• 2008: West Palm Beach Fairgrounds- Accessibility Assessment
• 2008: Key West Professional Plaza- Settlement Mediator
• 2007: Tampa Flea Market- Accessibility Assessment
• July 2006: Upright vs. Flea Market of Tallahassee
  Case No. C306-108516
• May 2006: Clear Channel Mars Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach FL (Settlement agreement in progress)
• January 2006: Johnny Long vs. Morton Plant Hospital
  Case No. 8:05-CV-613-T-30TBM
• June 2004: The First Gainesville Corporation vs. Pyro's Grill, Inc. and Michael Curcio
  Case No. 01-03-CA-3218
• January 2003: EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL, INC.,and JOE HOUSTON vs. MOTEL ONE, LTD
  Case No. 5:04 CV 215-MCR/MD

Accessibility: In each of our communities, there is much confusion regarding the application of The American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) within the built environment. Moreover who has regulatory authority over which buildings and programs. Dr. Harding's leadership on the United State's Access Board helped usher in the 2004 Accessibility Guidelines that include playgrounds and recreational access. He and his fellow board members are currently working on public right away, passenger vessels, and outdoor accessibility guidelines. In addition to his national leadership, his voice is effective on the Florida Building Commission Waiver Council as he helps ensure compliance with the unique accessibility guidelines within the State of Florida-vertical access.

Americans with Disabilities Act: While most persons understanding of what the American's with Disabilities Act means, non-discrimination in all facets of life, they do not understand how to properly apply the law in areas of access, education, employment, and life. As a Gubernatorial appointee to The Governor's American's with Disabilities Act Working Group, Dr. Harding has intimate knowledge of the ADA in its principles with regards to the individual, community, state, and national programs.

Education: Education is the gateway to the future. This truism is even more important for persons with disabilities. In order to overcome traditional employment barriers we must be better than qualified able body candidates. As a regent on the Florida Board of Regents, Dr. Harding has an acute understanding of the Florida State University System and its 11 member schools.

Employment: Gainful employment is not a privilege extended to most persons with disabilities. The recent 2004 Harris Survey data indicated 73% of persons with disabilities were unemployed. Dr. Harding's expertise with Vocational Rehabilitation, a nationwide employment program for persons with disabilities can help the unemployed achieve the job of their choice. Dr. Harding co-founded the Florida Disability Mentoring Day to allow persons with disabilities to experience a job of their choosing and to gain a professional friend in the field. This program has outperformed the country in the number of participants in 2003 and 2004.

Transportation: Without transportation one cannot go to work, execute their numerous daily chores, or otherwise enjoy life as an American. As Chairman for Florida's Transportation Disadvantaged system and an owner of his own adaptive vehicle, Dr. Harding travels the state regularly to help manage the statewide transportation system that meets the transportation needs of Florida's disabled, seniors, and at risk children. Annually, this system provides 55 million trips.

Politics: Local community, state, and national programs are all influenced by politics. As a 2x Presidential appointee (US Access Board), a 4x Gubernatorial appointee (The Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, Commission on Transportation Disadvantaged, Governor's ADA Working Group and Florida Board of Regents), and numerous other community appointments has provided Dr. Harding the expertise to assist you with your issues and help you meet the right people and convey your message effectively. Dr. Harding even ran for local office (Tallahassee City Commissioner).

Contact:
J.R. Harding, Ed.D.
850-907-0652
850-907-9301 (fax)
jrfsu@comcast.net

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