Enhancing employment outcomes through job accommodation and assistive technology resources and services

Abstract

Job accommodation strategies can effectively open up opportunities for persons with disabilities. Assistive technology should be considered as one of the most important of these strategies to successfully accommodate job tasks. There are some fundamental steps to consider when embarking on the use of assistive technology. A well-developed technology assessment process can be instrumental in assuring that each step is considered and properly carried out. This process is most effective when the consumer is at the focal point of the assessment that includes a thorough job analysis of the essential functions of the job as well as an understanding of the functional capacities of the potential employee. Opportunities often exist for low cost, off-the-shelf products which helps to increase the availability of needed resources, lower overall costs, and improve maintenance, repair and replacement options.