Disability Employment Initiative (DEI)

Access Series: Assistive Technology (AT) & the One-Stop

Part 1

2011 Training Series

Hosted/Facilitated by: Miranda Kennedy, NDI Consulting, Inc

Presented by: Lisa Rosano-Kaczkowski, New York AT ProjectMystie Rail, Assistive Technology of Alaska

Local WIBs participating in the DEI must verify that they are in compliance with physical, programmatic, and communication accessibility requirements established in the non-discrimination regulations at Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). DOL expects that DEI projects and LWIBs will continue to review and upgrade access to their One-Stop Career Center system as part of their ongoing administration and compliance obligations.

Training and Technical Assistance to DEI Projects to increase accessibility within the One-Stops is provided under U.S. DOLETA contract with NDI Consulting, Inc. and the National Disability Institute (NDI).

Evaluation of the impact of the DEI Projects implementation and outcomes around access issues will be provided under U.S. DOL ODEP contract with Social Dynamics.

Disability Employment Initiative (DEI)

AT & the One Stops Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training webinar, DEIgrantees and participants from the public workforce system will have:

◦ A broad understanding of the types of Assistive Technology available to job seekers/employees with disabilities

◦ An increased understanding of Assistive Technology (AT) resources & partners

◦ Strategies for accessing AT, and AT-related resources & partners in order to provide good customer service to job seekers with disabilities in the One-Stops

What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

Overview & highlights of Legislation around AT

Case Studies

AT Partners & Resources

State collaboration updates from NY & AK

Q&A

AT & the One Stops Agenda

“Assist” or “Assistive”◦ to give usually supplementary support or aid

◦ providing aid or assistance; specifically: designed or intended to assist disabled persons

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

What is Assistive Technology?

“Technology”◦ the practical application of knowledge especially in a

particular area

◦ a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge

◦ the use of science in industry, engineering, etc., to invent useful things or to solve problems

◦ a machine, piece of equipment, method, etc., that is created by technology

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive + Technology =◦ generic term for devices and modifications that help

overcome or remove a disability

◦ devices, software, or services for people with disabilities that promotes greater independence

◦ provides enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish such tasks

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

What is Assistive Technology?

In the beginning….

What is Assistive Technology?

AT Decision Puzzle

What is Assistive Technology?

any device or system that allows someone with a disability to perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do

Low Tech Assistive Technology?

any device or system that allows someone with a disability to perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do

Mid Tech Assistive Technology?

any device or system that allows someone with a disability to perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do

High Tech Assistive Technology?

57% of working age adults in the U.S. are likely to benefit from the use of accessible technology

2010 unemployment rate ◦ 14.8 % for people with a disability ◦ 9.4 % for people with no disability

Employer costs for accommodations◦ 56% cost $0◦ 38% incurred a one-time cost◦ 4% incurred on

Did you know?

Assistive Technology Act of 1998Public Law 105-394 [29 USC 2201]

Also known as the “Tech Act” Three types of programs:

1. Demonstration centers, information and awareness, equipment loan

2. Protection and advocacy

3. Low interest loans and other alternative financing options

Legislation

Assistive Technology Act of 1998http://resnaprojects.org/scripts/contacts.pl

What can your AT Project do for you?

Demonstration Information and Awareness Equipment Loans Low Interest Loans

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Public Law 101-334 [42 USC 12101]

http://www.ada.gov

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)Public Law 94-142http://idea.ed.gov/

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act29 USC § 794d

http://www.section508.gov

Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act Amendments of 1998

P.L. 105-332 Section 1 (b) [20 USC 2302]http://www2.ed.gov/policy/sectech/leg/perkins/index.html

Assistive Technology Laws

Telecommunications Act of 1996Title I - Public Law 104-104 [47 USC 255] & [47 USC 613] http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/unframed/47/225.html http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/unframed/47/613.html

The Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 Public Law 100-394 [47 USC 610 (b)]

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/unframed/47/610.html

Federal Government Procurement of Accessible Information Technology

Public Law 105-220 Section 408 [29 USC 794 (d)]http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/unframed/29/794.html

Workforce Investment Act of 1998Public Law 105-220 [29 USC 701]

http://www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/wia/act.cfm

Assistive Technology Laws

Case Study 1 - Jim

Computer Access Example

Background Age: young man Diagnosis: Muscular Dystrophy Observations: fine motor deficits AT Used: Power wheelchair

Goal Teach college level Accounting

Case Study 1 - Jim

Computer Access Example

Goal Teach college level Accounting

Case Study 2 - Jennifer

Computer Access Example 2

Background Diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis Observations: Weak upper extremity strength and

limitations in movement, difficulty using keyboard and mouse

AT Used: manual wheelchair

Goal Review patient charts to gather data independently

Case Study 2 - Jennifer

Computer Access Example 2

Goal Review patient charts to gather data independently

Case Study 3 - Gary

Low Vision Example

Background Diagnosis: Low Vision AT Used: Zoomtext magnification software

Goal Needs to access website necessary to do his job

Case Study 3 - Gary

Low Vision Example

Goal Needs to access website necessary to do his

job

Case Study 4 - Cari

Environmental Control Example

Background Diagnosis: Quadriplegia Observations: Partial arm and shoulder movement,

hand mobility impairments AT Used: Power wheelchair

Goal Office Assistant

Case Study 4 - Cari

Environmental Control Example

Goal Office Assistant

Self-Employment Example

Background Age: mid ‘50s Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy and Mild Mental

Deficits Observations: Dysarthria, fine motor deficits,

non-ambulatory

Goal Greeting card design business

Case Study 5 - Rose

Self-Employment ExampleGoal Greeting card design business

Case Study 5 - Rose

Multiple Disabilities Example

Background Age: early 20s Diagnosis: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Dual Sensory

Impaired (deaf-blind) Observations: Non-communicator, deaf, blind,

physical impairments

Goal Start business making T-shirts for deaf-blind

awareness

Case Study 6 - Justin

Multiple Disabilities ExampleGoal Start business making T-shirts

for deaf-blind awareness

Case Study 6 - Justin

Learning Disability Example

Background Age: male in early 50s Diagnosis: severe dyslexia Observations: extremely articulate, great memory,

kindergarten reading level

Goal Return to work on North Slope oil field as a

Health, Safety, and Environmental Coordinator

Case Study 6 - Shawn

Learning Disabilities ExampleGoal Return to work on North Slope oil field in safety

and OSHA regulations

Case Study 6 - Shawn

Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury Example

Background Age: female in early 30s Diagnosis: severe ADHD and ATBI Observations: poor hygiene, disorganized,

possible depression

Goal Work in library or bookstore, return to college

Case Study 7 - Amy

Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury ExampleGoal Work in library or bookstore, return to college

Case Study 7 - Amy

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)www.askjan.org

ABLEDATA: The National Database of Assistive Technology Informationwww.abledata.com

Alliance for Technology Accesswww.ataccess.org

Center for Rehabilitation Technologywww.assistivetech.net

National Business & Disability Council

www.business-disability.com RESNA (Rehabilitation

Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America)www.resna.org

Tech Connectionswww.techconnections.org

Trace Research & Development Centerhttp://trace.wisc.edu

Virtual Assistive Technology Centerwww.at-center.com

Partner Resources

Options Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Guaranteed Loan Fund through State Tech Act Public and Private Insurance Worker’s Compensation

www.abledata.com/abledata_docs/funding.htm

Funding Resources

2003, TRAID Program and Department of Labor ◦ Memorandum of Understanding for $20,000 ◦ provide services

The 12 Regional TRAID Centers were responsible to provide:◦ Full day and half day trainings on disability awareness

and assistive technology◦ On-site technical assistance and consultation to One

Stop Center staff◦ Regional TRAID Center staff continue to assist One Stop

Center staff on an as needed basis

New York AT Project & DEI

Assistive Technology of Alaska & DEI

History 2002 – Work Incentives Grant (DVR) 2003 – AT installed and staff trained

22 One Stop sites 2007 – AT reviewed by ATLA

12 One Stop sites◦Upgraded technology ◦Hands-on “simulation” DPN workshop◦Created “Quick Start” guide & posters

Assistive Technology of Alaska & DEI

Assistive Technology of Alaska & DEI 2011

◦DEI Resource Coordinator review Past usage Upgrade/replacement needs Effective use of today’s technologies Implement changes (2011 / 2012)

◦ATLA continued partnership with DEI Program Coordinator Provide upgraded equipment Provide awareness materials and technical

support

Rarely or never used

Staff turnover created AT knowledge gaps

Lack of advertising = lack of use

Complexity of AT lead to lack of use

What did we learn?

AT lost / stolen

Need for lead staff

Need for regular scheduled training

Resource materials focused on consumerneeds, not the technology

What did we learn?

What’s the next step?Focus on: Website Accessibility Communications Accessible Materials “Quick Start” Guides Annual One Stop staff

training on AT

Integration & Identification are key!

Common One Stop AT ToolsLow Vision / Blindness

Handheld magnifiers Large print “keycaps” for keyboard Sheet magnifier

Low Vision / Blindness Video magnification system Screen reading software for blindness Screen magnification / reading for low

vision

Common One Stop AT Tools

Common One Stop AT ToolsDeaf & Hard of Hearing

TTY FM systems Personal amplification systems

Common One Stop AT ToolsDeaf & Hard of Hearing

Amplified phone In line phone amplifier UbiDuo

Common One Stop AT ToolsComputer Access

Adjustable computer workstation Adjustable Keyboard Tray Trackball mouse Monitor stand Armrests

Computer Access Voice recognition software with noise

cancellation microphone / headset Adjustable keyboard “Head mouse”

Common One Stop AT Tools

Computer Access Scan and read software Scanner Word prediction software Touchscreen

Common One Stop AT Tools

Q&A

Lisa Rosano-KaczkowskiNYS TRAID ProgramCommission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities(800) 624-4143Lisa.Rosano@cqc.ny.gov

Mystie RailAssistive Technology of Alaska(907) 563-2599 xt. 106mystie@atlaak.orgwww.atlaak.org

Contact Information