ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE HOW TO FIND
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE HOW TO FIND AND KEEP GOOD EMPLOYEES Jamie Hayhurst Marshall, Program Manager WVATS West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
A part of West Virginia University & WVU Health Sciences Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Part of a National Network Center for Excellence in Disabilities
CED’s role: Education and training to University students in multiple disciplines to prepare a workforce that is able and willing to serve persons with disabilities Technical assistance to individuals with disabilities and direct care providers who serve them to enhance their skillset and improve service quality Gap filling direct services and supports in an effort to improve availability and acceptability of services for West Virginians Dissemination of information about the status of disabilities services in West Virginia and the nation Research activities conducted in collaboration with partners, to improve services and policies related to individuals with disabilities and their families. Center for Excellence in Disabilities
About CED Serves individuals with disabilities across the life span in all 55 counties 13 Programs 3 Clinics Approx. 90 Staff Multiple state and federal partners Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Why are we here? Good workers = Talent, Skill, Knowledge Injuries can cost more than physical damage Finding ways to keep these skill sets in the workplace even after injuries West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Why are we here? It is difficult to find good workers. People with disabilities can work! One or two disabilities do not negate the multiple skills an individual has. No one person can do everything! West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Why are we here? West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Why are we here? West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
What Is Assistive Technology? West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Assistive Technology Devices “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (AT Act of 1998, as amended) Services "any services that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" (AT Act of 1998, as amended) West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Where can AT be found? Common local stores (Home Depot, Staples) Specialized vendors (Infogrip, Dynavox) West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Or Devices can be customized by: Assistive Technology Practitioners Occupational therapists Physical therapists Rehabilitation engineers Speech language pathologists West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable accommodations are those appropriate accommodations that permit employees to effectively perform their essential job requirements. Reasonable accommodations may include assistive technology. West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Existing Challenges What are some difficulties / barriers in your workplace? Are workers complaining of sore joints/muscles? West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Assistive Technology Services Evaluation Selection of the appropriate equipment Coordinate with service providers (therapists, engineers, personal assistants) Training / Technical assistance for the person and supporting individuals West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
What’s the Payoff for Employers? An increased pool of qualified and talented employees Keep qualified and trained employees as “disabilities” surface from age or injury Help create opportunities for individuals with disabilities West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
What’s the Payoff for Employees? Helps employees return to work after an accident or illness Creates opportunities for employment and/or promotion Helps employees perform work more easily and to their potential West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Assistive Technology: A glimpse of what is available West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Headsets West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Telecommunication West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
FM System West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Word Prediction West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Writing Aids West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Filters West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Computer Magnifiers West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Voice Recognition West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Large Print Keyboards West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
One Handed Keyboards West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Typing Aids West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
On-Screen Keyboard West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Ergonomic Mice West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Joysticks and Trackballs West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Head Mouse West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Keeping a Valuable Employee Keeping a Rewarding Job West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Assistive Technology Information Your state AT Act Program http: //resnaprojects. org/allcontacts/statewidecontacts. html Online search, local stores, ask the person who needs it Rehabilitation Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Vocational Counselors West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
State AT Projects www. wvats. cedwvu. org West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) A resource for employers Definitions of many disabilities Many alternatives to complete a task West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
JAN http: //askjan. org/ West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
Let’s Recap • Accommodations can be made for anyone! • There are resources to help! • Questions? West Virginia University Center for Excellence in
For more information: 304 -293 -4692 www. cedwvu. org