There is also an excellent, but older,
documentary out on Tourette Syndrome entitled TWITCH AND SHOUT that could
provide information for the staff. The range of manifestations of Tourettes is
presented from eyebrow twitches to shouting vulgarities. It helped me better
understand this disorder.
Marilyn Irwin
From: EASI's Library
Accessibility Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Marti Goddard
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005
9:18 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Tourette Syndrome
I think you are
right, Lynne, it is really important for your colleagues to understand that
this is a neurological disorder, not a mental illness, and that tics may be
beyond this man's control.
I agree with
Ravonne Green that it would be ideal if you could talk with the person and
figure out together what accommodations he needs and how you might best explain
the situation to your colleagues. This may be one of those times when your
library needs to work with this individual and accommodate him by modifying
policies, practices, or procedures to avoid discrimination and allow him to use
its public services. At SFPL, we have a procedure through which users can
request a change to our policies, practices or procedures. I will be glad to
share forms with you if you are interested. Sometimes we can make
accommodations, sometimes we can’t. I can share examples if you are
interested.
Q. How does title
II affect participation in a State or local government's programs, activities,
and services?
A. A state or local government must eliminate any eligibility criteria for
participation in programs, activities, and services that screen out or tend to
screen out persons with disabilities, unless it can establish that the
requirements are necessary for the provision of the service, program, or
activity. The State or local government may, however, adopt legitimate safety
requirements necessary for safe operation if they are based on real risks, not
on stereotypes or generalizations about individuals with disabilities. Finally,
a public entity must reasonably modify its policies, practices, or procedures
to avoid discrimination. If the public entity can demonstrate that a particular
modification would fundamentally alter the nature of its service, program, or
activity, it is not required to make that modification.
A local resource
for information may be:
Tourette Syndrome
Association
Northern
California Chapter (
Cindy Schuette
e-mail [log in to unmask]
Good luck! I will look forward to hearing how this all
works out!
Marti
_____________
From:
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005
3:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Tourette Syndrome
Lynne:
The first
step is to talk with the person. Most individuals with disabilities are our
best advisors. Invite this person to your office. If he has exhibited behaviors
that would make you feel uncomfortable, ask him to bring an advocate with him
and you might want to invite another staff person. Ask the person to describe
his condition and ask him how the library can best serve him. If there are any
specific policies that are an issue, provide him with copies of these policies
and explain them in detail. If he indicates that he cannot be responsible for
his behavior, advise or require him to bring someone with him who will be
responsible. Document your conversation and give him and his advocate a
copy of a written agreement outlining his responsibilities and anything
that you have agreed to on behalf of the library.
Ravonne
Green