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Determining the kind of accommodations you need
Assistive Technology
Reasonable Accommodations for People with Psychiatric Disabilities
Job accommodations are tools, assistance, or changes in jobs that make it possible for a person with a disability to be able to perform the work. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with disabilities, unless such accommodations would pose an undue hardship, such as being too costly or disruptive. As a job applicant or employee, you are responsible for letting the employer know that you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive equal benefits and privileges of employment. Employers are not required to provide accommodations if they do not know you need them. Job Accommodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free information and consulting service that provides employers, employment providers, people with disabilities and their families information on job accommodations and self-employment opportunities. JAN also provides answers to specific questions about the ADA. The ADA is a civil rights act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public access, transportation and communications. JAN also provides ideas about how to write a letter to your employer if you need an accommodation. Back to Top
Determining the kind of accommodation you need If you have a disability and need accommodations to help you fulfill your duties at work, there are numerous solutions that can help. The trick is determining what solution is best for you. The link below will direct you to possible solutions. Searchable Online Accommodation Resource
If you need help in determining what kind of accommodations you need, you can use the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) online service called Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR). This service will walk you through a 5-step process, starting with identifying your particular impairment. Back to Top
Assistive Technology Assistive Technology is any kind of device that helps someone perform activities more independently. It can be advanced technology such as computers or robotics, or it can be simple technology such as a strap to help someone hold a pencil. Well-designed workplace supports and assistive technology can make a huge difference in making a person successful on the job. These supports make employment an achievable goal for people with disabilities. For more information about assistive technology, you can read the section on Guide to Assistive Technology. Back to Top
Reasonable Accommodations for People with Psychiatric Disabilities It is sometimes easier to identify the changes that will help someone with a physical or visible disability, such as raising the height of a desk for someone who uses a wheelchair, or providing written information in large print for someone with visual problems. However, many people are unaware of the types of accommodations available for people with mental illness. The accommodations that are found to be effective for people with mental illness include changes in schedules, instructions, job tasks or other procedures. Sometimes it is helpful to change the way of interacting with the employee or student. Since not all of these accommodations will work for everyone, each situation should be looked at on an individual basis. It is also important to know that many people with psychiatric disabilities may not need accommodations of any kind. Boston University: Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation
This site contains information for both educators and employers concerning accommodations for people with psychiatric disabilities. Back to Top
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