Employment Issues: Persons with Disabilities
- 1. Special Issues forPersons with Disabilities Kevin Michel August 9, 2010 CDF Webinar
- 2. Learning Objectives Uponcompletion of this webinar, participants will be able to: Define disabilities that are covered by ADA (work accommodations) and SS Disability (benefits). Refer clients to help with applications and to advocacy organizations. Describe the process of applying for an ADA Workplace Accommodation. Describe some specific Reasonable Accommodations.
- 3. The Americans withDisabilities Act defines disabilities that are covered and sets forth the rights of individuals with disabilities to accommodations in the workplace and …
- 4. The Social SecurityAdministration provides financial benefits and back-to-work opportunities for individuals
- 5. Individuals may wishto continue working while receiving SS Disability without losing benefits
- 6. Referring Clients toAdvocacy Resources
- 7. Maryland Works http://www.mdworks.com
- 8. Referring Clients toNiche Employment Services
- 9. Empowering Clients withFriendly Technology
- 10. Request for EmployerAccommodation
- 11. Webliography AMERICANS WITHDISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, AS AMENDED: http://www.ada.gov/ Comprehensive information about how the law applies to employment practices, education, and public access. SS Disability Planner: http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/ Describes Social Security Disability benefits available, explains the process of applying for benefits, and details the steps involved in approving a claim and receiving benefits. Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits: http://socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/ Enables users to file an online application for an adult’s Social Security Disability benefits, and provides answers to common questions. Working While Disabled: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html Provides information for individuals who wish to continue working while receiving SS Disability without losing benefits. ADA Regulations and Technical Assistance Materials: Application and Enforcement (For businesses and individuals): http://www.ada.gov/publicat.htm#Anchor-14210 Provides information for businesses to ensure compliance with ADA regulations and for individuals to advocate for accommodations. ADA Business Connection: http://www.ada.gov/business.htm#Anchor-ADA-11481 Explains requirements, penalties, and tax incentives for businesses to reach out to customers with disabilities. US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: http://www.eeoc.gov/ Explains how the Commission enforces the ADA and how individuals may file a complaint and receive assistance with their claims. Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services: http://www.dors.state.md.us/DORS/ProgramServices/Business4/ Provides individuals with access to professionals who can determine and establish their eligibility for SS Disability benefits; provides temporary use of assistive devices, training and subsidies for purchases of equipment. Maryland Disability Law Center: http://www.mdlclaw.org/ A non-profit organization designated by the State to protect and advocate for the civil rights of persons with disabilities, they provide referrals and legal representation to individuals. Disaboom Jobs: http://www.disaboomjobs.com/career-resources Provides employment resources, career advice, coaching, and information about employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Accessibility in Microsoft Products: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/ Provides detailed information and tutorials about using the accessibility features available in Microsoft products and assistive devices.
Editor's Notes
- #4 Employers with more than 15 employees. Reasonable Accommodations. A qualified individual with a disability is a person who meets legitimate skill, experience, education, or other requirements of an employment position that s/he holds or seeks. “ Regarded as having disability”. Discrimination against individuals without disabilities who have been “labeled” as such. Requirement to disclose/confidentiality. Definition of Disability– 1) Physical or mental impairment; 2) Substantially limits one or more major life activities (functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working) For ADA– disability must affect an activity required in the course of work.
- #5 SS Provides benefits for disabled individuals while unable to work and benefits to help them get back to work. Everyone should retain and READ their Annual SS Statement of benefits earned. (Correct Errors; Know Your Benefits).
- #6 SS has programs to assist disabled individuals transitioning back to work without substantial loss of benefits.
- #7 EEOC– Enforces ADA DORS- Advocacy; Education; Assistive Devices (trial- period loans, financial assistance). Disability Law Center– Legal Representation/ assistance.
- #8 Advocacy membership organization. Trains counselors. Reduced rates.
- #9 Specialized services for individuals with diabilities.
- #10 Self-Help information about assistive technology present in Microsoft products.
- #11 Documentation Requirements: From a professional—Physician, Occupational Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, Physical Therapist. Note: DORS has practitioners on staff to assist. Examples of Accommodations: Transcription software, keyboard enhancements (visual/tactile), mouse/screen enhancements (physical), communication devices, access, etc., etc.