How Changes in the Workplace Can Benefit You

Workplaces have changed dramatically in the past 25 years. For example, workplaces are more diverse than ever before. For people with disabilities, many of these changes have occurred as technology has improved and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been in effect. With better technology and legal protections, you now have more options available to better assist and benefit you in the workplace, including:

• Reasonable accommodations. Changes to a job or work place that allows a person with a disability to perform his or her job tasks. According to the Job Accommodations Network (JAN), many accommodations cost absolutely nothing to make, while the rest typically cost only $500. Additionally, a recent study showed accommodations helped retain and increase the productivity and morale of people with disabilities in the workplace. Examples of accommodations include:

- Allowing for flexible work schedules, such as part-time or modified hours, or work from home opportunities
- Acquiring or modifying equipment
- Making existing facilities accessible, such as by building a ramp or widening a doorway

• Assistive technology. Any device that helps a person with a disability complete an everyday task is considered assistive technology. Examples include:

- Adapted keyboards that make it easier for people who may not have use of one of their limbs to type and use the computer
- Screen reader programs that help people who are blind or have low vision

• Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS). The PABSS program can provide legal support, advocacy and information to help resolve disability employment-related concerns.

• Changing attitudes. While there is still progress to be made, workplaces are becoming more accommodating and inclusive than ever before. For example, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 now requires federal contractors - or companies that do business with the United States government - to take positive steps to recruit, hire, train, promote and retain people with disabilities. Additionally, according to a survey conducted by the Kessler Foundation, people with disabilities are overcoming barriers, such as attitudes of their supervisors, coworkers and family. Many organizations include disability guidelines to help make the workplace more disability friendly.

The Ticket to Work program offers Social Security disability beneficiaries choices in getting the services and support they need to find work and reach their career goals. To learn how the program can help you, contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

_{*Image above is a special keyguard mounted on a standard keyboard for people whose hands shake. The image is unchanged via cobalt123. View Creative Commons license here.}