• Resource Guide Home
• Legislation and Policies
  • What Laws Might Apply?
  • Other Employment Laws
  • Roles & Responsibilities
  • Resources: Legislation
• Identification of Accommodations
  • Workplace Assessment
  • Types of Accommodations
  • Implementation
  • Resources: Programs
  • Resources: Funding
• Motor Impairments
  • Getting Around
  • Communicating
  • Reading or Writing
  • Managing Work and Time
  • Using a Computer
  • Working in the Lab or Field
  • Case Example
• Vision Impairments
  • Getting Around
  • Communicating
  • Reading or Writing
  • Managing Work and Time
  • Using a Computer
  • Working in the Lab or Field
  • Case Example
• Communication Difficulties
  • Getting Around
  • Communicating
  • Reading or Writing
  • Managing Work and Time
  • Using a Computer
  • Working in the Lab or Field
  • Case Example
• Cognitive Impairment
  • Getting Around
  • Communicating
  • Using a Computer
• Resources: Technical Assistance
• Research Findings

Module 2: Identification of Accommodations

Programs & Professionals

A variety of professionals may be involved during the accommodation process, each bringing a new perspective and expertise to the problem. These include:

School Resources

Most large employers, including schools, have in-house staff that will be involved in determining what accommodations an employee with a disability will receive and seeing that the accommodations are implemented.

• Human Resource Managers recruit and train quality employees. They ensure high performers, address performance issues, and ensure personnel and management practices conform to various regulations.
• Facility Managers plan, provide and manage the work environment. They are generally responsible for integration of telecommunication, information management systems, maintenance, security and general administrative services for the total facility work environment, from the chairs workers sit in to the air they breathe.
• An ADA Coordinator, or "responsible employee" must be designated to coordinate ADA compliance for any public entity with fifty or more employees (under ADA Title II). It is recommended that school systems, regardless of size, designate a person to coordinate compliance activities. Sometimes the ADA Coordinator will also oversee ADA-related employment issues.

One Stop Career Centers

One Stop Career Centers assist people in finding employment. The centers are career resources for businesses, job seekers, students, and workforce professionals. Services offered include pre-vocational assessment and training in job-related skills such as resume writing, interviewing, hygiene, and time management. Many centers maintain a job bank where resumes and job listings can be posted and searched.

For more information:

• Career One-Stops - http://www.servicelocator.org

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, start, and maintain competitive employment. Vocational rehabilitation counselors provide vocational counselling, assistance in transitioning from school to work, training in job-related skills, workplace consultation for EEOC and ADA compliance, assessments for accessibility and assistive technology, and recommendations for intervention.

Generally, a person with a disability is eligible for VR services when he or she experiences a physical or mental impairment which results in a substantial impediment to employment; requires services to prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment; and can benefit from VR services in terms of an employment outcome.

For more information:

• State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies - http://www.jan.wvu.edu/SBSES/VOCREHAB.HTM
• Veteran’s Administration’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program - http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/

Assistive Technology Specialists

Assistive technology specialists are able to analyze needs for and provide training in the use of assistive technology devices. They may come from other fields (e.g., engineering, occupational therapy) and may specialize in particular areas of assistive technology (e.g., computer access, communication devices).

• Assistive Technology Practitioners (ATPs) are specialized providers who are certified through RESNA (the professional organization for assistive technology specialists).
• Rehabilitation Engineers apply science and technology to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities. They assess clients, custom design and fabricate devices, modify existing devices, test and evaluate products, and fit and repair assistive technology.

For more information:

• Listing of ATPs - http://www.resna.org/PracInAT/CertifiedPractice/Directory/Practitioners.html

Medical Resources / Therapists

Medical professionals, including therapists, may serve as consultants on workplace assessments. They may have suggestions for accommodations, or be able to offer a therapy plan to improve a teacher’s functional abilities.

• Occupational Therapists assess and analyze the physical, cognitive and emotional demands of the job within the context of the particular workplace environment. They plan interventions for maximizing occupational performance in the workplace, and can address barriers on an individual and/or organizational basis.
• Speech Language Pathologists assess and treat speech, language, cognitive communication, fluency, voice, resonance and swallowing disorders.
• Physical Therapists assess and provide services that help improve mobility, prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities, relieve pain, and restore, maintain and promote fitness.