DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center will be conducting several research projects during the next four years. The initial research and development projects include:

The Impact of Disability in the Workplace: An Assessment of Employer Reactions toward the Americans with Disabilities Act and Working with People with Disabilities – This survey-based research project will examine reactions of small employers throughout CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY toward the ADA, working with people with disabilities, and commonly requested workplace accommodations. Data collection will begin in December 2007.

Employment & People with Disabilities: Benefits of Working Other than a Paycheck – Work adds to the quality of life in other ways besides a paycheck. The purpose of this qualitative study is to discover what rewards people with disabilities receive from working, other than pay. The project will involve interviews with individuals with disabilities working in CO, MT, ND, and UT. Data collection will begin in January 2008.

GIS Mapping and Database Development of ADA Accessible Day Use and Camping Areas: A Feasibility Development Project – Outdoor recreation plays an important role in lives of individuals throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Often, people with disabilities have limited access to information regarding the accessibility of outdoor recreation areas. This GIS mapping and database development pilot project to create a one-stop online source of complete information regarding ADA accessibility features available within Montana State and National parks as well as national forest lands will examine whether GPS with GIS mapping is an effective method for collecting data and translating information regarding accessibility features. The project will also test whether a web-based database incorporating GPS with GIS mapping is an effective method for communicating information regarding accessibility of recreational areas to people with disabilities and other interested parties.