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Expert Witness:
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 States 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 Commission on Disabilities, 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 former Regent on the Florida Board of Regents, Dr. Harding has an acute understanding of the State of Florida University System and its 11 member schools. Employment: Gainful employment is not a privilege extended to most persons with disabilities. The US Department of Labor Statistics for July 2009 indicate the unemployment rate of persons with a disability was 14.3 percent, compared with 9.5 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted. The employment-population ratio for persons with a disability was 19.4 percent, compared with 65.0 percent for persons with no disability. Dr. Harding's expertise of 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 of 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. (see letter) Politics: Local community, state, and national programs are all influenced by politics. As a 2x Presidential appointee (US Access Board), a 6x Gubernatorial appointee (The Governor's Commission on Disabilities (see letter), Commission on Transportation Disadvantaged, Governor's ADA Working Group and Florida Board of Regents), and numerous other community appointments, Dr. Harding has 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).
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Copyright © 2003 - 2010 JR Harding All Rights Reserved |
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