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E-News

JAN E-News
Volume 4, Issue 2, Second Quarter, 2006

JAN E-News is the quarterly newsletter of the Job Accommodation Network. This newsletter will help keep you informed of new work site accommodation tools and techniques, changes at JAN, and other issues important to improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Please use the links at the end of this document to subscribe, unsubscribe, and contact us.

Notice: If you do not wish to receive JAN E-News and JAN Consultants' Corner, please send an e-mail to unsubscribe@jan.wvu.edu

Index

1. JAN Conference 2006 Schedule and Brochure are On Line
2. JAN Announces a New Employment Guide for Individuals with Disabilities
3. Writing Aids
4. Overlooked tax deduction: Impairment Related Work Expenses as a Tax Deduction for People with Disabilities Who Are Employed or Self-employed
5. JAN Compass: Roll with the Roloffs
6. Assistive Technology Industry Association Leadership Forum on Accessibility - Accessibility in the Corporate Environment
7. JAN Exhibit and Training Schedule
8. JAN "Branded" Items Available
9. Contact JAN

1. JAN Conference 2006 Schedule and Brochure are On-line

The full schedule for JAN Conference 2006 is now available on the Conference Web site! In addition, a downloadable brochure with registration information is available for those who do not receive it in the mail. The Fifth Annual JAN Conference will be held September 18 and 19 at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport. For full information, check the Conference Web site at http://conference.jan.wvu.edu/.

2. JAN Announces a New Employment Guide for Individuals with Disabilities

JAN consultants have developed an employment guide for job seekers as well as job candidates entering the workforce. The new on-line tool, "Finding a Job that is Right for You: A Practical Approach to Looking for a Job as a Person with Disability", can be found at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/job/. While JAN is not a placement agency, JAN consultants often receive calls from individuals seeking work. To assist the JAN callers looking for employment, the guide provides four-steps with easy-to-use information, tools, and resources on subjects encountered when job seeking. These include disclosing a disability, requesting an accommodation, and career exploration designed to help people with disabilities find the job which is a good fit for them.

3. Writing Aids

In a world where we are accustomed to writing by typing on our personal computers, there are still occasions when we need to write by hand using pencils and pens. For people who have various disabilities, writing can be more difficult than pushing buttons on a keyboard. Fortunately there are a variety of writing aids to improve grip, reduce spasms, decrease fatigue and to make alignments:

Devices for holding writing instruments-The Wanchik Writer is a writing utensil holder that wraps around the palm of the hand while holding the pen snugly and comfortably. It features adjustability, fits left or right hand in both small and large sizes, and is easy to put on and take off. Another product, The Writing Bird, is great for people unable to hold a pen. Gentle pressure on the tail allows it to glide smoothly along the writing surface without smearing and can be used by either hand. The Wanchik Writer is available at www.activeforever.com or call (800) 377-8033 and www.sammonspreston.com or call (800)323-5547; The Writing Bird is available at www.lifesolutionsplus.com or call (877)785-8326.

Specialty pens-Dr. Grip was designed to reduce muscle strain and writing stress by utilizing a soft, contoured rubber grip that is easy to grasp. The Lite Touch Pen relieves thumb pain and is easy to grip. Only light pressure is required to write using this thick shaft pen. Another pen that eliminates the need for a tight grip is the Ring Pen. By providing support for the index finger, this instrument also reduces writing fatigue and pain. Dr. Grip and the Lite Touch Pen can be purchased at www.activeforever.com or (800) 377-8033; The Ring Pen is available at www.sammonspreston.com or (800-323-5547 or http://lifewithease.com or (800) 966-5119.

Spasm stabilizers-The Weighted Universal Grip Holder and Steady Write are both products that decrease spasms, tremors, and shakiness often associated with persons who have cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s Disease, and ataxia. These products use weights to steady the hand. Other products that dampen spastic movements and assist in controlling tremors are often used in rehabilitation settings by occupational and physical therapists. One of these products is the Action Arm. It was designed to develop fine, medium and gross motor movements, improve eye/hand coordination, strengthen muscles, and provide wrist/finger dexterity. The Action Arm allows adjustable resistance, repetition, accuracy measurement, and kinesthetic feedback for the user. The Weighted Universal Grip Holder is available at http://www.activeforever.com or (800)377-8033; Steady Write can be purchased at http://www.lifewithease.com or (800) 966-5119 or at http://www.sammonspreston.com or (800) 323-5547; the Action Arm is only available at http://taggmed.com/action.htm or at (949) 770-9029.

Foam tubing and handle build-ups-These soft writing grips will not slip and are comfortably contoured to fit the hand. Toothbrushes, eating utensils, and other hard to hold items can be used as well. These products can be purchased at http://www.careaids.com or (602) 402-2020, http://www.business-supply.com or (800) 676-0180 and http://www.AccessTR.com or (800) 634-4351.

Low vision devices-The 20/20 Pen provides bold, easy-to-read writing in black ink, but is not a felt-tip pen. Check Writing Guides offer alignment security for people who have difficulty filling in the blanks on their banking checks. The template is placed over the check, just fill in the standard information. These low vision products are available at http://www.maxiaids.com or (800) 522-6294 and http://www.lssproducts.com or (800)468-4789.

For information on vendors of some of these products, please visit our website at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol200

- Eddie Whidden

4. Overlooked tax deduction: Impairment Related Work Expenses as a Tax Deduction for People with Disabilities Who Are Employed or Self-employed

Well, tax time has passed once again. Did you take advantage of every tax law? Most likely, if either you or another dependent family member is an individual with a disability and worked, you may have not. Regardless of whether it was traditional work or self-employment, you may not have taken advantage of a tax deduction for impairment related expenses.

What are impairment-related expenses? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines these expenses as work expenses that are "ordinary and necessary business expenses for attendant care services at your place of work and other expenses in connection with your place of work that are necessary for you to be able to work.” What is the importance of this deduction to your situation?

If you are employed:

Depending on how you file your tax return, you may be able to deduct these costs from your income before calculating the tax due, therefore reducing the amount of income you owe taxes on and thereby either increasing your refund or lowering your payment due. For more details on how you may be able to use this deduction, see the following Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publications:

If you are self-employed:

The Internal Revenue Service will allow you to deduct the full amount of these expenses as business expenses, rather than as medical expenses. For more details on how you may be able to use this deduction, see the following Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publication:

Publication 535 (2005) Business Expenses: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p535/index.html

For additional information on other tax incentives for people with disabilities: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/tax.html

- Mike Smith

5. JAN Compass: Your guide to the latest in books, film, television, and media for the disability community

Roll with the Roloffs

If you’re flipping through the channels looking for quality television programming, you may want to check out “Little People, Big World”. The show offers insight into how one tight-knit family approaches life’s daily successes and setbacks. The premise of this slice-of-life program is to highlight how a cohesive family, comprised of little people and average height people, work together to foster a happy home. The half hour “reality-TV” show premiered on The Learning Channel (TLC) in March 2006 and typically runs two episodes back to back.

Cameras roll with the Roloffs, a family of five, as they enjoy their farm, go to the store, work, hammer nails while renovating the house, head to soccer practice, and buy clothes for the school dance. Parents Amy and Matt, who are both little people, strive to serve as positive role models in a hectic environment. Twelve-year-old Molly and 8 year old Jacob, who are average height for their ages, tease each other as sisters and brothers typically do. Fifteen-year-old Zack and Jeremy are fraternal twins; Zack is a little person and Jeremy is of average height. Their relationship is complicated by how each teen experiences rites of passage—like dating and learning to drive—while sharing an exclusive twin bond.

The show demonstrates how family members use strategies, creative design, and assistive technology to perform daily activities. When cooking, Amy initially has difficulty reaching appliances and shelves. She overcomes this limitation by using multiple platforms and stools and by directing her children to provide assistance when needed. As a renovation project, the kitchen evolves into a beautiful and functional space for the whole family. The finished room features multi-level food preparation areas for family members of varying heights.

To accommodate his fast-paced lifestyle, Matt uses mobility aids such as crutches and a scooter. After many years of success in the software industry, he starts his own business—Direct Access Solutions http://www.lp-access.com –to market mobility and accessibility products for little people.

To tune in with the Roloffs, check your local tv listings for details or visit the program website at TLC http://tlc.discovery.com. New episodes of “Little People, Big World” typically air Saturdays at 8pm on TLC and rerun episodes air at various times throughout the week.

For resources, product information, and ideas on how to accommodate little people visit http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/DisQuery.exe?110M and http://www.jan.wvu.edu/soar/littleperson/littleperson.html. For tips on starting your own business go to http://www.jan.wvu.edu/sbses/index.htm. You’re also welcome to contact us so a JAN consultant can help address your questions.

- Carmen Fullmer

6. Assistive Technology Industry Association Leadership Forum on Accessibility - Accessibility in the Corporate Environment

Corporations which are developing their accessibility strategies to address the needs of their employees and customers with disabilities should plan to participate in the ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility in Orlando, Florida on January 25-26, 2007. Corporations are facing the needs of a maturing workforce along with growing worker shortages. They also have a need to reach new customers and deliver products and services to an aging customer base. Accessible systems are key to success with these challenges. This forum will be a unique opportunity for educational sessions and networking opportunities specifically designed for the enterprise environment. It will discuss the business case for accessibility and its associated technology and provide case studies from a corporate perspective.

Who should attend?

Individuals and/or teams within corporations who have primary responsibility to direct their company in the area of accessibility including: Directors of Accessibility, HR professionals charged with accessibility strategies and accommodations, IT professionals focused on accessibility, and marketing professionals responsible for customer strategies.

Sign up to receive additional details about this exciting new event! Contact ATIA Toll-free: 1-877-OUR-ATIA (877-687-2842) or email us at info@atia.org to be put on our mailing list.

7. JAN Exhibit and Training Schedule

July 11-13, 2006. Workforce Innovations: Regional Strategies, Global Results. Anaheim, CA. http://www.workforceinnovations.org/ Visit JAN in the exhibit hall.

July 24-27, 2006. EEOC Excel Annual Conference. Las Vegas, NV. http://www.eeotraining.eeoc.gov/profile/web/index.cfm?PKwebID=0x495c398. Kendra Duckworth will be presenting.

July 31- August 1, 2006. Assistive Technology: It's hot, It's cool; Use it at work, home or school! Arizona Assistive Technology Project annual conference. Litchfield Park, AZ. http://www.nau.edu/ihd/aztap/. Visit the JAN exhibit booth. John Greer will be presenting.

August 8, 2006. Strategies for Recruiting and Accommodating in the Health Care Industry. http://www.jan.wvu.edu/teleconf/Teleconf.htm

September 18-19. JAN Conference 2006. Boston, MA. http://conference.jan.wvu.edu/

October 4, 2006. Pennsylvania Governor's Group Annual Conference. Pittsburgh, PA. Tracie Saab presenting. Stop by the JAN exhibit booth.

October 4, 2006. Howard County Maryland Annual Employer Awards Breakfast. Columbia, MD. JAN consultant presenting.

October 4-6, 2006. Inclusion the Time is Now. U.S. Business Leadership Network Annual Conference. Minneapolis, MN. http://www.mnbln.org/USBLNconference/index.html Stop by the JAN booth in the exhibit hall. Suzanne Gosden will be presenting.

October 24-26, 2006. SHRM Workplace Diversity Annual Conference. Las Vegas, NV. http://www.shrm.org/conferences/diversity/ Stop by the JAN booth in the exhibit hall.

October 24-27, 2006. West Virginia State Vocational Counselor training. Morgantown, WV. JAN consultant providing training on JAN, accommodations and the ADA.

November 14, 2006. CAP and JAN: Successful Accommodation Strategies. JAN Webcast. http://www.jan.wvu.edu/teleconf/Teleconf.htm

December 6-8, 2006. Perspectives on Employment of Persons with Disabilities Conference http://register.grad.usda.gov/Conferences/Perspectives/DisabilitiesInfo.cfm Beth Loy and Anne Hirsh presenting. Stop by the JAN booth in the registration area.

January 24-27, 2006. Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. http://www.atia.org/ Visit JAN in the exhibit hall, Tracie Saab presenting and participating in the ATIA Employer Forum.

8. JAN "Branded" Items Available

Would you like a JAN T-shirt? How about a ball cap or wall clock? These and other items are now available at http://www.cafepress.com/JANmall. The products are made available at cost as a service to JAN Fans--none of the money goes to JAN.

9. Contact JAN

E-mail: jan@jan.wvu.edu

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

Small Business and Self-Employment Service: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/sbses/

Call JAN: 1-800-526-7234 (Voice/TTY), 304-293-5407 (Fax)

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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.