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Introduction
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), an ODEP-supported service, provides individualized technical assistance, consulting, and mentoring services to individuals with disabilities, family members, and service providers. JAN consultants handle each inquiry on a case-by-case basis offering self-employment and small business development expertise and referrals regarding business planning, financing strategies, marketing research, disability-specific programs, income supports and benefits planning, e-commerce, independent contracting, home-based business options, and small business initiatives for disabled veterans. JAN customers can expect to receive a resource packet tailored to their specific entrepreneurial goals with consultants available throughout all stages of the process who can provide ongoing supports.
If you have a question about starting your own small business, send it directly to a self-employment Consultant by using JAN on Demand for Self-Employment or contacting JAN by telephone.
- State Small Business and Self-Employment Guides
- State Vocational Rehabilitation Offices
- Small Business Administration (SBA) and Related Resources
- Social Security and Related Resources
- Federal Government Small Business Resources
- Associations and Organizations
- Business Plan Resources
- Publications
- Consumer Protection and Credit Counseling Resources
The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) offers valuable information and resources to help small businesses build talent pipelines, address workforce needs, and gain insights into recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing people with disabilities.
Situations and Solutions:
The following situations and solutions are real-life examples of accommodations that were made by JAN customers. Because accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, these examples may not be effective for every workplace but give you an idea about the types of accommodations that are possible.
Self-Employment: “Joseph” and “Bill” – On the autism spectrum
Joseph’s father Bill contacted JAN on behalf of his son who has Asperger’s syndrome and was interested in starting a photography business. While Joseph was in a high school transition program, he developed a strong interest in cameras and photography, learned excellent shooting skills, and produced several award-winning photographs. Bill explained to us that taking photographs was one of the first activities Joseph loved to do, excelled at, and wanted to do as his job or as a business. One of the additional benefits, Bill explained, was taking photographs contributed to Joseph participating more socially in his community and enabled him feel more comfortable interacting with new people. Bill explained Joseph was very reluctant to interact with people he didn’t know well, but taking photographs involved interacting in a different way and reduced some of his social anxiety, so he began building better social skills. Up to this point, Joseph’s family had financed all of his photographic equipment and production on their own, which was very expensive not sustainable for them financially. JAN provided Bill and Joseph with a comprehensive JAN packet of self-employment information and resources prepared individually for them, but the issues below offer examples of some of Bill’s specific questions for the JAN consultant: • Bill wanted to help Joseph connect with a business mentor or coach outside of his family circle with whom his son could develop a strong rapport and who could help cultivate business ownership skills in a supported environment. JAN provided contacts for locating mentors and coaches with this expertise in his geographic area, including disability programs that focused on customized employment and self-employment. We also provided examples of what this type business with customized supports might look like. • He specifically wanted information about any vocational or self-employment programs in his area that assisted youth or young adults with disabilities. JAN put him touch with his state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency and provided their guidelines for supporting self-employment. We encouraged him to share this information with Joseph’s transition counselor. We also provided information on youth entrepreneurship programs and resources. • Bill requested information about any possible funding sources that could help with the start-up costs. JAN provided an overview of funding resources and strategies available to his son including through disability-specific programs, microloans, asset development programs, and related organizations. • Bill was interested in possible accommodation options for Joseph when social contact and communication might be difficult. He explained that Joseph tended to have good and bad days – some days in which face-to-face communication was extremely difficult. JAN provided examples of accommodations for social anxiety and difficulty with face-to-face communication including opting instead for a phone conversation, written communication such e-mail, texting, or other chat features. If a meeting was scheduled on a “bad” day, having a friend or family member attend as well to help reduce anxiety. Another strategy discussed was to have a coach, counselor, or mentor work with Joseph on such scenarios ahead of time to help reduce anticipatory anxiety.
Self-Employment: “Laura” – Mental Health Impairment and Cognitive Limitations
Laura contacted JAN for assistance with starting her upcycling/art business. She described herself as a self-taught artist/artisan who took old discarded things and made them into interesting, beautiful, and even utilitarian creations. Some pieces were sculptures while others were functional items like tables, coat hooks, and shelves. She had informally sold her pieces to friends and family, but wanted to make this into a more formal business endeavor. Laura explained she didn’t know anything about starting a business, and whenever she began researching information locally or on the Internet, felt overwhelmed. Laura received Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) and was concerned about how income from self-employment would affect these, in addition to her healthcare coverage. She also had questions about how to properly account for this income and report it. Laura had worked with her state vocational rehabilitation (VR) program in the past, but had never been told self-employment was an option, so stopped using their services. She was considering whether to contact them again. JAN researched and sent her an individualized packet of resources based on our intake process, and specifically addressed these concerns: • Social Security benefits planning and how to report income-JAN referred Laura to a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program for free counseling concerning how her benefits would be affected by self-employment income. As part of the Ticket to Work program, these are trained counselors called Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC) available to help beneficiaries with employment and work incentive questions. We also provided her with articles and fact sheets discussing SSDI and self-employment. • How to price her artwork in her local market since she had sold mostly to friends and family-A variety of factors affect pricing a handmade item depending on the local market and may differ from selling items online. We discussed these various factors – sales venue, type of artwork, creative time invested, material costs, competitor prices, and so on. JAN suggested some useful books about the “handmade marketplace” and provided referrals to local business counselors and art incubators in her community. We also suggested exploring online arts and craft marketplaces that are easily accessible where she could get a better idea how others were pricing similar items. • State Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VR)-JAN provided Laura with her state’s self-employment guidelines so she could be more familiar with them and decide whether she wanted to contact VR again to assist her. • Whether she needs a business plan-There are many reasons for having a business plan, but often the essential one is it’s required by a service provider or financial program if seeking funding. There is a school of thought that a business plan is not necessary, is too often used a barrier to self-employment, and that individuals start successful businesses without one. However, a business plan can be helpful in many ways as an evolving guide for a business start-up. It forces you to think through many areas critical to being successful. While never foolproof, planning is often the best way to anticipate issues and avoid problems later on. The type of business plan (if any) that works for each person or type of business will vary based on individual circumstances. A small business counselor at a Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, or small business mentoring organization can provide very helpful guidance about business plans. If you are working with a particular agency, they may have a specific template they want you to follow. • Accommodation suggestions for time management and concentration-Since Laura experienced good days and bad, one of the advantages of being a self-employed artist was that she could determine the most productive time to work on her projects – day or night. However, having a regular work schedule, even with a home-based business, can help organize time, increase productivity, and encourage concentration. For many, it helps to create a separate workspace within the home apart distinct from one’s living space and distractions. For artists, this might be a separate area in their home or garage. Other options include joining a local cooperative, gallery, incubator or co-working space that offers a combination of a private workspace and group support.
JAN Publications & Articles regarding Entrepreneurship
Articles
Blog Posts
- A Research Window – Self-Employment for People with Disabilities
- Consumer Beware! How to Avoid Work-at-Home Scams and Other Business Schemes
- Guest Blog: Innovative Approaches — An Interview with the Owners of Picasso Einstein
- It’s Tax Time! Resources for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
- JAN Blog – Focus on Technology
- The Importance of Soft Skills for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities – Three Important Tips
- Tips for Starting a Food Related Small Business
- What Kind of Businesses Do People with Disabilities Start?
Events Regarding Entrepreneurship
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Webcast Series Training
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ADA & Workplace Accommodations - Episode #44May 5, 2022
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The ADA and Workplace Accommodation for Employees with Voice DisordersJanuary 31, 2024
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Low-Key AT: Less-Obvious Options for Entry-Level WorkersMarch 16, 2022
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Accessibility as a Key to InclusionJuly 25, 2022
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Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2023?February 2, 2023
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Together Again: AT for Travel and Inclusive EventsFebruary 3, 2023
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2023 CSUNMarch 17, 2023
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ATIA 2024 ConferenceJanuary 25, 2024
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant, Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Accommodating Educational Professionals: Meeting Workplace Needs with AT
Friday 1-2pm
Grand Ballroom 7B
Session Code: TWA-05
Back on Track with the Interactive Process: When Accommodations Go Off the Rails
Friday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-02
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2024?
Thursday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-08
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant, Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Accommodating Educational Professionals: Meeting Workplace Needs with AT
Friday 1-2pm
Grand Ballroom 7B
Session Code: TWA-05
Back on Track with the Interactive Process: When Accommodations Go Off the Rails
Friday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-02
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2024?
Thursday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-08
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Q&A with the Cog/Psych Team: Challenging Mental Health ScenariosMay 11, 2021
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Accessibility & Accommodations: How Employers & HR Professionals Can Prepare for Emerging Tech in the WorkplaceMay 20, 2021
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Accommodating Public Safety Workers with DisabilitiesJune 8, 2021
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ADA UpdateJuly 13, 2021
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AT Update: What’s new in 2021August 10, 2021
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Ask JAN! Expert Q&AOctober 14, 2021
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Return to Work After COVID-19 – Focus on Mental Health and Cognitive LimitationsNovember 18, 2021
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Accommodation Solutions for Autoimmune DisordersDecember 9, 2021
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Next-Level Accommodation and ADA ChallengesJanuary 13, 2022
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ADA and Accommodation Lessons Learned: Stay at Work/Return to Work EditionFebruary 10, 2022
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Ergonomics for TeleworkersMarch 1, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Executive Functioning DeficitsMarch 17, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Gastrointestinal DisordersApril 14, 2022
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Accommodation and ADA Considerations: Reproductive Disorders and PregnancyMay 12, 2022
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Personal Use or Reasonable Accommodation: What’s What?June 9, 2022
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ADA UpdateJuly 14, 2022
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AT Update 2022August 11, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Sleep DisordersSeptember 22, 2022
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Building a Disability-Inclusive OrganizationOctober 13, 2022
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Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with DisabilitiesNovember 10, 2022
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Ask JAN! Q&AJanuary 12, 2023
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Supports and Services: Accommodations with a HeartbeatFebruary 9, 2023
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What You Should Know About the Impact of Long COVID in the WorkplaceMarch 9, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Neurodivergent WorkersApril 13, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Fine Motor LimitationsMay 11, 2023
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What to Do When Performance and Conduct Factor Into the Accommodation EquationJune 8, 2023
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ADA Update 2023July 13, 2023
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Assistive Technology (AT) Update: What’s New in 2023August 10, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions: Substance Use DisorderSeptember 14, 2023
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The Way I See It: Accommodation Process Perspectives from Different Points of ViewOctober 12, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions: Respiratory Conditions, Allergies, & Fragrance SensitivityNovember 9, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Employees with Intellectual DisabilitiesDecember 12, 2023
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ADA and Beyond Compliance Considerations: Medical DocumentationJanuary 11, 2024
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Ask JAN! Q&A: Sensory Team EditionMarch 14, 2024
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Accommodating Employees with Diverse Cognitive and Neurological NeedsApril 11, 2024
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Director of Collaborations, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Bill Curtis-Davidson, Co-director of PEAT
- Martez Mott, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, Ability Group, Microsoft Research
- Tina Park, Ph.D., Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI
Presentations
Transcripts
This session, produced in collaboration with JAN and the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT), will introduce the potential impact of emerging tech on accommodations. Participants will learn how employers and HR professionals can help plan for an accessible workplace of the future, including the procurement of accessible technologies and potential accommodation needs of people with disabilities. PEAT, funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, will interview technology leaders to find out how AI and XR will change the way we work and what these technologies could mean for the employment of people with disabilities.
This event takes place on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
Speaker Bios:
Bill Curtis-Davidson is a Co-Director and Sr. Consultant on Emerging Tech Accessibility at PEAT. In this role, he works to advance the accessibility of emerging workplace technologies, including XR and AI, to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He partners with the disability community, tech companies, and the public to advance adoption of inclusive design and promising practices for tech accessibility. He serves on the External Advisory Board of the GA Tech Human-Computer Interaction Degree Program.
Martez Mott is a Senior Researcher in the Ability Group at Microsoft Research. His research is focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating intelligent interaction techniques that improve the accessibility of computing devices for people with diverse motor and sensory abilities. His current research focuses on identifying and overcoming accessibility barriers embedded in the design of virtual and augmented reality systems. Martez is passionate about improving diversity in the CS and HCI communities. He co-chaired the 2020 CHI Mentoring Workshop (CHIMe), is serving on the steering committee for CHIMe 2021, and co-founded the Black Researchers @ Microsoft Research group. Martez received his Ph.D. in Information Science from the Information School at the University of Washington. Prior to attending UW, he received his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University.
Tina M. Park is currently a Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI, developing evidence-based methodologies for incorporating a more diverse range of stakeholders in the design and development of artificial intelligence. Prior to joining PAI, Tina has led efforts to cultivate supportive intellectual spaces for scholars of color at Brown University and nationwide. She has presented at top international conferences in her field such as the American Sociological Association, the Social Science History Association, the Population Association of America, and the Society for the Study of Social Problems, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tatum Storey, Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg is a Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Julie Davis , Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg - Senior Attorney Advisor, Office of Legal Counsel, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Christy McCune , Consultant - Sensory Team
Presentations
Handouts
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Presentations
Transcripts
Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Ellice is an Extension Associate with the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. She provides content development, training and technical assistance for EARN. As an Extension Associate, she provides national technical assistance and training on topics related to disability and employment, and U.S. disability policy. Her areas of focus include employer practices to support workforce disability inclusion, demand-side strategies to improve employer engagement among disability service providers and evidence-based practices to support post-school success for youth with disabilities.
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Terri Rhodes, Chief Executive Officer, Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC)
- Bryon Bass, Senior Vice President Workforce Absence and Disability Practice Leader, Sedgwick
- Susanne Bruyere, Co-Director and Co-Principal Director, Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Julie Davis, Consultant - Motor Team
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant — Sensory/Motor Teams
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts, Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Batiste, Director of Publications and Services
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Lore Lee, Consultant
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant - Sensory/Motor Teams
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant – Sensory/Motor Teams
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead