Black Creek Fishing Access- NYS DEC Region 8

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Does the agency mission clearly reflect a belief about inclusion of people with disabilities and other differences?

Do agency vision and values articulate support for inclusion of people with disabilities and other differences?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency mission:

There are different mission statements for each division within the agency. Region 8 has a common goal of working toward inclusion although not necessarily their formal statement. They will be looking at statements and how they might improve on them.

Overall DEC Mission Statement:
Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Staff

Does upper administration (e.g., board of directors, administrators, managers) show support for inclusion?

Yes

Is a point of contact or ADA coordinator designated to coordinate inclusion at the agency? (preferably a certified therapeutic recreation specialist)

Yes

Name	Title	Phone	Email
Gretchen Cicora	Senior Forester, Inclusion Coordinator	(607) 622-8284	gretchen.cicora@dec.ny.gov

Are managers and front line staff trained in disability awareness & inclusion as a routine part of staff training?

Yes

If yes, list main topics covered in training

ADA compliance, reasonable accommodations, language access, non-discrimination

When observed, or when asked in an interview, do staff members interact with people with disabilities in a helpful and respectful manner?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency staff:

Staff generally feel they respond to the community with respect and helpfulness.

Agency Planning

Are people with disabilities and/or their families involved in agency planning efforts? (e.g., board of directors, advisory board, public input)

Yes

If yes, list types of involvement/input:

Advisory Council for Disability, public meetings, contact on individual basis for accommodation requests.

Is the agency involved in ongoing plans for inclusion and accessibility?'

Yes

If yes, has the agency made progress on identified areas in plan?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency planning:

The agency has contracted with Rochester Accessible Adventures to consult with them on increasing their inclusion of people living with disabilities and educate staff to be more knowledgeable about disabilities and inclusion.

Agency Communication and Marketing

Is person first language used in written materials?

Yes

Is person first language used in oral communication?

Yes

Are alternative forms of communication available?

Yes

If yes, check the alternative forms of communication available:

Braille
Computer
Multiple
Pictorial
Sign

Do marketing and other printed agency materials reflect inclusion of people with disabilities? (e.g., access information provided, people with disabilities pictured in publications or on web site)

Yes

Is the agency website usable by people of all abilities? (e.g., simple design, consistent navigation, alt text for graphics, high contrast, no flashing/blinking features)

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency communication and marketing:

Many of the answers to the above questions depend on what materials are being referenced. Staff are in the process of replacing old brochures that do not use person first language with ones that do. Trail signage are pictorial and have symbols. Braille is available in centers that are frequented by public.

Agency Policies and Procedures

Are emergency warning and evacuation procedures in place for safe exit of people with disabilities? (e.g., auditory and visual alarm systems, areas of rescue assistance identified)

Yes

Is all staff trained in the procedures for safe evacuation of people with disabilities in the event of an emergency?

Is there a written policy about the use of service animals?

Yes

Is there a written policy about the use of motorized mobility devices?

Yes

Do personal care attendants attend free when accompanying a person with a disability?

Yes

If applicable, are special dietary needs met?

N/A

Comments/additional information about agency policies and procedures:

This is open land and does not have warning systems. Places with public welcoming buildings do have warning systems with sight and sound. There are sliding scale fees for most programs but not for licenses.

Evaluation

Does the agency conduct evaluation on an ongoing basis and at the end of programs/services?

Yes

If yes, does evaluation include feedback on inclusion, accessibility or use of supports & accommodations?

Comments/additional information about agency evaluation of inclusion:

Agency is working on changing evaluations to include questions for recommendations on accessibility. They do gather feedback from learned knowledge, public information events, surveys, website feedback forms, trail boxes etc.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Does the agency have partnerships with disability and other community organizations?

Yes

If yes, please list:

Comments/additional information about agency partnerships and collaboration:

Various other groups use the DEC facilities to run their own programs out of. Rochester Accessible Adventures is working directly with DEC Region 8 on accessibility and inclusion best practices.

Notes About Administrative Practices

No content available

Black Creek Fishing Access- NYS DEC Region 8
Back to Agency

Assessment

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Staff

Agency Planning

Agency Communication and Marketing

Agency Policies and Procedures

Evaluation

Partnerships and Collaboration

Notes About Administrative Practices

Black Creek Fishing Access- NYS DEC Region 8 Back to Agency

Assessment

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Staff

Agency Planning

Agency Communication and Marketing

Agency Policies and Procedures

Evaluation

Partnerships and Collaboration

Notes About Administrative Practices

Black Creek Fishing Access- NYS DEC Region 8
Back to Agency