This session will focus on common factors that can become surprisingly complicated in mediating disability disputes. Presenters will discuss case examples that highlight obstacles in disability related cases and strategies to successfully address obstacles. They will also offer tips for preparing to mediate disability cases. Preparation topics will include understanding how disabilities may affect participation in mediation, ensuring reasonable accommodations are available, and creating a setting that puts parties with disabilities at ease in mediation.
Presenters: Dianne Lipsey and Kathryn McCarty, founding principals of the firm ADR Vantage, Inc.
Please RSVP by January 22, 2008 to: snbrownbag@sec.gov
Videoconference: If you would like to participate by video and have ISDN VTC capability, please have your IT person call Myron Fears at 202 572-0218, on January 22 between 10:30 am – 11:15 am (ET), to participate in a mandatory test session to ensure system compatibility.
Teleconference: If you would like to participate by phone, please RSVP and we will send you the call-in number. Please note that we do not recommend phoning in because you may miss out on many of the benefits of this interactive program.
Disability Accommodations: If you need disability accommodations contact Leah at meltzerd@sec.gov. Please allow sufficient time for us to make arrangements.
Directions to the SEC: 100 F Street, NE.
From the Union Station metro stop (red line), take the escalator at either exit to the main (ground) floor of Union Station. Walk past the train gates to McDonalds. Just before entering McDonalds, turn left and go through the glass doors. Walk down the ramp, down the escalator and then walk straight ahead to the SEC lobby and security. Please bring a photo ID and allow extra time for security processes.
Notices are posted at www.hhs.gov/dab/sn and http://www.adr.gov/a.htm
**Please note: Effective February 1, 2008, the Sharing Neutrals workshops will be held quarterly. The next workshop will be held in May 2008. In April 2008, HHS will begin a four month Mediator Peer Group pilot project to enhance the practice of Sharing Neutrals mediators.
Dianne Lipsey and Kathryn McCarty have extensive expertise in serving people with disabilities. They have facilitated disability issues for numerous federal agencies. Kathryn and Dianne are both Certified Professional Facilitators with the International Association of Facilitators and Certified Professional Mediators with the Supreme Court of Virginia. They have trained several disability advocates, local government officials, state regulators, and mediators on the requirements of Section 504 and the ADA.
Dianne attended a post Masters Degree program in deaf culture and awareness at the University of Tennessee, received a Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Alabama, and holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Auburn University.
Kathryn holds an Advanced Certificate in Organizational Development from DePaul University, a Masters Degree in Public Affairs from the University of Washington, and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Denison University.