Accommodations & Technology

Job accommodation means modifying a job, job site, or way in which a job is done so that a person with a disability can have equal access to all aspects of work. Assistive technology is an item or piece of equipment that enables a person with a disability to perform an activity or improve their performance on a task.

| Job Accommodations | Ergonomics | Universal Design | Original Sources and Technical Information | Safety and Emergency Procedures | Assistive Technology |

Job Accommodations

Since the ADA became law, many employers have expressed concerns about the potential costs of accommodations for employees with disabilities. This may make businesses reluctant to recruit qualified candidates. The fact is, these fears seem to have little foundation. To find out more, read a summary of recent research (pdf file) by the Job Accommodation Network.

It is common to be intimidated by what you can't see. Research has suggested that employers are often uncomfortable with less apparent disabilities such as learning disabilities, epilepsy, mental retardation, and traumatic brain injury. This fact sheet from the Office of Disability Employment Policy shows that hidden disabilities are often easy to accommodate.

Job Accommodations: An Overview -- An introduction to accommodations and how to manage requests.

Job Accommodation Examples -- Examples of job accommodations broken down by disability.

JAN: Opening Doors to Job Accommodation -- An explanation of the Job Accommodation Network, where you can access resources on job accommodations.

Job Accommodations: Where to Get Help -- Resources for assistance and information

Accommodations & Assistive Technology Resources -- More resources for accommodations, including funding options.

Funding Assistive Technology and Accommodations -- A variety of options available for funding assistive technology, equipment, and accommodations needed to perform job tasks.

Work at Home: Telework As a Reasonable Accommodation -- Factsheet on working at home as a reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities.

Do you have questions about employing people who have mental health issues This resource from Boston University offers employers strategies to create a win-win situation for your company and employees.

Mental Health in the Workplace -- Companies that proactively address overall mental health in the workplace can realize significant benefits. Mental health friendly practices can increase productivity, reduce insurance costs, and improve retention.

Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) -- The CAP program is considered a model program for accommodating employees with disabilities. This program focuses on accommodating employees with disabilities in the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, but also has information and resources that are useful to any individual or employer. CAP has a technology evaluation center in Virginia that is open to visitors. Contact CAP at (703) 681-8813 (voice), (703) 681-0881 (TTY), or cap@tma.osd.mil (email).

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Ergonomics

Ergonomics aims to design and arrange machines or devices so that the people can use them efficiently and safely.

Ergonomics: Guidelines -- Industry-specific and task-specific guidelines to reduce and prevent workplace ergonomic injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ergonomics -- From OSHA.

Ergonomics: Possible Solutions -- Ideas and success stories about ergonomics for employers.

Workplace Ergonomic Tools and Checklists -- A listing of product evaluations, posture evaluations, place evaluations and other useful tools for workplace ergonomics.

Ergonomics in the Workplace: A Resource Guide -- This document from the Job Accommodation Network provides tips for analyzing a job's ergonomic needs and creating a healthier workplace.

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Universal Design

The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

What Is Universal Design? -- This article describes in clear terms seven principles of universal design. On the NCSU Center for Universal Design website.

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Original Sources and Technical Information

Title II Technical Assistance Manual -- This technical assistance manual addresses the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which applies to the operations of state and local governments.

Section 508 Standards for Electronic and Information Technology -- The standards define the types of technology covered and set forth provisions that establish a minimum level of accessibility.

Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program for Federal Government Employees -- Information on funding for federal employees and their customers for assistive technology and accommodations.

The Job Accommodation Network has created an ergonomic workplace guide with tips for completing a job ergonomics analysis and setting up offices appropriately.

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Safety and Emergency Procedures

The Disability Preparedness Center is focused on helping ensure that all employees are included in plans for protection from both natural and man-made emergencies.

Preparing for the safe evacuation of employees with disabilities during an emergency situation should be a component of any company's safety program. Guidelines and planning can be found in this article from the Job Accommodation Network.

Another article, from the Training Resource Network, covers key issues regarding emergency evacuation for employees with disabilities and techniques companies can implement for safety.

"Preparing the Workplace for Everyone" -- A comprehensive set of guidelines helps federal agencies integrate the needs of workers with disabilities into emergency plans. Also useful for private companies.

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Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can provide your business with workforce solutions. Microsoft has created a mini-site devoted to promoting assistive technology to assist people with a wide range of abilities to succeed on the job. The site provides product tutorials, information on how to apply technologies in business and other settings, and ongoing technology updates.

Additionally, 26 Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers are now available throughout the U.S. to show you what's possible with accessible technology solutions available on today's computers.

The Business Value of Integrating Accessible Technology into Business Organizations -- How to retain current employees, recruit new employees and attract new customers through accessible technology. From Microsoft.

Technology is serving as an equalizer for people with disabilities, removing workplace barriers and increasing employment opportunities while reducing social isolation. Monthly internet use by members of the online disabled community exceeds that of the general population. Yet connectivity and access for those with disabilities significantly trails the population at large: 43% compared with 57%. Microsoft has a list of ideas to improve that figure.

Each state has a federally funded assistive technology program. These programs vary in their available information and services; however, they can all help identify local assistive technology ideas and resources. Contact information for each state is available at www.resna.org/taproject/at/statecontacts.html or by contacting RESNA: (703) 524-6686 voice, (703) 524-6639 TTY, resnaTA@resna.org.

The National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education (AccessIT) is leading a nationwide effort to incorporate accessibility into the nation's classrooms, computer labs, libraries, offices, and other places where people learn or work.

CESSI has become a leading expert in accessible technology. The company's areas of expertise include information technology, disability policy and services, quantitative and qualitative research, program management, and conference management.

ABLEDATA: The National Database of Assistive Technology Information -- A federally funded project whose primary mission is to provide information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment. This project's website contains a database of 25,000 products and devices. ABLEDATA information specialists will also provide in-depth help over the telephone at (800) 227-0216 (voice) or (301) 301/608-8912 (TTY), or by emailingabledata@orcmacro.com.

Alliance for Technology Access -- ATA is dedicated to increasing the use of standard, assistive, and information technologies for people with disabilities. The organization has a variety of resources, including a library, to help identify appropriate technology. Publisher of "Computer and Web Resources for People with Disabilities," a comprehensive guide. Contact:

1304 Southpoint Blvd., Suite 240,
Petaluma, CA 94954
Voice: (707) 778-3011
TTY: (707) 778-3015
Email: atainfo@ataccess.org

Apple Computer Worldwide Disability Solutions Group -- The Worldwide Disability Solutions Group works to identify the computer-related needs of individuals with disabilities and ensure that Apple computers have built-in accessibility features. The web site contains information on making Apple computers fully accessible for people with disabilities, including shareware and freeware that can be downloaded at assistivetech.net. Voice: (800) 776-2333.

Center for Rehabilitation Technology at the Georgia Institute of Technology -- This resource provides up-to-date information on assistive technologies, adaptive environments, and community resources. The site includes a comprehensive listing of assistive technology. Information specialists are available to assist with questions about assistive technology: (404) 894-4960 (voice/TTY).

IBM Accessibility Center -- The center responds to requests for information on how IBM products can help people with a wide range of disabilities use personal computers. While the center cannot diagnose or prescribe an assistive device or software, it provides free information on possible solutions and organizations to contact for more details. The website includes product information, a screen magnifier program, and a screen reader program. Voice: (800) 426-4832, TTY: (800) 426-4833, email: snsinfo@us.ibm.com.

The National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) is a resource for businesses on integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. Among the services of NBDC is an information hotline (516-465-1519) to answer questions on accessibility issues.

A manufacturer of augmentative communication devices for people with disabilities, Prentke Romich has a guide for funding assistive technology available at its website.

RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) -- A membership organization of people who are interested in how technology can help people with disabilities achieve their goals. RESNA has a variety of publications and resources, and its website includes a list of assistive technology professionals by state. (703) 524-6686 voice, (703) 524-6639 TTY, info@resna.org email.

Technology Access Program at Gallaudet University -- This research group focuses on technologies and services that eliminate communication barriers traditionally faced by deaf and hard of hearing people. The website contains a variety of information on telecommunications for people who are deaf and hard of hearing as well as downloadable software that helps eliminate communication barriers. Voice/TTY: (202) 651-5049.

TRACE Research & Development Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison -- Engineers technological access solutions, and has a variety of information and resources on assistive technology.

The purpose of the Virtual Assistive Technology Center is to put computers within reach of individuals with disabilities. The website contains a variety of downloadable freeware and shareware that can help people with disabilities use computers.

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