Programs

How Our Programs Work Together

Each program stands on its own, but many participants find that they reinforce one another. Someone who joins a peer support group may discover that a conversation about workplace barriers leads naturally into job training, and a person who completes job training may later help us understand what accessible workplaces really look like during an accessibility audit. We design our programs with that kind of overlap in mind, because disability rarely touches just one area of life.

Peer support in practice

Peer groups are led by and for people with lived experience of disability. Conversations often cover practical topics: navigating benefits paperwork, requesting reasonable accommodations, finding accessible transit routes around the Washington area, or managing the emotional side of a new diagnosis. Participants decide what they want to share, and groups follow ground rules on confidentiality and respect so that everyone can speak openly.

Job training and your rights at work

Our training sessions explain the basics of the Americans with Disabilities Act as it applies to employment, including how the interactive process for requesting accommodations generally works and when to disclose a disability, if at all. This is general information rather than legal advice, so we encourage anyone facing a specific dispute to consult an employment attorney or a qualified advocate.

What an accessibility audit covers

Audits look at more than ramps and doorways. A thorough review may consider:

• Entrances, routes, restrooms and signage in the physical space
• Website and digital content, including screen reader compatibility and captioning
• Communication practices, such as offering materials in alternative formats
• Staff awareness of service animals, assistive devices and respectful interaction

Organizations receive a written summary of findings with prioritized, practical recommendations. Compliance with regulations is the starting point; genuine usability for disabled visitors is the goal.

Getting started

If one of these programs sounds right for you or your organization, browse our community resources for background reading, or visit Get Involved to learn how to take part, volunteer or share your own expertise. Questions about fit or access needs can be sent through our contact page.