DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

About Us

Mission Statement

The DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is one of ten regional centers established to provide training, information, and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to businesses, consumers, schools, and state and local governments.

Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (grant # H133A060085) under the U.S. Department of Education, each of the regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs) has a toll-free line staffed by specialists who can answer specific questions on the ADA. Private businesses, individuals with disabilities, employers, architects, local government representatives, and other interested parties can call for advice and information on what is required, who is covered, and how to work through a disability-related question.

Callers also may order materials from the Center's extensive library of ADA and disability-related publications. Provided free or at low cost, these materials include the full regulations, technical assistance manuals, architectural guidelines, easy-to-read fact sheets and summaries, advice on how to make different types of businesses accessible to the public, and consultation on employment issues, such as reasonable accommodation. All materials are available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, tape, and computer disk.

The DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center also works with its affiliates in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to provide free or low-cost training programs to help employers, service providers and businesses understand and comply with the law. A training or presentation can be tailored to the interests of the audience, and can be a simple overview or an in-depth review of a particular area of the law.

TransCen, Inc., a non-profit organization established in 1986, administers the DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. TransCen is known for its expertise in school to work transition initiatives, training and technical assistance expertise, and advocacy efforts for an inclusive workplace for all individuals. TransCen administers federally and privately-funded research and demonstration projects in school to work transition, school/business partnerships, systems change in education, natural supports in the workplace, and comprehensive case management for youth with severe emotional disabilities.

DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center Staff

Marian Vessels is the Director of the DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. In this role, she is responsible for the daily operation of the Center. Ms. Vessels provides disability awareness training and seminars on the Americans with Disabilities Act, covering such issues as current legislation and employment. Previously, Ms. Vessels was the Executive Director of the Maryland Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. She also worked as the Director of the Maryland Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities and was an Executive Board Member for the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Marissa Johnson is the Director of Training at the Center. She conducts trainings on the ADA and disability awareness and coordinates the ADA Coalition affiliates in the Mid-Atlantic region. Prior to coming to the Center, Ms. Johnson worked at Centers for Independent Living coordinating education and transition efforts for youth with disabilities. Ms. Johnson has served on numerous national committees, including as Member at Large of the National Council on Independent Living Board of Directors, Chair of the National Youth Leadership Network, and member of the Youth Advisory Council for the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities. Ms. Johnson is finishing her Masters of Education in Deaf Education at the University of Minnesota.

Maynor Guillen is a Technical Assistance Specialist, answering questions and providing assistance on all aspects of the ADA. His experience includes working as the Assistive Technology Specialist for the One-Stop Career Center in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. He also served as the One-Stop representative on the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities.

David Stewart also serves as a Technical Assistance Specialist. Mr. Stewart, a resident of West Virginia, has been appointed to the West Virginia Statewide Rehabilitation Council, as well as the Statewide Independent Living Council. He is the Coordinator of the West Virginia ADA Coalition, a member the state's Olmstead Task Force, and a member and past chairperson of the Fair Shake Network, a coalition that promotes the rights of people with disabilities.

Traci Lemon is the Office Manager at the Center. She is responsible for telephone reception, database management, materials requests, and logistical support for special projects and conferences. Previously, Ms. Lemon has served in administrative, editorial, entrepreneurial, and management capacities in the education, publishing, humanitarian, telecommunications, health care, and fitness fields. Ms. Lemon has also served as a self-help and fitness course trainer and spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation.