Assessing Assistive Technology Needs Understanding the AT Evaluation Process 1 ADA Trainer Network Module 7c Trainer’s Name Trainer’s Title Phone /Website Address

Disclaimer Information, materials, and/or technical assistance are intended solely as informal guidance, and are neither a determination of your legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA, nor binding on any agency with enforcement responsibility under the ADA. The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is authorized by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to provide information, materials, and technical assistance to individuals and entities that are covered by the ADA. The contents of this document were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant number H133 A However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. 2

Technology-related Accommodation Case by case determination based on… – Functional limitations of the individual – Essential job functions – Environment in which the technology will be used Accommodation is about what the person needs to perform the job effectively and efficiently Simplest solutions are often the best 3

Requesting an Accommodation Ask for the accommodation using “plain English” Your request does not need to be in writing You do not need to mention the law under which you are entitled to the accommodation 4 – U.S. EEOC, 1999

Responding to a Reasonable Accommodation Request Do you need documentation of the disability? Engage in an informal process to ensure an appropriate accommodation. Identify an effective accommodation Respond promptly to the request 5 – U.S. EEOC, 1999

5 Step Accommodation Process: Assistive Technology as an Accommodation 1.Define the situation 2.Explore available AT options 3.Select assistive technology 4.Implement AT accommodations 5.Monitor and upgrade AT Source: Job Accommodation Network Fact Sheet Series, US Dept. of Labor 6

1.Define the situation What job functions need to be accommodated? – Evaluate the work site – Evaluate the work station – Evaluate work activities What are the individual’s functional limitations? Is the condition progressive or stable? What job tasks are difficult to perform? 7

2. Explore/Research available AT options Consult and explore resources – Individual – State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies – State Assistive Technology Projects – National Network of ADA Centers – Disability specific organizations – Vendors of AT – Computer technicians – IT team at the workplace – SOAR (JAN Searchable Online Accommodation Resource) SOAR 8

3.Selecting Assistive Technology Decision based on research Other considerations – Is technical support available? – Is there a money-back guarantee or warranty? – Is there a trial version or trial period offered? – Is training available? – Is the product compatible with other technology used? – How will the AT be funded? 9

4.Implementing AT accommodations Purchase and install product Provide appropriate training Ensure that the AT can be used successfully by the individual Test for compatibility between the AT and other technology used at the company 10

5.Monitor AT accommodations Provide support and maintenance for the AT through the company IT department or through an outside vendor Budget for product upgrades When planning new technology purchases for the company, test for compatibility with the AT – Consider equipment that has universal design features Changes in individual’s job functions may necessitate re-evaluation of AT needs 11

5 Step Accommodation Process: Assistive Technology as an Accommodation 1.Define the situation 2.Explore available AT options 3.Select assistive technology 4.Implement AT accommodations 5.Monitor and upgrade AT Source: Job Accommodation Network Fact Sheet Series, US Dept. of Labor 12

Mid-Atlantic ADA Center TransCen, Inc. 401 North Washington Street, Suite 450 Rockville, MD Toll-Free: (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV) Telephone Fax TTY Webwww.ADAinfo.orgwww.ADAinfo.org The contents of this presentation were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant number H133 A However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. 13