Making job accommodations for employees often results in obtaining or modifying equipment or devices commonly referred to as assistive technology (AT). In the workplace, AT is used as a general term that refers to any item or piece of equipment, low-tech or high-tech, that enables the performance of job tasks. AT can be Velcro used to hold a keyboard in place for someone with a fine motor impairment, screen reading software that provides computer access to a person who is blind, or a special stool used to support someone with a back impairment who needs to work in a standing position.

AT solutions can be as creative and varied as the people who request them. Like any job accommodation, AT is not a one size fits all solution. Choosing the right device to meet a specific individual's needs requires an understanding of the person’s functional limitations, type of impairment, and specific job activities. Communicating with the individual with the disability to learn about their needs, and consulting with appropriate AT information resources can be vital to the successful selection and implementation of AT as a job accommodation.

Choosing AT can be a daunting task for employers who are not familiar with technology. Fortunately, there are a number knowledgeable individuals, and public and private agencies that can help with the evaluation and selection process. The individual with the disability should be the first person to be consulted when exploring AT solutions. Employers can also contact JAN to speak with an AT specialist about the specific accommodation needs of the individual. JAN encourages employers to take advantage of the following resources when exploring AT-related accommodations:

• The Job Accommodation Network’s Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) is an on-line tool that allows users to independently explore workplace accommodation solutions by moving through a five step accommodation process. Using SOAR, employers select an impairment, a limitation, and a job function, explore potential accommodation solutions, and then access national vendors of assistive technology. To access the SOAR system, go to: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/soar.
  
• State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies provide services to ensure gainful employment for people with disabilities. In addition to job placement, services may include, but are not limited to counseling, vocational evaluation, assessment, on-the-job training, rehabilitation technology services, and possible assistance with funding accommodations. For a list of state VR agencies, go to: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/TypeQuery.exe?902.
  
• State AT Projects provide technical assistance on AT, consultation, product demonstrations, equipment borrowing, and low-interest loans for individuals with disabilities. For a list of state AT Projects, go to: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/TypeQuery.exe?735.
  
• The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) offers information about Assistive Technology Practitioners (ATP) and Rehabilitation Engineering Technologists (RET). ATPs analyze the needs of individuals with disabilities, assist in selection of appropriate AT for the individual’s needs, and provide training in the use of the selected device(s). RETs apply engineering principles to the design, modification, customization and/or fabrication of assistive technology for persons with disabilities. To access a Directory of ATPs and RETs from RESNA, go to: http://www.resna.org.
  
• Disability specific organizations can also be helpful resources. For a listing of organizations by specific disability, go to: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/links/disspec.htm.

JAN offers many useful publications and resources related to job accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Among these publications is a new document entitled Universal Design and Assistive Technology in the Workplace which includes a process for choosing AT for employees with disabilities, provides helpful tips for choosing equipment that includes universal design features, and offers resources for additional information. To access this document, go to: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/udatfact.doc.

To learn more about assistive technology accommodation solutions, contact JAN at 800-526-7234 (877-781-9403 TTY), or visit us at www.jan.wvu.edu.

  - Tracie D. Saab, M.S., JAN Consultant

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