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Assistive Technology in the Workplace

Assistive Technology in the Workplace. How to Find and Keep Good Employees. Jamie Hayhurst Marshall, Program Manager WVATS. A part of West Virginia University & WVU Health Sciences Center. Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Part of a National Network.

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Assistive Technology in the Workplace

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  1. Assistive Technology in the Workplace How to Find and Keep Good Employees Jamie Hayhurst Marshall, Program Manager WVATS

  2. A part of West Virginia University& WVU Health Sciences Center Center for Excellence in Disabilities

  3. Part of a National Network Center for Excellence in Disabilities

  4. CED’s role: Education and training to University students in multiple disciplinesto prepare a workforce that is able and willing to serve persons with disabilities Technical assistance to individuals with disabilities and direct care providers who serve them to enhance their skillset and improve service quality Gap filling direct services and supports in an effort to improve availability and acceptability of services for West Virginians Disseminationof information about the status of disabilities services in West Virginia and the nation Research activities conducted in collaboration with partners, to improve services and policies related to individuals with disabilities and their families. Center for Excellence in Disabilities

  5. About CED Serves individuals with disabilities across the life span in all 55 counties 13 Programs 3 Clinics Approx. 90 Staff Multiple state and federal partners Center for Excellence in Disabilities

  6. Why are we here? • Good workers = Talent, Skill, Knowledge • Injuries can cost more than physical damage • Finding ways to keep these skill sets in the workplace even after injuries

  7. Why are we here? • It is difficult to find good workers. • People with disabilities can work! • One or two disabilities do not negate the multiple skills an individual has. • No one person can do everything!

  8. Why are we here?

  9. Why are we here?

  10. What Is Assistive Technology?

  11. Assistive Technology • Devices • “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (AT Act of 1998, as amended) • Services • "any services that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" (AT Act of 1998, as amended)

  12. Where can AT be found? • Common local stores (Home Depot, Staples) • Specialized vendors (Infogrip, Dynavox)

  13. Or • Devices can be customized by: • Assistive Technology Practitioners • Occupational therapists • Physical therapists • Rehabilitation engineers • Speech language pathologists

  14. Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable accommodations are those appropriate accommodations that permit employees to effectively perform their essential job requirements. Reasonable accommodations may include assistive technology.

  15. Existing Challenges • What are some difficulties / barriers in your workplace? • Are workers complaining of sore joints/muscles?

  16. Assistive Technology Services • Evaluation • Selection of the appropriate equipment • Coordinate with service providers (therapists, engineers, personal assistants) • Training / Technical assistance for the person and supporting individuals

  17. What’s the Payoff for Employers? • An increased pool of qualified and talented employees • Keep qualified and trained employees as “disabilities” surface from age or injury • Help create opportunities for individuals with disabilities

  18. What’s the Payoff for Employees? • Helps employees return to work after an accident or illness • Creates opportunities for employment and/or promotion • Helps employees perform work more easily and to their potential

  19. Assistive Technology: A glimpse of what is available

  20. Headsets

  21. Telecommunication

  22. FM System

  23. Word Prediction

  24. Writing Aids

  25. Filters

  26. Computer Magnifiers

  27. Voice Recognition

  28. Large Print Keyboards

  29. One Handed Keyboards

  30. Typing Aids

  31. On-Screen Keyboard

  32. Ergonomic Mice

  33. Joysticks and Trackballs

  34. Head Mouse

  35. Keeping a Valuable Employee Keeping a Rewarding Job

  36. Assistive Technology Information • Your state AT Act Program • http://resnaprojects.org/allcontacts/statewidecontacts.html • Online search, local stores, ask the person who needs it • Rehabilitation Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Vocational Counselors

  37. State AT Projects www.wvats.cedwvu.org

  38. A resource for employers Definitions of many disabilities Many alternatives to complete a task The Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

  39. JAN http://askjan.org/

  40. Accommodations can be made for anyone! There are resources to help! Questions? Let’s Recap

  41. For more information:304-293-4692www.cedwvu.org

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