Assistive Technology Accommodations in the Workplace

1
Assistive Technology Accommodations in the
Workplace

• Barbara Keefe M.Ed.
• Kathy Adams OTR/L, ATP

2
(No Transcript)
3
Todays Objectives

• History, Definition Description of Assistive
  Technology (AT)
• AT Considerations essential for individuals to
  achieve successful employment
• AT Resources
• Workplace Accommodation and Disability--video
• QA

4
AT in Maine

• Maine CITE is Maines AT Program
• There are AT Programs in all states
• AT Programs were created by the Federal AT Act
  and are funded through RSA
• Visit www.mainecite.org
• There are many AT organizations in Maine in the
  AT Consortia

5
AT Programs Core Mission

• Public Awareness about AT
• Interagency coordination to promote AT
• Technical assistance and training on AT with
  policy makers, consumers and providers
• Outreach to underserved groups

6
Goals of the AT Program

• Maine CITE works to improve access to and the
  acquisition of AT in 4 life domains
• Education
• Employment
• Community Living
• Information Technology
  Telecommunications

7
AT is

• AT Device is any item, piece of equipment, or
  product--whether acquired commercially or
  customized--that is used to increase, maintain or
  improve the functional capabilities of a person
  with a disability
• AT Services help a person learn about AT options
  and decide if using AT will benefit them
• Using AT can maintain, increase, maximize safety,
  productivity, independence, learning

8
AT Devices may include

• Computer hardware software
• Computer switches/access aids
• Alerting devices
• Braille Low Vision devices
• Prosthetics orthotics
• Standing walking aids
• Manual and power wheelchairs
• Communication devices, telephones, PDAs
• Adapted sports/recreation equipment
• Adapted cars and vans with lifts
• Home access modifications--ramps, lifts, stair
  glides, elevators

9
Rehab Act (amended in 1992)

• Disability does not diminish the persons right
  to live independently, make choices, be
  productive and pursue work
• People with disabilities are presumed eligible
  for VR
• AT must be part of provided through the VR Plan
• AT needs must be addressed in the Individualized
  Plan for Employment (IEP)
• Worksite assessment can be part of the IPE

10
Rehab process..

• AT must be provided as part of the VR Plan
• AT needs must be addressed in the Individualized
  Plan for Employment (IEP)
• Worksite assessment can be part of the IPE
• Outcomes of Vocational Rehab
• Increased employment for people with disabilities
  will increase the need for training, supports,
  home community accessibility, AT and reasonable
  accommodation in the workplace.

11
Individual Plan for Employment (IPE)
Considerations

• What AT does the person use now?
• What are the clients strengths abilities?
• Where will the client be working -- functioning?
• How will the client get to work? (public/private)
• Is the job site accessible?
• What tasks need to be performed for the job?
• What are the devices, tools AT options?
• Is an on site AT Assessment needed?
• To Identify AT sources and costs

12
AT Resources in Maine

• AT Assessment, AT Demo and AT Loan
• Technology Exploration Center (TEC)
• ALLTech
• Alpha One, States CIL
• IRIS Network
• State VR Agency
• Maine Center on Deafness
• Durable Equipment Vendors
• www.getATstuff.com

13
AT Practitioners

• ATPs are certified (written exam) by the Rehab
  Engineering and AT Society of North America
  (RESNA)
• Visit www.resna.org for list of ATPs in your
  state, exam dates and locations

14
AT Resources nationally

• www.pepnet.org Resources for Deaf/hard of
  hearing
• www.jan.wvu.edu Job Accommodation Network
• www.Disabilityinfo.gov
• www.usbln.org Business Leadership
  Network
• www.RESNA.org Rehab Engineering Society
  of
  North America
• www.abledata.org lists thousands of AT
  devices
• www.passonline.org details on PASS program
• www.workrerc.org Rehab Engineering Research
  Center on
  Workplace Accommodation
• www.telework.com

15
Leveraging Funds for AT

• Cost Sharing
• mPower Loan Fund
• Maines 5 million dollar low interest
  financing program for AT
• check RESNA.org for the Alternative Financing
  Program in your state
• State MD Association
• Travis Roy Foundation
• Digital Federal Credit Union www.dcu.org

16
Study 1

• Rob is from Belfast, Mainecoastal, rural
• Rob uses a power chair, communication device, has
  access mods at his home, an adapted van, and a
  personal assistant
• Rob has a business admin degree from UMO
• He is your new clienthow will you proceed?
• What are the possible AT considerations?

17
Video

• Workplace Accommodation
• and Disability

18
Study 2

• Megan from Falmouth, Maine
• Megan is hard of hearing, wears a hearing aid
• She is a single parent and wants to work as an
  event planner
• Megan attended Community College got a degree
  in hospitality
• Megan is your new clienthow will you help AT
  considerations?

19

• Thanks very much!
• Evaluations, Please!
• kadamsot_at_maine.rr.com
• Barbara.keefe_at_mecdhh.org