The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy and housed at West Virginia University, provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues to a wide variety of employers, workers, and entrepreneurs with disabilities, their families, and other interested parties. JAN has been offering top expertise on accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for over 25 years, and has recently launched a revamped website, ASKJan.org, with new features and accessible communications tools and a toll-free number, (800) 526-7234 (Voice),  (877) 781-9403 (TTY). 

-  Visit JAN's website to learn more

Hire Abilities Hawaii, the state Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, was established in January 2005 to increase competitive employment outcomes for Hawaiians with disabilities, remove barriers to employment, and improve infrastructure in support of working people with disabilities. Building on the vast artistic traditions and rich cultural history of the state, Hire Abilities has partnered with organizations such as VSA - The International Organization on Arts and Disability. Through the "Artists Mean Business" program, Hire Abilities has provided support for business development, micro-enterprise, and self-employment for people with disabilities in creative and cultural industries as well as a range of technical assistance on topics such as benefits education, business planning, and peer networking. 

Visit the Hire Abilities website to learn more

The NTAR Leadership Center's Laurie Harrington sat down with HireAbilities Director Susan Miller to discusses Hawaii's activities. Read the Q&A here
 

On May 5, 2010, the NTAR Leadership Center was featured on the Disabilities at Work Radio Show. Host Ray Zaredetto interviewed NTAR Leadership Center staff and partners about the Center's mission, efforts to develop and align disability employment efforts with state economic growth strategies, recent research on employer-workforce intermediary partnerships, and successful employer strategies for hiring people with disabilities. Featured speakers include Maryland's Eric Seleznow, Virginia's Joe Ashley, and Research Advisory Panel member Richard Luecking.

Listen to the archived show

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy recently launched an interactive online tool to help employers understand responsibilities under nondiscrimination laws by asking a few relevant questions and then generating a customized list of laws and regulations that are likely to apply. The tool also includes a Guide on Employing People with Disabilities for employers, and can help job applicants and employees understand their rights under nondiscrimination laws.
 
View the press release

Technology is considered accessible when it can be used just as effectively by people with disabilities, including veterans and those aging into their disability, as by people without disabilities. Advances in computer technology and Internet access can bring information, services, and connections not previously available, but it is important to ensure that websites, social media, software, and other technology are available for the benefit of all and that everyone can see, hear, and use them.

Deb Ruh, Founder and CEO of TecAccess, a major supporter of the rights of people with disabilities, and a leading expert in accessible technology, answered our accessible technology questions...  Read more