Teleconference Archives

 

ADA Coordinators Archives

Session I - January 7, 2009  10:00-11:30 AM
Basic Duties of an ADA Coordinator

Session II - January 14, 2009  10:00-11:30 AM
Steps to Writing and Maintaining an ADA Self-Evaluation Plan

Session III - January 28, 2009  10:00-11:30 AM
Different Paths Up the Mountain of Compliance

Assitive Technology

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DBTAC Northwest at the University of Washington is Offering a Teleconference about Assistive Technology!

Rehabilitation Engineering and Job Accommodation & Home Modifications and Assistive Technology for Independent Living
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I
Session 1 - May 19:  Assistive Technology, Rehabilitation Engineering and Job Accommodation

Session 1 Description
In this session we will discuss a variety of topics related to the application of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology in the workplace.  We will present a brief overview of consumer perspective on the use and non-use of assistive technology devices and services.  We will describe the role of a rehabilitation engineer and engineering principles used in the job accommodation process.  We will provide numerous examples of use of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of job accommodations for employees with disabilities in a variety of work settings - office, manufacturing, construction and agriculture.

Session 1 Topics
People with Disabilities and Their Use and Non-Use of Assistive Technology
Overview of Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering
Rehabilitation Engineer's Toolbox: Human Factors Engineering and Application to Job Accommodations
Job Accommodation:  Principles and Examples
Examples of Job Accommodation:  Office, Manufacturing, Construction, Agriculture

Part One                                         Part Two                                       Part Three

Session 2 - May 26:  Home Modifications and Assistive Technology for Independent Living

Session 2 Description
This presentation will provide a broad overview of home modifications, safety considerations, and functional implications for the consumer.  We will briefly discuss application of the principles of universal design and compare these principles with accessible, adaptable and visitable design.  We will address safety issues through design modifications and technology and discuss the use of assistive devices and electronic aids in maintaining independence.  We will introduce the use of home assessment instruments and safety checklists.  The cricial role of the consumer, families and caregivers in the team process will be discussed.  Specialized topics will include:  innovative design modifications for bathrooms and kitchens, options for multilevel access, accessibility of the exterior features of the home, leisure/recreational activities, emergency considerations including safe exit and power generation, specialized furniture, strategies to prevent falls, and special design considerations for mobile homes. 

Session 2 Topics
Overview of the different types of accessible design principles and requirements
Discussion of the process and tools available for doing home accessibility and safety assessments; solicitation of input from consumers and family members, health and safety professionals
Presentation of numerous case studies illustrating examples of home modifications and assistive technologies that enhance accessibility and safety
Discussion of resources for funding home modifications and identification of qualified home modification professionals
About the Presenter.  Barney Fleming, Ph.D., ATP.  Dr. Fleming is a practicing rehabilitation engineer and specializes in job accommodation, assistive technology, home modifications, universal design of products and facilities, accessibility of web technologies and multimedia, adaptive computer technology, and occupational biomechanics.  Dr. Fleming is also a training and technical assistance specialist with the DBTAC Northwest.

Part One                                         Part Two                                        Part Three

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the ADA and Psychiatric Disabilities
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 and Wednesday, June 10, 2009


Questions that were covered:
  • What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how does it affect individuals with psychiatric disabilities?
  • Have I been the subject of discrimination?
  • I have a psychiatric disability and I want to get a job. Should I disclose my disability? If so, how do I disclose, and how much?
  • How do I ask for a reasonable accommodation? What’s reasonable?
  • What kind of reasonable accommodations could I ask for at work?
  • What do I do when someone doesn’t believe that my dog is a psychiatric service animal? Do I need to get certification or identification?
About the Presenters

Kendra Duckworth, M.A. is a Cognitive/Psychiatric Team Lead Consultant for the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a service of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. Kendra is JAN’s senior Mental Impairment specialist and has 16 years experience providing accommodation technical assistance and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance for individuals with psychiatric disabilities, cognitive, and neurological impairments, as well as burn injuries.

Kendra specializes in ADA Title I and Rehabilitation Act compliance, as well as accommodations for hidden disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, traumatic brain disorder, and learning disabilities. Kendra is also a member of the West Virginia ADA Coalition.

Miranda Levy has worked with the Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) Northwest since summer 2008. As a Training and Information Specialist, Miranda provides answers to questions about accessibility, employment, transportation, and service animals with regards to the ADA. Miranda also assists in creating marketing and educational materials for DBTAC Northwest. She provides training on such topics as Service Animals and travel; and the ADA and Childcare. 

Miranda is also a member of the Washington State Business Leadership network, and is becoming increasingly involved in her volunteer activities as a fundraiser and mentor for Epilepsy Foundation Northwest.