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Creating an Inclusive Workplace | Maximize Potential & Productivity | ADA Myths and Facts

Learn about the benefits of an inclusive workplace, debunk myths about hiring employees with disabilities, understand universal design and assistive technology, and explore reasonable accommodations for employees. Discover resources and services to support workforce diversity and productivity.

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Creating an Inclusive Workplace | Maximize Potential & Productivity | ADA Myths and Facts

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  1. Department of Rehabilitation Services Arlene Lugo, Program Director, Connecticut Tech Act Project, Jill Larmett, Disability Resource Coordinator, Capital Workforce Partners Oct 2018

  2. Agenda • Reasons to make your workplace more inclusive • Myths & Facts • What is/are: • Universal Design? • Assistive Technology? • Reasonable Accommodations and Common Solutions? • How can we help you? • Resources

  3. Reasons for an Inclusive Workplace: • Diversify your workforce • Create an open & welcoming environment • Prepare for an aging workforce • Universal Design works for the majority

  4. Reasons for an Inclusive Workplace: • Increase productivity and maximize potential for all employees • Save money, reduce Workers Comp claims • Increase employee retention • It’s good for your bottom line

  5. Which of these are Myths? • Hiring employees with disabilities increases workers compensation insurance rates. • Providing accommodations for people with disabilities is expensive. • The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) forces employers to hire unqualified individuals with disabilities. Source: thinkbeyondthelabel.com/learning-tools/5myths-and-realfacts

  6. Myths or Facts? • Employees with disabilities have a higher absentee rate than employees without disabilities. • Under the ADA, an employer cannot fire an employee who has a disability Source: thinkbeyondthelabel.com/learning-tools/5myths-and-realfacts

  7. Return On Investment Calculator Source: thinkbeyondthelabel.com

  8. What is Universal Design? • “Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." – Ron Mace (coined term)

  9. Assistive Technology (AT)? “Assistive Technology (AT) device is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” • - AT Act of 1998, as amended

  10. AT Continuum • Cost, mechanics & complexity increase as you move up the continuum 31% of accommodations cost nothing 50% cost less than $50 69% cost less than $500

  11. Reasonable Accommodations A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things usually are done that would allow a person with a disability to apply for a job, perform job functions, or enjoy equal access to benefits available to other individuals in the workplace. Under the ADA, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship. 

  12. Reasonable Accommodations • BEST Resource is: Job Accommodation Network • Employer Page • Employer’s Guide to Reasonable Accommodation • Workplace Accommodation Toolkit • A to Z of Disabilities and Accommodations

  13. Work Hours/Patterns Examples Flexible work schedule and/or modified break schedule, Use of paid or unpaid leave for medical/counseling appointments, Work from home, Divide large assignments into smaller tasks & goals.

  14. Accessibility Features Examples Use the Windows or iOS built in Accessibility Features, like magnification, speech recognition, high contrast, etc.

  15. Ergonomics / Computer Access Providing ergonomic equipment can assist employees with current difficulties (i.e.: carpel tunnel) and may help to prevent future injuries or difficulties.

  16. Ergonomics / Computer Access

  17. Vision

  18. Hearing RCC: Provides live, real-time text streamed captions to any internet-connected computer, laptop, or mobile device to allow people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in conference calls, webinars, or in person meetings with multiple individuals at no cost to the Employer.

  19. Concentration / Distraction

  20. Notetaking Livescribe Pen

  21. AT Services • Evaluation of need • Device Trials • Designing, customizing, fitting, adapting the AT device • Training & Follow up • Maintenance or Repair

  22. Questions & Scenarios

  23. What is the Connecticut Tech Act Project? • Our Mission is to increase independence and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through increased access to Assistive Technology for work, school and community living.

  24. What is the Connecticut Tech Act Project? • AT Demonstration Centers • AT Lending • AT Recycling • AT Financial Loan • Training & Technical Assistance

  25. The American Job Center(AJC) system is a partnership of organizations, working as a team, to promote a universal approach to providing effective workforce assistance to job seekers and businesses. This collaboration of state, regional and local organization is designed to provide a seamless delivery system of programs and services. V Free Job Postings & Search for Candidates https://www.cthires.com No-Cost Hiring Events (Recruitments) in your local AJC May be initiatives in your region Meet your local Business Service Representative to learn more! http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/busservices/BusSpec.htm

  26. Resources • Thinkbeyondthelabel.com • Resources to help “Evolve your workforce.” • Job Accommodation Network: www.askjan.org • ADA information for employers and individuals • Windows Accessibility Features: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Accessibility/windows • Mac OS Accessibility Guide: https://www.imore.com/accessibility-mac-ultimate-guide

  27. Resources • US EEOC: https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/ada_mental_health_provider.cfm • PEAT Works - Self directed Training Curriculum: www.peatworks.org/staff-training • RCC: www.relayconnecticut.com/rcc • Sorenson: http://www.sorenson.com

  28. Apps • Text Grabber https://www.textgrabber.pro/en/ • Flip Writer: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flip-writer-aac-unique-supports-for-speech-hearing/id946640730?mt=8 • Mindfulness app: https://themindfulnessapp.com/ • Nosiliapp for iOS: https://www.noisli.com/apps • Noteabilityapp: http://gingerlabs.com/

  29. Contact Arlene.Lugo@ct.gov 860-424-4881 @CTtechact www.CTtechact.com jlarmett@capitalworkforce.org • 860-899-3446 • www.capitalworkforce.org

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