Do mediators need any special training to mediate cases involving persons with disabilities?
There are different views among mediators about this issue. However, many experienced ADA mediation providers generally recommend training addressing these topics: • ADA requirements for accessibility and reasonable accommodation; • How to apply ethical standards and modify mediation procedures to meet the needs of the parties (ways to level the playing field between the parties, how to interact with parties about their needs for changes in the mediation process, and recommended practices to enhance each party’s participation throughout the mediation); • How to facilitate mediation by adapting the process to accommodate the individual limitations and abilities of the parties; and, • How to access government and community resources that can help accommodate the needs of parties with various kinds of disabilities.
