4 Signage
2.4.1 Interior Signs for rooms and devices include contrast, raised letters, Braille and international symbols.    
2.4.2 Interior Signs are posted that graphically, and through touch, direct the customer to work stations, restrooms and One-Stop assistance.    
3.0 Service Delivery

Question: Does each customer have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the One-Stop staff and partners, in the design and delivery of education, services, and supports, resulting in meaningful and substantive employment?

Follow-up Indicators: Rate 1-5 Change Desired?
3.1 Staff Knowledge
3.1.1 Staff Knowledge Front line staff demonstrates an awareness of effective strategies (including counseling, employment and placement) that support employment outcomes for customers with disabilities.    
3.1.2 Staff Knowledge Front line staff demonstrates an understanding of accommodations and supports, promoting equal access and participation in One-Stop activities for all customers.    
3.1.3 Staff Knowledge Front line staff regularly participates in professional development opportunities (e.g., conferences, workshops and technical materials) that further equal access for One-Stop customers.    
3.1.4 Staff Knowledge Front line staff understands how to maintain confidential information about customers, including the information about disability-related issues.    
3.1.5 Staff Knowledge Front line staff is aware of procedures to obtain assistive devices through various funding sources (e.g., Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid, Social Security work incentives).    
3.2 Partners
3.2.1 Partners Customers are given the opportunity to choose from a variety of qualified providers of employment services.    
3.2.2 Partners Employers demonstrate understanding about the limits of inquiry regarding the disability status of an employee or potential employee under the Americans with Disabilities Act.    
3.2.3 Partners Employers demonstrate understanding about effective accommodations for a variety of disabilities.    
3.2.4 Partners All One-Stop programs and services have been intentionally designed to be adapted to accommodate a wide range of customers, including customers with disabilities.    
3.2.5 Partners Public and private sector resources are combined through collaborative agreements to support the full participation of a diverse group of customers in One-Stop activities.    
3.3 Customer Direction
3.3.1 Customer Direction Directions are present, in a variety of formats, for customers who wish to access computer workstations or other One-Stop self-directed resources, outside of the formal intake/referral process.    
3.3.2 Customer Direction All customers, with and without disabilities, have the opportunity to be the primary influence on the design, implementation and review of their plans for service delivery.    
3.3.3 Customer Direction Alternative formats (e.g., Braille, audio tapes, large print) of materials used for programmatic and survey purposes are available in a timely manner per customer request and contain the same information across formats.    
3.3.4 Customer Direction Private meeting space is always available and routinely offered to all customers to discuss confidential or disability-specific issues.    
3.4 Policy Issues
3.4.1 Policy Issues The One-Stop annual policy review contains a written accessibility plan, developed by a formally established work group of One-Stop staff, partners, and customers who have disabilities.    
3.4.2 Policy Issues Written policy regarding access to information about One-Stop customers, with personnel identified to supervise the implementation of the policy, is available to all customers, including customers with disabilities.    
3.5 One-Stop Practices
3.5.1 One-Stop Practices All customers, including customers with disabilities, have access to the full range of core, intensive, and educational services provided by the One-Stop, and not just through disability-specific partners.    
3.5.2 One-Stop Practices One-Stop center staff has knowledge of resources about technology and accommodations that exist to support the fullest participation of One-Stop customers with disabilities.    
3.5.3 One-Stop Practices All customers are informed verbally and in writing that personal information, including information about disabilities, will be kept confidential.    
3.5.4 One-Stop Practices All customers are informed verbally and in writing about the issues and implications of self-disclosure regarding one's disability to employers and potential employers.    
3.5.5 One-Stop Practices Customers are provided with their legal rights and a description of procedures for measuring customer participation in One-Stop activities and programs.    
4.0 Youth

Question: Does the local workforce area Youth Council develop and maintain collaborative relationships, involving the broadest variety of youth toward preferred outcomes in employment and postsecondary education with necessary supports?

Follow-up Indicators: Rate 1-5 Change Desired?
4.1 Outreach
4.1.1 Outreach Many different school and agency agreements exist to recruit the largest number and widest variety of eligible youth.    
4.1.2 Outreach Assistance in completing application packets is offered through various means to all potential youth participants and referring schools and agencies.    
4.2 Partnerships
4.2.1 Partnerships Many different providers are recruited through carefully planned promotional, training, and technical assistance activities.    
4.2.2 Partnerships School districts maintain close formal and informal relationships with the Youth Council to collaborate and share information about students, activities, outcomes, and future directions.    
4.2.3 Partnerships Formal and informal relationships are maintained with a variety of postsecondary educational institutions to support the participation and enrollment of a wide range of youth.    
4.2.4 Partnerships Students who wish to enroll in GED programs receive guidance, referrals, accommodations, and support toward successful placement and participation.    
4.2.5 Partnerships Activity with employers and business leaders intentionally promote the employment of youth with a wide array of support needs.    
4.3 Procedures
4.3.1 Procedures Youth with disabilities actively participate as members of the Youth Council in discussion and decision-making.    
4.3.2 Procedures The process for awarding Youth Council service contracts requires the inclusion of a broad array of youth, including youth with disabilities and youth with significant needs for support.    
4.3.3 Procedures A process for coordination exists between youth programs and has been established so that students who are not successful in one program may switch to another.    
4.3.4 Procedures The Youth Council blends multiple funding streams (WIA, Vocational Rehabilitation, SSA, TANF), to meet the aspirations and support needs of the broadest variety of youth.    
4.3.5 Procedures Methods of program evaluation measure the impact of programs on youth with specific disadvantages, including youth with disabilities.    
4.3.6 Procedures All youth who participate in work-based learning activities receive individualized support on the job site, to further their attainment of skills, building on the natural supports within each workplace.    
5.0 Technology

Question: Are all customers provided ready access to One-Stop telecommunications, workstation and informational technologies through staff assistance, modifications and assistive devices?

Follow-up Indicators: Rate 1-5 Change Desired?
5.1 Adaptive Equipment
5.1.1 Adaptive Equipment One-Stop partners work with customers in identifying and securing assistive devices, supported by various funding sources (e.g., Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid, Social Security work incentives).    
5.1.2 Adaptive Equipment Videotapes, DVDs and broadcast media are adapted for individual customers who need closed captioning, magnification, amplification, and personal listening devices.    
5.1.3 Adaptive Equipment Customers have access to telephones with large buttons, adjustable volume and hands-free operation.    
5.1.4 Adaptive Equipment Customers can call into and out of the One-Stop through TTY devices that are readily available.    
5.1.5 Adaptive Equipment Hand held tape recorders are available for customers to take notes and for staff to make audio recordings of written materials.    
5.1.6 Adaptive Equipment Devices are available for customers to convert books and other print material into voice output, large print or Braille.    
5.2 Work Station
5.2.1 Work Station Workstations with computers connected to the Internet are universally designed for access by all customers in terms of height, width, clearance, lighting, and assistive technology.    
5.2.2 Work Station Customers can enter text on workstation computers using word prediction software, to reduce the number of keystrokes needed to create a document.    
5.2.3 Work Station Workstation computers have enlarged letters on keys, are able to magnify text, and are able to convert text into voice output, through available headphones.    
5.3 Staff Knowledge
5.3.1 Staff Knowledge Staff is aware of informational and assistive technologies not currently available at the One-Stop and how to obtain individual technologies for use with customers.    
5.3.2 Staff Knowledge Staff demonstrates responsiveness to requests by individual customers for specific informational or assistive technologies.    
5.3.3 Work Station Staff demonstrates knowledge of how to access and use informational and assistive technologies available at the One-Stop.    
5.4 Information Technologies
5.4.1 Information Technologies Websites sponsored by the One-Stop are available to the public, are fully accessible by assistive input and reading devices.    
5.4.2 Information Technologies Websites sponsored by the One-Stop are organized in a clear manner, free of jargon and acronyms, so that any potential customer can obtain useful information, request assistance, or pursue an opportunity.    
5.4.3 Information Technologies Graphic and sound elements of Informational Technology used by the One-Stop enhance the comprehension of content for customers, without interfering with assistive input and reading devices.