Case Studies

Tim | Mary

Identifying individualized supports and accommodations in the workplace can maximize a person's employment potential. This requires a way of thinking that focuses on identifying the needed supports rather than on the person's disability. Accommodations may include job restructuring, environmental modifications, assistive technology, coworker supports, and on-the job training, as well as personal assistance services.

The case study examples presented here demonstrate how a combination of supports were implemented for each individual. The assistive technology (AT) was selected to meet a specific need that the person had in his or her job. AT was not identified prior to employment but as an accommodation to assist the individual in completing the essential job functions of an already identified job. This is an important distinction for individuals with significant disabilities. Attempting to identify technology prior to employment can lead to the purchase of AT that is never used in the workplace.

These case studies provide examples of how assistive technology facilitated competitive employment for several individuals. Each individual was receiving supported employment services and had an employment specialist to assist in learning the job as well as use the technology. Employers with the assistance from an employment specialist worked to restructure jobs in their businesses based on worker strengths. In some of the examples, a rehabilitation engineer or occupational therapist helped with the actual design and fabrication of the accommodations. In other examples, the employment specialist with the assistance of the employer and coworkers implemented the simple solutions. The services of the employment specialist were paid for through the state vocational rehabilitation agency. The cost of the accommodations in some examples were paid for by the business and in others supported by vocational rehabilitation as well as the individual.

Please note that the identification of AT devices is an individualized process. There are many different solutions for any given challenge that a person may face. Each case needs to be considered separately and the best solution selected for that person. If you would like more information on this or similar programs, you can e-mail Katherine Inge.

Tim

Mary