One-Stop Accessibility: Information Access & Assistive Technology

1. One-Stop Accessibility: Information Access & Assistive Technology Presenter: Charnessa Warren, MS Assistive Technology Specialist Illinois Assistive Technology Project 1 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100 Springfield, Illinois 62701

2. Work Incentives Grant 1 and 2 • WIG allocated funds for AT devices & support in the One-Stops. • WIG Goal: To allow job seekers with disabilities to have access to computerized and printed information in the One-Stop. “Information Access” • 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 improved functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

3. WIG 1 & 2 Limitations • Limited time for the grant support and implementation. • Staff limitations due to multiple job responsibilities. • Limited funds to purchase AT and cover ongoing support. • Limited Resources

4. WIG 1: Assistive Technology

5. WIG 2: Assistive Technology

6. Barriers in Illinois One-Stops • Ownership/Partnership • Responsibility • Communication • Traditional Methods of operation • Inaccessible forms • Poor print quality • Inaccessible job search websites

7. WIG AT Implementation Strategy • Establish a relationship with a contact in the One-Stop. • Communicate the goal of the grant, the purpose of the AT, and my role. • Select, purchase and setup AT in all 44 sites. • Train One-Stop staff and establish accountability and ownership. • Create resources that will out live the grant term.

8. WIG Accomplishments • Established a contact at all 44 sites. • All sites have a working set of the standard set of AT, and 8 of 44 sites have the enhanced set of AT. • Trained over 150 One-Stop Staff on AT. • Each site has taken ownership of AT. • Created a support website. www.ilwig.net • Created training tools for all hardware and software. • Established a list of accessible online job search websites.

9. What a difference a DPN makes? • Most Illinois DPNs have become apart of the AT Tech Team. • Some DPNs have created useful marketing tools for the AT and accessible services now offered in their One-Stop. • Some have worked to inform One-Stop staff and various community agencies about the AT.

10. What a difference a DPN makes? • Some DPNs have been apart of the AT selection process under the WIG. • Some have worked to setup trainings for One-Stop staff on Disability Awareness issues and AT. • Some have worked to make forms and traditional processes now accessible through alternative formats.

11. Accessibility Suggestions for DPNs • Seek to acquire AT for your sites. Refer to www.ilwig.net or www.jan.wvu.edu • If you have AT in your One-Stop resource room, locate it and become familiar with how it can be used to make information accessible in the One-Stop. • Create your own AT information guide for all staff to refer to in your One-Stop. * • Create a marketing plan to agencies within your community about the AT.*

12. Accessibility Suggestions • Work to make sure all the standardized forms in your location are available in alternative formats. • Check all frequently used job search websites for accessibility. • Work to make all computerized and printed material accessible for your site.

13. If you would like to receive an electronic copy of the promotional and marketing tools passed around today, please contact us at ietcaccessinfo@yahoo.com or call (voice) 217-278-5700 ext. 205 or (TTY) 217-398-0120.

14. Any Questions or Comments? Presenter: Charnessa Warren, MS Assistive Technology Specialist Illinois Assistive Technology Project 1 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100 Springfield, Illinois 62701 217-725-3802 Thank you for your attention.