Transcript ATIA Member Meeting Chicago

Session Code: WVR-001
Past, Present Future:
Updating your
Accommodation Toolbox
Teresa Goddard, [email protected]
Lisa Mathess, [email protected]
Thursday, Jan 29 from 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Learning Objectives
 List three of AT based solutions to reasonable accommodation
scenarios based on real-life accommodation examples involving
individuals working in various work settings.
 Identify three examples of AT products that are no longer
commercially available.
 Identify three examples of currently available assistive
technology products that could be used instead of products that
are no longer commercially available.
 Identify three means of applying examples of emerging
technology to reasonable accommodation scenarios.
Objectives
 JAN Overview
 Situations and Solutions
 Current Trends
 Future Developments
 Questions
 Over 30 Years of Service
 Consultation on:
• Job Accommodation
• Americans with Disabilities Act / Rehabilitation Act
• Entrepreneurship
 Experienced
 Free
 National
 Easy to Use
 Confidential
Ask JAN and we…
 Meet you where you are.
 Help meet timelines.
 Assist with the interactive process.
 Give targeted technical assistance.
 Provide comprehensive resources.
 Maintain confidentiality.
Situations & Solutions
Example
A state government employee
was having difficulty using the
telephone due to hearing
impairment.
Past Accommodation:
A JAN Consultant discussed a number of telephone
amplification options including telephone silhouettes
from HATIS, which were designed for use with t-coil
enables hearing aids.
Newer Approach:
In recent years HATIS products have been
discontinued and Bluetooth streaming devices
have increased in popularity. T-coil compatible
headsets continue to be offered by other
manufacturers.
Example
A customer service
representative with tremors
stemming from Huntington’s
disease was having trouble
using his keyboard for data
entry.
Past Accommodation:
The employer provided a large-button keyboard
along with an Action Arm. The employee could then
use a stylus to type on the keyboard while holding
his arm stable.
The Action Arm cost $149.
Newer Approach: The Thomas Steady Arm
 Keyboarding
 Writing
 Eating
 499.99
Example
A junior high teacher with
multiple sclerosis was
preparing to return to work
after a year of medical leave.
She had difficulty standing
due to lower extremity
weakness so could not write
on the chalkboard as much as
needed.
Past Accommodation:
Her employer purchased an LCD Pen Tablet
with a projector for $8500, which allowed the
teacher to sit and write on the pen tablet and
project what she wrote on the chalkboard.
Newer Approach:
Employer could purchase a smart board and
iPad.
Example
An employee with diabetes needs to record
information on food and medication intake and
blood glucose readings to help better manage the
condition.
Past Accommodation:
Pen-and-paper diabetes logbook
Newer Approach:
Apps to track medication/diet/exercise
 Track 3 Diabetes Planner [$2.99, Google
Play]
 Glucose Buddy [$0/some in-app costs,
iOS/Google play]
 Wearable fitness tracking devices such as
Fitbit
Example
A surgeon with Attention Deficit Disorder was
having difficulty getting to the operating suite on
time.
Past Accommodation:
A Timex Datalink Watch was programmed with
reminders of his surgery times and other
appointments.
Newer Approach:
Alerts delivered through smartphones and smart
watches.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Accommodation Trends
Mobile device policies
Mobile devices such as tablets, cellular phones, smartphones,
smartwatches and other wearable devices can be valuable
productivity tools when used appropriately. They can also help
employees maintain work/life balance, use concentration and
relaxation techniques, manage health conditions, and keep in
touch with those who support them without tying up office
equipment and phone lines.
However, devices can also serve as a distraction, or worse
pose a risk to data. As a result many employers are developing
and updating policies on use of personal devices and governing
what types of devices and apps can be purchased for
employees.
ADA implications for mobile device policies:
 Policies must be applied in a nondiscriminatory way
 Employers may need to consider policy modification as an
accommodation
Ways to employ mobile devices as workplace
accommodations:
 Using an accessibility feature to make a mobile device
accessible
 Using an app or accessory as all or part of an accommodation
 Using a mobile device as an accommodation
Accommodation Example
An HR professional from a school district, was responding to a
request by an individual who wanted to use a video phone and
Video Relay Service (VRS) to make and receive calls. They had
been using a TTY, but it was no longer working. A consultation
with IT personnel revealed that it was not possible to install the
type of high-speed Internet connection needed to use a video
phone at the employee's workstation.
A JAN consultant suggested exploring whether the employee’s
needs could be met using a video relay app and a tablet with a
front-facing camera. The consultant also discussed that a data
plan or other wireless access would be needed, and that
appropriate use may need to be discussed.
BYOD
BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. This is a type of ITrelated policy allowing employees to bring their own privately
purchased phones, laptops, tablets and other devices such as
wearable technology to work and using these to access networks,
information and applications that are owned or otherwise
controlled by the employer. This allows employees to do workrelated activities on their own devices.
Variations on this type of policy are sometimes called, Bring Your
Own Phone (BYOP), Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) and
Bring Your Own PC (BYOPC).
ADA implications for bring your own device programs:
 Reimbursement issues may limit participation.
 Policies must be applied in a nondiscriminatory way.
 Employers may need to consider policy modification as an
accommodation.
Some policies require that employees be willing to surrender
their device in the event of an investigation.
 Potential privacy issues
 Individuals who use their device for management of medical conditions
may be temporarily without a way to do that.
 Individuals who use their device as a primary means of communication
may be temporarily without a way to communicate at work and at home.
Accommodation Example
A newly hired social worker was successfully using an iPhone that
met her accessibility needs in her day-to-day life. However, the
employer wanted her to use a company-issued BlackBerry for
work-related tasks.
The employee wanted the employer to issue an iPhone instead of
a BlackBerry, or modify their policy to allow her to use her
personal iPhone for work.
After contacting JAN, the employer learned about accessibility
options for BlackBerry phones including a screen reader, and what
models were compatible with the BlackBerry Screen Reader.
Bluetooth Streaming Devices
 Pairs with mobile
phones and other
sound sources
 Sends sound into
hearing aids for
amplification
 May be designed for
use with one type or
many types of hearing
aids
New and Emerging
Tecla Shield
 Wirelessly controls
tablet/phone by using
wheelchair controls or
a standard switch
 Open source DIY
option
 Commercially available
Software to Enhance Accessibility
Discover 508 for SharePoint
 Creates alternative views of SharePoint
pages for AT users
 Mobile and online versions available
Equidox
 Automated PDF conversion tool
 Simplifies conversion and publishing of
accessible PDFs
Fin by Fin Robotics Inc
 Wireless controller
 Gesture
 Controls head mounts
http://www.finrobotics.com/
$59 for blind individuals
$105-169
Ring by Logbar Inc.
 Control paired devices
 Gestures
 Vibrate and LED alerts
http://www.beadinggem.com/2014/03/one-ring-torule-them-all.html/
$269.99
Cuff Smart Jewelry





Pairs with a smartphone
Fitness tracking
Personal safety features
Multiple styles
Vibrates to indicate call
or notification
 $29 and up
NFC (Near Field Communication)
Provides contactless communication between NFC tag
and enabled devices
Can be used for:
 Sharing information/files
 Electronic identity documents
 Smart device automation
 Connecting to networks
 Payment
In Development
Orbital Ring Bluetooth (ORB) by Hybra Advance
Technologies
 Bluetooth headset
 Voice-to-text
 Scrolling text caller ID
 Text messages
 Meeting reminders
$129-175
http://www.digitalgalleryindia.com/blo
g/2013/01/09/
Nod by Nod, Inc
 Controls devices remotely
 Change presentation slides
 Type notes
 Environmental Control
Units
$149, Early 2015
https://hellonod.com/
Amazon Echo
 Speech-controlled speaker
system
 Voice recognition - further
distances
 Timers, news, information
 Invitation only
$199, $99 Prime members
Future Approach:
Clothes that monitor & transmit biomedical info
Stepan Gorgutsa, Université Laval http://www.futuretimeline.net/blog/computers-internet-blog.htm#.VLbSBivF_To
JAN Consultants can be reached M-F 9am-6pm ET
 Phone - (800) 526-7234 (voice); (877) 781-9403 (TTY)
 Email - [email protected]
 Skype - Janconsultants
 Text - (304) 216-8189
 Chat available online at http://AskJAN.org
Questions? AskJAN.org
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