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E-News

JAN E-News
Volume 4, Issue 3, Third 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. New Schedule for JAN Voice Service
2. JAN Conference 2006 Registration Closed
3. "Dealing with Substance Abuse in the Workplace" Webcast
4. Driving Aids
5. Telework
6. Positive Strides for Accommodation
7. "SunTrust Bank: Creating an Inclusive Culture" Video
8. USBLN
9. Pennsylvania Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities Conference
10. ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility - Accessibility in the Corporate Environment
11. JAN Exhibit and Training Schedule
12. Contact JAN

1. New Schedule for JAN Voice Service

Beginning September 18, calls to JAN will be answered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Voice mail will be available at other times. Web services will continue to be available 24 hours a day. To send an inquiry via email visit our JAN on Demand page: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/JANonDemand.htm

2. JAN Conference 2006 Registration Closed

Registration for the 2006 Conference has closed. All 300 seats have been filled. For additional information, check the Conference Web site at http://conference.jan.wvu.edu/.

Join us in at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City (Virginia) on August 6 & 7 for the 2007 JAN Conference!

3. "Dealing with Substance Abuse in the Workplace" Webcast

Dealing with substance abuse in the workplace can be challenging for employers. Most individuals with substance abuse are employed and when they arrive for work, they do not leave their problems outside the door. Everyone involved in running a business, both employers and employees, is affected when there is workplace substance abuse.

The Webcast will provide information on: the types of challenges substance abuse poses for employers, employment laws related to employees with substance abuse, ideas and resources to help employers deal with substance abuse in the workplace, and Drug-Free Work Week.

Trainers: Elena M. Carr, Drug Policy Coordinator, U.S. Department of Labor, Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace with Linda Batiste, JAN Consultant.

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, October 17, 2006. http://www.jan.wvu.edu/teleconf/Events/2006/Substance_Abuse.htm

4. Driving Aids

Today there are mobility aids beyond wheelchair-lift equipped vans for drivers and passengers who have disabilities. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, big rigs, recreational vehicles, and public transit vehicles can be fitted with various driving aids. Personal solutions include wheelchair lifts, ramps, hand controls, left foot gas pedals, parking brake and pedal extensions, turn signal adapters, steering devices, transfer seats, gear shift adapters and steering-wheel mounted control pads.

For product information on these and other vehicular modifications, check out the following vendors:

Access Unlimited. Their Multi-Lift can be used to help users get into cars. The same lift can be utilized at home for bedroom and restroom activities. The Easy-Transfer Seat bridges the gap from wheelchair to the car. Stand-Ease allows drivers or passengers to enter/exit a low car seat, raises the user to a standing posture when entering the car, and the padded bar lowers the individual to seat level. Glide-'n Go is a power lift seat for use with trucks. Also, truck and RV users can swivel their truck's original seat to swivel out of the truck and lower the seat to wheelchair level. Their Mini-Touch steering-wheel mounted control pad operates turn signals, hi-lo beams, and other controls at an easy-to-reach location. Contact Access Unlimited at www.accessunlimited.com/ or (800) 849-2143.

Ricon Corporation. This company specializes in a variety of wheelchair lift products for personal or commercial use. Their KlearVue lift folds down when not in use to provide an unobstructed view for the driver and requires no raised-roof modifications. Their 6-way Power Transfer seat allows easy transfers from wheelchair to the driver's or passenger's seat. Contact Ricon at www.riconcorp.com or (800) 322-2884.

Handicaps, Inc. The company features easy-to-install hand controls and portable hand controls (rental, loaner or other short term situations) for cars, vans and trucks. For people who have limited or no use of their right hand or foot, the Left Foot Gas Pedal or Gear Shift Adaptor can be helpful. They have parking brake and floor pedal extensions, as well as steering devices mounted to the steering-wheel and operational by one hand only. Handicaps, Inc. can be reached at www.handicapsinc.com or (800) 782-4335.

Electronic Mobility Controls (EMC). This company has electronic controls for drivers who have disabilities. Their AEVIT product is a driving control system that provides a low effort and range of motion control solution to operate gas, brakes, and steering functions of a car. Their Voice Interactive Control is used for secondary controls of electro-mechanical functions other than gas, brakes, and steering. EMC can be contacted at www.emc-digi.com or (225) 927-5558.

Other vendors or similar resources include: Gresham Driving Aids at www.greshamdrivingaids.com/ or (800) 521-8930; Driving Aids Development Corporation at www.drivingaids.com or (800) 767-6435; Braun Corporation at www.braunlift.com or (800) The-Lift; Bruno Independent Living Aids at www.bruno.com/ or (800) 882-8183; and visit the Job Accommodation Network for more vendor listings at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/soar/motor/4_driving.html.

- Eddie Whidden

5. Telework, Self-Employment, or a Home-based Business? Exploring (Sometimes) Confusing Definitions

[This article is the first in a three part series on telework, telecommuting, and remote work.]

The Small Business and Self-Employment Service (SBSES) consultants, in addition to receiving inquiries regarding self-employment, also field a number of questions related to telework. For many people with disabilities, the ability to work from home can provide an effective work accommodation strategy by eliminating the commute to work, providing variations in the time and process of work, and offering a way to have more control over the work environment. However, often the terms telework, home-based business, and self-employment are confused and merged together into a single concept. Below are definitions which will help to clarify these various work options.

Telework (also known as telecommuting or remote work) describes a situation where an employee is working for an employer but conducts this work from a site other than a traditional workplace or office setting. A typical scenario involves an employee who works from home either full or part-time, but can also include scenarios in which an individual works remotely from a satellite telework center, hotel or airport location, or from an alternative location away from a central office. In most cases, telework is enabled by the development of a variety of telecommunication technologies, particularly in computing, which facilitate the ability to work from a distance.

Example 1: Maria is employed by an insurance company and teleworks from home two days a week. She is working for an employer, but does this work from home on these particular days.

Example 2: Ken has located a position within the airline industry as a call center representative. This position was developed and advertised as one where employees could work from home locations. He is employed by a company, but works entirely from his home.

A self-employed person works for him- or herself instead of as an employee of another person, business, or organization. Income is generated from these economic activities in this trade or business. This often includes individuals who operate as an independent contractors.

Example: Bob has started his own business where he provides accounting services to small business clients in his community. He shares an office space with other accountants but works independently. His business structure is set up as a sole proprietorship so he is the sole owner of this business.

A home-based business is, in most cases, a very small business whose primary location is in the owner's home. However, the business can theoretically be any size or any type as long as it is located in a home, garage, or adjoining building. This is different from telework in that a home-based business owner works for him- or herself and not for an employer.

Example: Susan has a quilting business which is based in the back room of her home. All major activities involved in the business take place here. She is the sole owner of this business and works for herself.

The primary purpose of SBSES is to provide information, resources, and consulting services to people with disabilities who are interested in self-employment and small business development options. This program does not have a job placement component so employers do not contact us if they are interested in hiring employees in telework positions. However, we are aware that many of our callers are exploring a variety of alternative employment options so understanding these definitions is essential to investigating the most appropriate resources to further our callers' employment goals.

For additional resources on telework:

Midwest Institute for Telecommuting Education (MITE)
1900 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404-1995
Voice (612) 752-8010
Fax (612) 752-8001
TTY (612) 752-8019
Web Site: http://www.mite.org
" Telecommuting: A Work Option for Persons With Disabilities"
Web site: http://www.mite.org/telecommutdisabilities/telecommutdisabilities.html

Access to Telework Loan Program - New Freedom Initiative
Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Project (AFTAP/RESNA)
1700 North Moore Street
Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209
Web site: http://www.resna.org/AFTAP/telework/index.html

Many state telework loan programs also make these alternative financing programs available to persons with disabilities who are interested in self-employment as well as telework.

By: Kim Cordingly, M.A. and Greg Wimer, MA

6. Positive Strides for Accommodation Series

JAN consultants are working diligently to update our full length accommodation publication series with a new name, look, and format. JAN's "Accommodation and Compliance Series" is designed to help employers determine effective accommodations and comply with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each publication in the series addresses a specific medical condition and provides information about the condition, ADA information, accommodation ideas, and resources for additional information. To check out our progress with the new format, visit: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/ideas.html. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the enforcing authority for Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA) has developed a "Question and Answer Series" that discusses timely disability issues under the law. The publications typically include guidance on when a particular impairment is considered a disability under the ADA, accommodation ideas that employers may want to consider, and detailed accommodation examples. Since 2004, EEOC has addressed hearing, vision, diabetes, epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and cancer in the series. EEOC publications on a particular impairment sometimes provide a direct link to corresponding JAN publications on the same topic. To locate articles from both the JAN and EEOC series, visit "JAN by Disability A-Z" on our website at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/atoz.htm .

7. "SunTrust Bank: Creating an Inclusive Culture" Video

Posted in the JAN Presentation Library is a new educational video, "SunTrust Bank: Creating an Inclusive Culture." This 8 minute video details SunTrust Bank's efforts to create an inclusive workplace environment for employees with disabilities. SunTrust Bank Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the nation's largest commercial banking organizations, winner of the U.S. Department of Labors New Freedom Initiative Award, and serves as a lead company for the US Business Leader Network.

SunTrust Bank has developed a multi-faceted program that demonstrates a corporate commitment to people with disabilities. The program includes a Disability Resource Center, a centralized accommodations budget, internship sponsorship program, mentoring day, and other activities specifically designed to raise awareness of the business case for hiring and retaining workers with disabilities. The video features interviews with employees informing the viewer about policies and practices that enhance an inclusive corporate culture.

To view this video or other training resources in the JAN Presentation library please go to: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/ppt/

8. US BLN National Conference

The U. S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) invites you to join them for the 9th Annual US BLN National Conference, which will be held October 4-6, 2006 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center hotel in Minneapolis, MN. This year's annual conference is being hosted by the Minnesota Business Leadership Network.

Hundreds of attendees are expected from BLN chapters across the country, as well as leaders and professionals from corporations, service providers and the workforce development community. These leaders and professionals recognize the benefits of including people with disabilities in their workforce and marketplace and view people with disabilities as strategic business partners in today's workplace.

Complete information about the conference can be found at: http://www.mnbln.org/USBLNconference/

9. Pennsylvania Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities Conference

The Pennsylvania Governor's Committee invites you to join them for the 53rd Annual Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities Conference, which will be held October 4th, 2006 at the Radisson Hotel Pittsburgh Green Tree hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Please join the PA Governor's Committee to learn how employing people with disabilities enriches Pennsylvanias workforce through four learning tracks including technology, consultation, legal and finding talent, and funding. The conference includes a keynote by Dr. Rory Cooper as well as interactive theater, an awards ceremony, a reception featuring the Carnegie Mellon Jazz Band Ensemble, prizes and more.

To register, please call: 412-918-4229 or FAX the on-line form to: 412-687-5232 or mail the completed registration form to: Pittsburgh Technology Council, Attn: Council Events, 2000 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

The on-line registration form can be accessed at:
http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=234482

10. ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility - Accessibility in the Corporate Environment

Corporations who want to learn about deriving business value through accessibility should plan to attend the ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility in Orlando, Florida on January 25-26, 2007.

The strategic decisions surrounding access for people with disabilities, the aging workforce, and worker shortages are at the forefront for large corporations. With 78 million baby boomers and 54 million people with disabilities, corporations also have a need to reach new customers and deliver accessible products and services to this important and growing market.

An accessibility strategy is critical to success with these challenges. This forum will be a unique opportunity for educational sessions and networking opportunities focused on the business case for accessibility and its associated technologies and provide case studies from an enterprise perspective.

Who should attend?

Individuals and/or teams within large corporations (500 employees or more) who have responsibility to direct their company in the area of accessibility including:

  • Directors of Accessibility,
  • Marketing professionals responsible for reaching people with disabilities and the maturing population,
  • HR professionals charged with accessibility strategies and accommodations,
  • IT, and
  • Quality Assurance/Usability professionals.

During these two days we will discuss:

  • The business case for providing accessible solutions for your employees and your customers
  • Case studies from major US corporations who implemented accessible solutions for: Websites, Self-service delivery, Call Centers, and more….
  • Key accessibility issues relating to new mainstream technologies and assistive technology (AT) compatibility

And we will provide:

  • A discussion on compliance considerations
  • An opportunity to see the latest technology of over 100 assistive technology (AT) manufacturers
  • Access to the accessibility executives at major IT companies and AT companies through facilitated meetings
  • An introduction to the community of professionals, resources and peers to assist your ongoing efforts

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 leadershipforum@atia.org to be put on our mailing list. Or go to www.atia.org/leadershipforum for more information.

This event is hosted by ATIA as an independent forum within the International ATIA 2007 Conference. The Forum will be held concurrently with the ATIA Conference and use the same conference facilities but is specifically designed to address the needs of attendees from corporations. The International ATIA 2007 Conference provides a broader experience for education and communication to professional practitioners serving those with disabilities (teachers, occupational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, physicians, psychologists, etc.), with the overarching goal of providing enhanced benefits and opportunities to people with disabilities.

11. JAN Exhibit and Training Schedule

September 20-21, 2006. Wounded & Injured Veterans' Summit. Auburn, AL. Stop by the JAN booth. Anne Hirsh presenting. http://www.dol.gov/vets/REALifelines/summit.html

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

October 5, 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. Stop by the Office of Disability Employment Policy booth in the exhibit hall. Suzanne Gosden will be presenting. http://www.mnbln.org/USBLNconference/index.html

October 16-18, 2006. SHRM Workplace Diversity Annual Conference. Los Angeles, CA. Stop by the ODEP booth in the exhibit hall. http://www.shrm.org/conferences/diversity/

October 17, 2006. Dealing with Substance Abuse in the Workplace. JAN Webcast. http://www.jan.wvu.edu/teleconf/Events/2006/Substance_Abuse.htm

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

November 14-15, 2006. National Workers' Compensation and Disability Annual Conference. Las Vegas, NV. Stop by the ODEP booth in the exhibit hall. http://www.wcconference.com

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

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

February 19-20, 2007 Creating Opportunities Through AT. Charleston, WV. http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/2007paths.html JAN Consultant presenting.

March 19-27, 2007. C-SUN Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference. Los Angeles, CA. Stop by and talk with JAN consultants at the JAN booth in the exhibit hall. http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/

August 6-7, 2007. 6th Annual JAN Conference on Workplace Accommodation and the ADA. Crystal City, VA. Watch http://conference.jan.wvu.edu/ for updates.

12. 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)

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from JAN Updates:

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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.