Accommodations

What is an Accommodation?

Accommodations, which are modifications or alterations, often make it possible for a qualified person with a disability to do the same job as everyone else but in a slightly different way.  Some accommodations are simple adaptations; others require technically sophisticated equipment. An employer should analyze the job tasks, basic qualifications needed to do those tasks, and the kinds of adjustments that can be made to ensure that performance standards will be met. The way the worker does the job is far less important than the outcome.

How much do Accommodations Cost?

•      71% of accommodations cost $500 or less

•      20% of those costing nothing

 Benefits of Accommodations:

You get a great employee that is loyal for a small investment

Businesses that have hired people with disabilities had this to say:

• 90% of employees with disabilities received performance ratings of excellent or good from their managers.
• 82% of managers said that employees with disabilities required no extra supervision.  In situations where extra supervision is initially required, assistive services such as job coaching, and follow-along are readily available from service providers
• 76% of employees with disabilities placed through Vocational Rehabilitation program (Nationally) continue to be employed.

Example of Accommodations

Situation: A furniture assembler has spinal degeneration and balance difficulties. Limitations involve walking, carrying materials and balancing.   

Solution: Installing a plywood platform to raise part of work station, suspending tools from ceiling to balance their weight and using a cart to move parts.  Cost: $200

Situation: A greenhouse worker with mental retardation has difficulty staying on task and knowing when to take breaks.

Solution: At no cost to the employer, a job coach gave initial training. The worker then carried a tape recorder that provided periodic reminders to stay on task and indicated break time. The worker also carried a set of laminated cards which showed the basic list of tasks to be completed. Cost: $50.

Situation: An administrative assistant in a social service agency has a psychiatric disability that causes concentration and memory problems related to word processing, filing, and telephone work.

Solution: Accommodations included using soothing music in one earphone to block distractions and taped instructions to augment written material.  Cost: $150

For More information on Accommodations please contact:

JOB ACCOMMODATION NETWORK

Office of Disability Employment Policy - U.S. Department of Labor

(800) 526-7234 E-mail: jan@jan.icdi.wvu.edu