Ergonomics and Physical Considerations

AT and Accommodations in the Workplace

ATAZ Staff Training Program, http://www.atarizona.com

Points to Remember

Three primary areas of content are included in this training:

1. About this Disability
   Emphasis of this presentation: disability awareness and AT in the workplace
   Four common ergonomic issues: upper extremity, lower extremity, back problems, gravity and other mobility/dexterity factors.
   Medical conditions, medications, and disorders that impact on physical considerations.
   Preventive Ergonomics: what you can do to help yourself at your workstation

2. Assistive Technology: available in your Resource Room or One-Stop Center

3. Additional Resources: Arizona programs and vendors, online resources

Information and discussion:

• Person-centered language and direct communication
  

• Dangers of making assumptions: myths and consequences
  

• Hands-on activities and demonstrations of simple AT and accommodations
  

• Ergonomics and physical considerations for job-seekers, clients and staff
  

• Accessibility considerations in your local office, business or workplace:

How does your workplace provide access and reduce barriers?

• Environmental: bathrooms, parking, countertops, water fountains, signage, lighting, and horizontal circulation

• Workstation: ergonomic seating, desk and monitor height, printer, copier, phone, shelves

• Computer: monitor, speakers, headset, keyboard, mouse, and alternative input devices

• AT devices, software, and accommodations specific to ergonomics and physical considerations

• Custom keyboard and mouse settings and built-in computer accessibility features like screen magnification, screen reading, Sticky Keys and more.

• Internet accessibility, websites and email

• Speech recognition software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking) and voice command access

• Cross-disability AT considerations and dual-disability issues

• AT Arizona resources online: http://atarizona.com

Additional Resources:

Handouts during this training are available immediately as regular file documents and large print versions of these same documents. If presenters and site supervisors are informed ahead of the date of presentation, other alternative format materials may be available, such as electronic files, CD's, Braille transcript or audio versions. Other documents are available online, http://atarizona.com For Hard-of-Hearing or Deaf participants: AT devices, accommodations and ASL interpreters may be requested with advance notice to the host location and presenter several weeks prior to the session.

These training sessions are part of the RSA (Rehabilitation Services) and ACBVI Inc. program to facilitate training and resource development for the use of staff in State of Arizona One-Stop Centers and for Vocational Rehabilitation staff of RSA. Community members and employers are encouraged to attend as space is available. The AT Training Coordinator is BJ Bolender, Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI Inc.). The Distance Learning Specialist is Rhonda Stafford. Questions may be directed through the Feedback Form of the website http://www.atarizona.com and at http://www.acbvi.org. Email contacts are: bbolender@acbvi.org and rstafford@acbvi.org