Careers and Training

With the existence of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and Human Rights Legislation in Canada, it has become increasingly important for employers, people with disabilities, rehabilitation professionals and others to become knowledgeable about work-site accommodations which can be made for people who have cerebral palsy (CP).

In particular, employers who are knowledgeable about accommodations will be better able to hire, retain and promote people with CP. Accommodations are typically low cost and easy to implement.

Data collected by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), provides evidence which shows that employers who have instituted accommodations for people with disabilities have actually benefited financially. Reports show that two-thirds of all accommodations cost less than $500 and that more than half of employers surveyed report benefits in excess of $5,000.

The accommodation process involves many steps in determining an effective accommodation for an individual with a disability. The process is one that must be conducted on a case by case basis. The first step in the accommodation process should be to define the problem. In defining the problem, it is necessary to answer various questions pertaining to the specific situation.

It is necessary to identify the individual's skills, abilities and limitations and compare the information to the specifics of the employment situation. The following pages provide basic information regarding questions that might be considered when determining accommodations for an individual who has CP. In seeking the answers to accommodation questions, it is essential to obtain input from the individual with the disability to achieve a successful accommodation outcome.

It is very important to note that no two individuals will have the exact same accommodation needs and not all individuals who happen to have disabilities will need accommodation. The following pages provide accommodation ideas for individuals who have CP .The material is intended to be used for educational purposes only and should not be considered absolute solutions to all accommodation situations especially since each situation must be evaluated individually. There are likely to be accommodation ideas that are not listed herein. For further information regarding legislation affecting individuals with disabilities or specific accommodation ideas, see the available resources provided at the end of this document.

Questions to Consider When Determining Accommodations for CP:

1. What are the individual's job duties?

2. What specific job duties are problematic?

3. Has the individual with disability been consulted regarding problems performing job duties?

4. Has the individual with disability been consulted regarding accommodation needs?

5. What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems?

6. Do supervisory personnel or other employees need training regarding disability issues or other issues about the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Accommodation Considerations for People with Cerebral Palsy:

(Note: People with cerebral palsy manifest various limitations, but not all will need accommodations to perform the essential functions of their jobs. The following suggestions are general and may not apply to all persons who have cerebral palsy. Other accommodation ideas are available on a case by case approach)

Activities of Daily Living:

Providing close proximity to restrooms

Adapting accessibility features in the restrooms

A llowing use of personal care attendants

Allowing use of a service animal

Allowing extra time for activities of daily living (ADL)

Fine Motor Activities:

Modifying workstation design

Using alternative computer input devices/software

Using telephone assistance devices

Using writing aids and grips

Adjusting filing/storage systems

Gross Motor Activities:

Maintaining unobstructed hallways, aisles and other building egress

Assigning workspace in close proximity to office machines

Modifying workstation design and height

Providing lightweight doors or automatic door openers

Removing building barriers to access including close designated parking, accessible router and entrances

Cognitive Activities:

Utilizing computer software programs for self-editing, word prediction, grammar/spell checkers, etc.

Electronic organizers, posting of notes/reminders

Allowing extra time to complete work assignments

Communication Activities:

Developing a plan for safe evacuation

Alerting the fire department of probable location of the individual with mobility impairments in case of emergency

Providing equipment for safe evacuation

There are numerous products that can be used to accommodate people with limitations. JAN's Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) at <http://www.jan.wvu.edu/soar> is designed to let users explore various accommodation options. Many product vendor lists are accessible through this system; however, JAN provides these lists and many more that are not available on the Web site upon request. Contact JAN directly if you have specific accommodation situations, are looking for products, need vendor information, or are seeking a referral. (Note: This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of products to help persons with cerebral palsy. Vendor information often changes, please call JAN for accurate, timely product information.)

Difficulty with speech: Speech Augmentation Devices- hand-held communication devices that convert typed in words or messages into speech output via synthesized speech. Speech to Text - augmentative communication software that converts the personal computer into a communication device. Speech Clarification Products- battery powered, portable speech systems for unclear or low volume speech.

Activities of Daily Living: dressing and grooming aids, transfer boards, commode lifts, commode seat risers, grab-bars, appropriate height placement of mirrors, paper, soap, towels, lavatories, etc.

Workstation: adjustable height desks or work-tables, comfortable, supportive adjustable seating.

Telephone: headsets, cordless headsets (no entangling cords), speakerphones, extendable holders, programmable and automatic dialing features, head/mouth pointing sticks.

Filing: automated filing systems, carousels, lateral file cabinets, height-appropriate file cabinets (2-3 drawer), reduced number of files per drawer, ruler as a prybar and bookmark for tight files.

Writing Aids: pen/pencil grippers, orthopedic writing devices, handle build-ups, weighted pens.

Computer Entry

Switches: a link to a picture or a simple on/off switch.

Keyguards: usually a template is placed over the keyboard keys allowing the hand to rest on the keyboard without activating the keys unintentionally. The guide reduces the chance of hitting more than one key at a time.

Alternative Keyboards: the use of expanded keyboards or large- button keyboards; electronic contact of keys via a hand-held wand requires no pressure of keys-just contact.

Voice Recognition Software: simply speak commands to the computer via a special microphone. Precise, clear speech produces the best results.

Trackballs: this simple alternative to the standard mouse allows computer cursor control with very limited movements.

Touch-Pads: gross hand movements easily activate the computer cursor with simple touch of the finger or fist.

Head Printers: a mouse interface can be activated with a head-mounted device and head movement to steer the cursor, simple switches can be used for mouse functions.

On-Screen Keyboards: by utilizing an alternative mouse product, a user can activate keyboard functions with an on-screen keyboard displayed on the computer screen.

Job Accommodation Network
West Virginia University
PO Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
Toll Free: (800)526-7234
TTY: (800)526-7234
Fax: (304)293-5407
jan@jan.wvu.edu
http://www.jan.wvu.edu

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free consulting service that provides information about job accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the employability of people with disabilities.

Office of Disability Employment Policy
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S-1303
Washington, DC 20210
Direct: (202)693-7880
TTY: (202)693-7881
Fax: (202)693-7888
infoODEP@dol.gov
http://www.dol.gov/odep/welcome.html

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is an agency within the U. S. Department of Labor. ODEP provides national leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate barriers to employment.

American Academy for Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Medicine
6300 North River Road, Suite 727
Rosemont, IL 60018-4226
Direct: (847)698-1635
Fax: (847)823-0536
woppenhe@ucla.edu
http://http://www.aacpdm.org/index?service=page/Home

Devoted to the study of cerebral palsy and other childhood onset disabilities, to promoting professional education for the treatment and management of these conditions, and to improving the quality of life for people with these disabilities.

American Academy of Neurology
1080 Montreal Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55116
Toll Free: (800)879-1960
Direct: (651)695-2717
Fax: (651)695-2791
memberservices@aan.com
http://www.aan.com/about/index.cfm

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) provides valuable resources for medical specialists worldwide who are committed to improving the care of patients with neurological diseases.

Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas, Inc.
PO Box 8217
5111 East 21st Street N.
Wichita, KS 67208
Direct: (316)688-1888
Fax: (316)688-5687
info@cprf.org
http://www.cprf.org/default.asp

Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas primary goal is to provide opportunities allowing physically disabled persons to reach their full potential through employment, recreation, education, and independent living.

Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America
1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540
Arlington, VA 22209-1903
Direct: (703)524-6686
TTY: (703)524-6639
Fax: (703)524-6630
info@resna.org
http://www.resna.org

RESNA's purpose is to promote and support the development, dissemination, integration, and utilization of knowledge in rehabilitation engineering, and to assure that these efforts result in the highest quality of care and service delivery for all citizens.

TASH
29 West Susquehanna Avenue
Suite 210
Baltimore, MD 21204
Toll Free: (800)482-8274
Fax: (410)828-6706
Phone: (410)828-8274
info@tash.org
http://www.tash.org

An international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals who work in the disability field. Promotes the full participation of people with disabilities in integrated community settings that support the same quality of life available to people without disabilities. Provides information and referral resources; renders targeted advocacy.

Trace Research & Development Center
University of Wisconsin - Madison
2107 Engineering Centers Bldg.
1550 Engineering Dr.
Madison, WI 53706
Direct: (608)262-6966
TTY: (608)263-5408
Fax: (608)262-8848
info@trace.wisc.edu
http://trace.wisc.edu

The Trace Center is currently working on ways to make standard information technologies and telecommunications systems more accessible and useable by people with disabilities.

United Cerebral Palsy
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Toll Free: (800)872-5827
Direct: (202)776-0406
TTY: (202)973-7197
Fax: (202)776-0414
webmaster@ucp.org
http://www.ucp.org

United Cerebral Palsy's mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities through its commitment to the principles of independence, inclusion, and self-determination.