JAN E-News: Volume 1, Issue 3

Index

Announcement
Lifting and Transferring Patients in Medical Care Facilities
Accessing the Internet for Individuals who are Blind
Accommodating Teachers with Mental Health Disabilities
Contact JAN

Announcement

On-Line Discussion Forums. Share your thoughts by joining the on-line discussions hosted by JAN. These forums allow employers, people with disabilities, and others to share information about accommodation strategies, assistive technologies, and other employment issues. It is easy to participate! Post a message and check it later for replies from other JAN users and the JAN Consultants.

Lifting and Transferring Patients in Medical Care Facilities

Caregivers must be very careful to avoid injuries to themselves and patients when lifting and transferring patients from bed to bed, onto X-ray or operating tables, or from wheelchairs to beds, tables, or other seating. These work functions may be accomplished by manual methods or the use of mechanical lift equipment. Without the use of lifts, the caregivers should perform a five minute muscle stretching warm-up prior to manually lifting someone to reduce the risk of a back injury. Simple transfer belts can be used with patients who are not totally dependent; otherwise, mechanical lifts are recommended.

Mechanical lifts are available in three types: overhead lifts, mobile floor lifts, and lateral transfer lifts. The overhead lifts are attached to ceiling-mounted tracks and are capable of supporting 1000 pounds. Portable overhead units may be unhooked and reattached to another track. Mobile floor lifts commonly are utilized to get a patient to a standing posture; full sling units can reposition a patient into an upright or reclined position. Lateral lifts are excellent for lifting/transferring patients in a supine position from one bed to another, onto examination, X-ray, or surgical tables, or while changing bed sheets.

Basic lifting techniques always should be employed when using manual methods and are very useful when mechanical lift products are in play, as well. Caregivers should plan their moves ahead of time, maintain a slightly arched position, tighten up stomach muscles slightly before and during the procedure, bend the knees to give a wide base of support, avoid twisting the body, avoid jerky movements, and minimize bending and reaching.

For more information on lifting equipment and techniques, go to http://www.jan.wvu.edu/soar/motor/4_lifting.html.

- Eddie Whidden

Accessing the Internet for Individuals who are Blind

Most jobs today involve accessing the Internet or an Intranet. Individuals with vision impairments can access Web pages with the use of Assistive Technology (AT). Many individuals may use screen reading software, which converts text into a computerized, synthesized voice and “reads” the text to the user. This technology also allows a person who reads Braille to use a Braille computer display to access the information on the screen. An alternative to using screen reading software is to use “talking” Web browsers or Web access software designed for users who are blind. For more information on the products mentioned above, refer to the resource section below.

Businesses are increasing their use of Intranets to communicate information to employees about policies, procedures, and office news. To provide equal access to employees with vision impairments, consider designing the Intranet so that individuals can access it with the use of AT. Some simple design techniques might include:

Using standard HTML code
Attaching “alt” tags to graphics (this allows the screen reader to “read” a description of the corresponding graphic)
Using contrasting colors for background and text to make the page more readable
Testing the Web pages for accessibility

To learn more about designing accessible Web pages and testing for Web accessibility, go to:

Tips for Designing Accessible Web Pages: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/webpages.html

Resources:

Screen Reading Software: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Vis11

Braille Computer Displays: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Vis19

Spoken Internet & Web Access Software: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Vis80

- Mandy Gamble

Accommodating Teachers with Mental Health Disabilities

School is just around the corner. In preparation for the school year, some teachers with mental health disabilities may choose to make accommodation requests before classes begin. This can be helpful because it gives the employer an opportunity to approve and implement accommodations before the rush associated with the start of school. Individuals also may request accommodations as the need arises throughout the year. Because each person’s limitations and abilities are different, accommodations should be made on a case-by-case basis. It is important to work with the employee to determine what accommodations may be effective.

Some teachers with mental health disabilities might experience limitations related to organization and concentration. As an accommodation, the employer could schedule a planning period for the same time each day. This may help a teacher focus on activities such as structuring detailed lesson plans and outlines. The employer also might consider permitting the employee to specialize in one or two subjects rather than multiple subjects. Another possibility would be to allow the teacher to use one classroom throughout the day rather than switching rooms. Permitting use of soothing music or an environmental sound machine may be helpful in reducing distracting noise when doing paperwork. Other ideas would be using color coded materials—such as files, papers, and labels—and providing printed and/or electronic organizational tools.

While employers are not required to eliminate essential functions of a job, they can reallocate functions they determine to be marginal—e.g., permitting a teacher with a disability to trade Thursday Hall Monitor Duty for Wednesday After-School Bus Duty.

Scheduling periodic teacher-supervisor meetings may provide a forum to discuss workplace issues, production levels, and effectiveness of accommodations as well as offer mentoring opportunities. One idea would be to develop strategies to help the individual deal with difficult situations before they arise. For example, the teacher and supervisor might draft an action plan with important contact numbers or agree upon a quiet area where the individual may go to take a rest break. An employer also could consider providing policy-related accommodations such as modifying an attendance policy to allow time off for counseling and support groups.

For additional accommodation ideas, you are welcome to review these JAN publications:

Work-Site Accommodation Ideas for Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/Psychiatric.html

- Carmen Fullmer

Contact JAN

E-mail: jan@jan.wvu.edu

JAN Web site: http://www.jan.wvu.edu

Call JAN: 800-526-7234 (Voice), 877-781-9403 (TTY), 304-293-5407 (Fax)

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from JAN Updates:

To subscribe, e-mail us at subscribe@jan.wvu.edu. When subscribing, be sure to include the e-mail address at which you want to receive the newsletter.

To cancel a subscription, e-mail us at unsubscribe@jan.wvu.edu. Be sure to include the address at which you are receiving the newsletter.

This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (#J-9-M-2-0022). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of tradenames, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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Home >> JAN E-News
Volume 1, Issue 3, Third Quarter, 2003

Index Announcement Lifting and Transferring Patients in Medical Care Facilities Accessing the Internet for Individuals who are Blind Accommodating Teachers with Mental Health Disabilities Contact JAN Announcement On-Line Discussion Forums. Share your thoughts by joining the on-line discussions hosted by JAN. These forums allow employers, people with disabilities, and others to share information about accommodation strategies, assistive technologies, and other employment issues. It is easy to participate! Post a message and check it later for replies from other JAN users and the JAN Consultants. Lifting and Transferring Patients in Medical Care Facilities Caregivers must be very careful to avoid injuries to themselves and patients when lifting and transferring patients from bed to bed, onto X-ray or operating tables, or from wheelchairs to beds, tables, or other seating. These work functions may be accomplished by manual methods or the use of mechanical lift equipment. Without the use of lifts, the caregivers should perform a five minute muscle stretching warm-up prior to manually lifting someone to reduce the risk of a back injury. Simple transfer belts can be used with patients who are not totally dependent; otherwise, mechanical lifts are recommended. Mechanical lifts are available in three types: overhead lifts, mobile floor lifts, and lateral transfer lifts. The overhead lifts are attached to ceiling-mounted tracks and are capable of supporting 1000 pounds. Portable overhead units may be unhooked and reattached to another track. Mobile floor lifts commonly are utilized to get a patient to a standing posture; full sling units can reposition a patient into an upright or reclined position. Lateral lifts are excellent for lifting/transferring patients in a supine position from one bed to another, onto examination, X-ray, or surgical tables, or while changing bed sheets. Basic lifting techniques always should be employed when using manual methods and are very useful when mechanical lift products are in play, as well. Caregivers should plan their moves ahead of time, maintain a slightly arched position, tighten up stomach muscles slightly before and during the procedure, bend the knees to give a wide base of support, avoid twisting the body, avoid jerky movements, and minimize bending and reaching. For more information on lifting equipment and techniques, go to http://www.jan.wvu.edu/soar/motor/4_lifting.html. - Eddie Whidden Accessing the Internet for Individuals who are Blind Most jobs today involve accessing the Internet or an Intranet. Individuals with vision impairments can access Web pages with the use of Assistive Technology (AT). Many individuals may use screen reading software, which converts text into a computerized, synthesized voice and “reads” the text to the user. This technology also allows a person who reads Braille to use a Braille computer display to access the information on the screen. An alternative to using screen reading software is to use “talking” Web browsers or Web access software designed for users who are blind. For more information on the products mentioned above, refer to the resource section below. Businesses are increasing their use of Intranets to communicate information to employees about policies, procedures, and office news. To provide equal access to employees with vision impairments, consider designing the Intranet so that individuals can access it with the use of AT. Some simple design techniques might include: Using standard HTML code Attaching “alt” tags to graphics (this allows the screen reader to “read” a description of the corresponding graphic) Using contrasting colors for background and text to make the page more readable Testing the Web pages for accessibility To learn more about designing accessible Web pages and testing for Web accessibility, go to: Tips for Designing Accessible Web Pages: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/webpages.html Resources: Screen Reading Software: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Vis11 Braille Computer Displays: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Vis19 Spoken Internet & Web Access Software: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Vis80 - Mandy Gamble Accommodating Teachers with Mental Health Disabilities School is just around the corner. In preparation for the school year, some teachers with mental health disabilities may choose to make accommodation requests before classes begin. This can be helpful because it gives the employer an opportunity to approve and implement accommodations before the rush associated with the start of school. Individuals also may request accommodations as the need arises throughout the year. Because each person’s limitations and abilities are different, accommodations should be made on a case-by-case basis. It is important to work with the employee to determine what accommodations may be effective. Some teachers with mental health disabilities might experience limitations related to organization and concentration. As an accommodation, the employer could schedule a planning period for the same time each day. This may help a teacher focus on activities such as structuring detailed lesson plans and outlines. The employer also might consider permitting the employee to specialize in one or two subjects rather than multiple subjects. Another possibility would be to allow the teacher to use one classroom throughout the day rather than switching rooms. Permitting use of soothing music or an environmental sound machine may be helpful in reducing distracting noise when doing paperwork. Other ideas would be using color coded materials—such as files, papers, and labels—and providing printed and/or electronic organizational tools. While employers are not required to eliminate essential functions of a job, they can reallocate functions they determine to be marginal—e.g., permitting a teacher with a disability to trade Thursday Hall Monitor Duty for Wednesday After-School Bus Duty. Scheduling periodic teacher-supervisor meetings may provide a forum to discuss workplace issues, production levels, and effectiveness of accommodations as well as offer mentoring opportunities. One idea would be to develop strategies to help the individual deal with difficult situations before they arise. For example, the teacher and supervisor might draft an action plan with important contact numbers or agree upon a quiet area where the individual may go to take a rest break. An employer also could consider providing policy-related accommodations such as modifying an attendance policy to allow time off for counseling and support groups. For additional accommodation ideas, you are welcome to review these JAN publications: Work-Site Accommodation Ideas for Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/Psychiatric.html - Carmen Fullmer Contact JAN E-mail: jan@jan.wvu.edu JAN Web site: http://www.jan.wvu.edu Call JAN: 800-526-7234 (Voice), 877-781-9403 (TTY), 304-293-5407 (Fax) To subscribe to or unsubscribe from JAN Updates: To subscribe, e-mail us at subscribe@jan.wvu.edu. When subscribing, be sure to include the e-mail address at which you want to receive the newsletter. To cancel a subscription, e-mail us at unsubscribe@jan.wvu.edu. Be sure to include the address at which you are receiving the newsletter. This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (#J-9-M-2-0022). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of tradenames, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.
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