A report, Standards and Anthropometry for Wheeled Mobility, is now available based on a study on wheeled mobility commissioned by the Access Board. The report was prepared by the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center) at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

The report was prepared at the request of the Board to provide guidance in the development and revision of the ADA-ABA Guidelines and to provide technical assistance to designers and code developers. The areas studied included clear floor area, reach limits, knee and toe clearances and maneuvering clearances.

The Justice Department announced a settlement agreement with a developer and an architectural firm in Spokane, Washington, resolving a lawsuit that alleged disability related housing discrimination. Under the agreement, the developer and architectural firm have agreed to retrofit 10 apartment complexes in Spokane and pay $540,000.

The video, 10 Reasons to Mediate, introduce businesses to the EEOC National Mediation Program. Mediation is usually a preferable alternative to a traditional EEOC investigation and to enforcement and litigation steps that may follow. Mediation allows the parties involved in a charge of discrimination to resolve their differences quickly without an official determination by the EEOC.

For a free copy of the "10 Reasons to Mediate" video, available on compact disc, send an e-mail request to MediationCD@eeoc.gov or call (202) 663-4823. The video runs 14 minutes and is open captioned.

The Commission on September 7^th issued a Public Notice to remind VRS providers, consumers, and businesses that Video Relay Service (VRS) cannot be used as a substitute for "in-person" interpreting services or for Video Remote Interpreting (VRS). VRS is to be used only when a person with a hearing disability wants to make a call through the telephone system or when a hearing individual desires to make a call to a person with a hearing disability.

Entities covered by the ADA are not supposed to use VRS as a substitute for a qualified sign language interpreter. Entities covered by the ADA must provide effective communication to individuals with disabilities through the provision of auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters, real time captioning, or other means that make oral communicated information available to individuals that are deaf or hearing impaired.

The NCD Bulletin is now available on the NCD web site. The Bulletin is a monthly Publication that provides information on the latest issues and news affecting people with disabilities. The NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress to enhance the quality of life for all Americans with disabilities and their families.