Universal Design and Workplace Accommodation Jim Mueller Workplace

Universal Design and Workplace Accommodation Jim Mueller

Workplace accommodation is the law • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • Accessibility and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act • Electronic and information technology sold to the federal government is more usable by people with disabilities

Working seniors

Workplace pressure

Workplace accommodation saves money • Unemployment among people with disabilities costs all taxpayers – “If only 1% of people on SSDI returned to work, savings would = $2. 9 billion”

Workplace accommodation saves money • Keeping valuable employees on the job saves employers money – Job accommodation ROI averages 33: 1

Workplace accommodation saves money • Universal design can prevent as well as accommodate disabilities – The most reasonable workplace accommodation is the one you don’t need to make

Beginning with a universal workplace

Adapted by DOD

Adapted by Herman Miller, Inc.

We all need a little accommodation

Functional characteristics Difficulty in processing information Limitation of sight Total blindness Limitation of hearing Total deafness Limitation of speech Susceptibility to fainting, dizziness, seizures Incoordination Limitation of head movement

Functional characteristics Limitation of sensation Limitation of stamina Difficulty in lifting, reaching, carrying Difficulty in manipulating Inability to use upper extremities Difficulty in sitting Difficulty in using lower extremities Limitation of balance

Adding accommodations

The most reasonable accommodation? You be the judge

Wheelchair vs. office furniture

Modify the office or the wheelchair?

Taming a 60 -pound Slinky

Fixing a very repetititive job

Six criteria for successful accommodation • • • Cost Effectiveness Impact Timing Maintenance Flexibility

“Your carpal tunnel syndrome should clear up in two weeks, plus you’ll burn 500 calories an hour. ”

Find the normal workers…

Any questions?

Thanks for coming! James Mueller, President J. L. Mueller, Inc. www. jlmueller. com jlminc@earthlink. net