Newsletter Spring 2004

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Accommodations can come in many forms, such as providing an ergonomic desk or offering special computer software and safety equipment. All of these things could be considered assistive technology accommodations.

Assistive technology can be defined as any item that can help an individual with a disability succeed on the job. Examples of common assistive technology may include a text-based Web browser with screen reading software or Braille output for blind or visually impaired workers, a teletype telephone for the hearing impaired, or memory aids for employees with cognitive and development disabilities.

Some employers believe assistive technology accommodations are too expensive. However, the majority of solutions are simple, inexpensive low-tech devices. These include hands-free telephones, magnifiers, or wood blocks to raise desks or workstations.

To ensure that the appropriate reasonable accommodation of assistive technology will be provided, Cornell University's Program on Disability and Employment recommends the following steps:
 Form a partnership between the employer or service provider and the individual with a disability.
 Focus on ability, not disability. Focus on what the individual can do. Ask never assume.
Individualize solutions" Every individual's needs are unique. Therefore, the solutions must be individualized.
. Keep it simple. Simplicity minimizes cost, ease of repair, and disruption to the workplace.
. Be holistic. Look at the whole picture when considering an
accommodation, such as the environment, personal, and social aspects of proposed accommodation, as well as functional aspects.

For more information, contact the Cornell Program on Disability and Employment at 607-255-2906 or http://www.cornell.edn.

 

Interesting Fact

 In 1935, the American Foundation for the Blind published:
 the first issue of Talking Book Bulletin.

The Great Lakes ADA & IT Center has the capacity to support educational entities and some businesses on many topics on accessible information technology and assistive technology. The Great Lakes Center also provides expertise in the areas of web and software accessibility.

For more information and resources on assistive technology, please contact the Great Lakes ADA & IT Center at 800-949-4232 or www.adagreatlakes.org.

AT Ohio's mission is to ensure that everyone with a disability who needs technology or related services in order to live, learn, or work will receive the required equipment or services in a timely manner. They are especially sensitive to rural and other underserved populations and have programs designed especially for those areas.

For more information about what AT Ohio can do for you, please contact them at: 445 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Building L, Worthington, OR 43085,800-784-3425 (Ohio Toll Free), 614-293-9133 or http://www.atohio.org.

MEET ADA- OHIO

Board of Trustees: David Kessler, JD, Chair, Blaugrund, Herbert & Martin, Inc.; Sharou Myers, RA, CPE, Secretary, Ohio Department of Commerce; Linda Roberts, Treasurer, Lowes Companies; Sheila Adair, International Truck and Engine Corp.; Ken Campbell, ACT-Project Mainstream; Sylvester Corbin, Retired, Ohio Department of Transportation; Doug DeVoe, Ohio Advocates for Mental Health; Laura Gold, JD, Services for Independent Living, Inc.; Robert Harris, National Conference for Community & Justice; Michael Johnson, Delphi Automotive; Cindy McQuade, Inter-University Council of Ohio; Leslie Paull, Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council; Edward Sterling, DDS, Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University; Ann Swisher, Ohio Association of Realtors@, Inc.

Professional Advisory Board: Kim Arnold, ASP, ARM, ALCM, KLA Consulting, Inc.; David Cameron, Rehabilitation Services Commission; Marcia Cassidy, The Inclusion Network; Dan Chizever, ARM, Nationwide Insurance; Gale Gross, Disability Perspectives; Beth Gustafson, PT, Clark State Community College; Carol Hall, Ohio Civil Rights Commission; Mimi Handshy, Nationwide Insurance; Perry Harper, Delaware County Job and Family Services; Sally Harris, Share

the Vision; Robin Jones, Great Lakes ADA & Accessible IT Center; Scott Lissner, The Ohio State University; Kimberly Murray, VSA arts of Ohio; Mark Oeffler, Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau; Bernard Pontones, Vietnam Veterans of Ohio

Staff: Mary Vaughan, Executive Director; Shawn Dunaway, Technical Specialist; Linda Wilson, Administrator

 

BE AWARE

The ADA prohibits employers from asking questions during inter- views or on questionnaires prior to making a job offer if those questions are likely to reveal the existence of a disability. Below are examples of questions not to ask:
 Do you have a heart condition?
 Do you have a disability that would interfere with your ability to perform the job?
 Do you have asthma or other difficulties breathing?
 How many days were you sick last year?
 Have you ever been treated for a mental health problem?
 What prescription drugs are you currently taking?
 Have you ever filed for workers' compensation?
 Have you been injured on the job?
An employer can ask these questions only after an offer is presented and only if the same questions are asked of other applicants offered the same type of job.

ADA COORDINATOR SEARCH
ADA-OHIO continues to search for ADA Coordinators in Ohio. If you are an ADA Coordinator for a state or local government entity, a business or an organization, or other entity, or know someone who serves in this capacity, please contact our office. Thanks for your help!