Where can I get help with disability accommodation solutions?

As part of the job accommodation process, it may be necessary for employers to seek technical assistance. One resource is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN was established in 1984 by the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. It is an information and consulting service that provides individualized accommodation solutions to employers.

JAN provides information on practical accommodations that have been successfully implemented in business and industry. JAN collects job accommodation information and makes in available to those seeking ways to enable persons with functional job limitations to be productive workers. It is a central resource employers can turn to for information on relevant options concerning job accommodations

How can I get in touch with them? The Network operates a toll-free number that employers can call when seeking ways to accommodate an individual with a disability. The call will be answered by a professional consultant who will assist in finding a suitable, cost-effective accommodation solution. To discuss any type of job accommodation, call one of the following numbers:

1-800-JAN-7234 (526-7234) or 1-800-ADA-WORK (throughout the U.S. Voice and TDD)

1-800-JAN-CANA (526-2262) (throughout Canada Voice and TDD)

304-293-7186 (Commercial number)

1-800-DIAL-JAN (by computer)

1-304-293-5407 (by fax)

What kind of information will they supply? The JAN consultant who answers the call will provide the employer with information reflecting "close-to-matching" situations based upon what has been implemented in similar situations by other employers. Included will be the names, addresses and phone numbers of appropriate resources. The employer can make personal contacts for more information.

When should an employer use JAN? Employers should call JAN whenever there is an individual with a disability that the employer wishes to:

• promote,
• enable to return to work from injury or illness,
• help perform a present job more easily, or
• consider for employment.

What does it cost? JAN does not charge money for its services. The employer who calls is asked to provide information about the accommodations that have been made or that will be made. This information will be put into the JAN database and shared with other persons who make accommodation inquiries.

Who else can help? There are ten federally-funded regional ADA Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers that are available to make referral to local sources of expertise in reasonable accommodation. The DBTACs place special emphasis on meeting the needs of small businesses. They can be reached at 1-800-949-4232 (voice/TT).

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf can be reached at (301) 608-0050 (voice/TT).

The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America can refer individuals to projects in all 50 states and the six territories offering technical assistance on technology related services for individuals with disabilities. Reach them at (703) 524-6686 (voice) or (703) 524-6639 (TT).