Sitting

Adjustable drafting tables allow individuals to adjust their writing and drawing surfaces.

These pedicure chairs have fully adjustable footrests, which would allow the technician to adjust the footrest to a height most comfortable for them. In addition, many of the stools that the technicians sit on are fully adjustable.

Desks and tables that are adjustable allow individuals who use mobility aids, have to alternate between sitting and standing positions, or use various types of chairs to be more comfortable. Adjusting a working surface to meet individual needs increases their comfort and access.

Adjustable / accessible workstations are desks and tables that are adjustable and allow individuals who use mobility aids to access them. They may also allow an individual to alternate between sitting and standing positions or use various types of chairs to be more comfortable.

Chairs and stools that are specifically made for medical services can be beneficial for many worksites where environments are dependent on being sterile

Stools that are easily cleaned to preserve sterile and hygienic conditions for individuals concerned with contamination.

Adjustable office chairs provide support for individuals with shoulder, neck, back, and upper and lower extremity impairments. Backrest, armrest, and seat height and pan angles are features that support neutral sitting positions. Because stability is a safety concern for any chair user, the base should have five points, easy to reach controls, and casters that handle a variety of floor surfaces. Several companies offer unique options such as torso and neck support, built-in footrests, and locking casters

Individuals with neck, back, shoulder, and upper extremity limitations may benefit from using ergonomic hand and power tools. Ergonomic hand tool designs allow users to maintain neutral postures while minimizing wrist deviations. Users also have an easier time keeping shoulders relaxed by using lightweight tools. Mechanical stressors such as misaligned finger grooves, sharp edges, and single finger triggers should be avoided. Vibration from the tool should be minimized, and heavier tools can be suspended from tool balancers when possible. Spring loaded returns on tools such as scissors and pliers are also a part of good ergonomic design.

Industrial or office ergonomic assessments can help to maintain the health and safety of employees and may be necessary as part of a reasonable accommodation for an employee with a disability. In some cases, an ergonomic assessment can be performed by an in-house safety or human factors employee who is qualified to perform an analysis on an employee’s work environment and make appropriate recommendations. When this is not available an employer may need to look elsewhere for this type of service or they may want to consider training for future ergonomic assessment needs. JAN provides the following list of organizations that offer ergonomic assessment consulting services, referrals, and training materials. This list is not exhaustive and JAN does not specifically endorse these organizations over others that provide similar services.

Ergonomic office equipment includes copyholders, monitor risers, keyboard trays, keyboard rests, and foot rests. Other equipment characterized as ergonomic are ergonomic or electric staplers, staple removers, scissors, and hole punches. Individuals with handling, fingering, and grasping restrictions resulting from cumulative trauma disorders can benefit from this equipment. Products in this area alleviate the repetitive motion common to many hand-intensive jobs.

Forward leaning chairs offer an alternative seating option for individuals with impairments that limit sitting. Forward leaning chairs support the user’s torso when leaning forward and can be used in a traditional upright seating position.

Handheld computers and personal devices that don't have a specific function.

A headset is a communication device that is comprised of an ear piece and microphone. Individuals with neck, back, shoulder, and upper extremity impairments can benefit from the use of headsets because they often eliminate the need to hold telephone receivers in awkward positions. Individuals who are easily distracted by extraneous work noise may also benefit from using them to listen to white noise or music. Various options are available: over the head, around the ear, and wireless are a few. Equipment that can be integrated with headsets are telephones, cellular phones, and speech recognition software.

Large-rated chairs are typically made to support individuals who weigh over 300 pounds.

Low task or mechanics chairs are small stools on wheels. Some options are height adjustment and tool trays under the seat. May also be purchased at a local auto parts store.

Periodic rest breaks can allow an individual to move about, stretch, adjust their seating position, or modify how a task is completed. Breaks can be short in duration, depending on the individual’s needs. Time used for breaks can be taken from already provided break time, lunch, or made up so there is not an impact on productivity.

Following proper body mechanics (such as creating a neutral posture) when using a computer while sitting or standing can greatly reduce awkward postures, mitigate exposure to injury, and allow a worker to be more comfortable. People with and without limitation benefit from this knowledge of how to sit/stand, organize one's work, and minimize injury exposure. For more information on proper sitting and stand practices, see OSHA's Good Working Positions.

Stand/lean stools are available to assist individuals who must stand or sit for long periods of time. Stand/lean stools allow an individual to adjust his/her positioning, relieve standing strain by leaning, and relieve sitting pressure by leaning. Stand/lean stools are useful for brief mini-breaks and allow an easy return to an upright position. Stand/lean stools give individuals the ability to work in an upright position with most of their weight resting on the padded seat. A stand/lean stool helps support the body in a standing position and stabilizes the body in an upright position, reducing back strain and minimizing leg fatigue. Some stools swivel and tilt, some have backrests, and some are made for industrial and office environments.

Supine workstations allow individuals the flexibility to work in reclined positions. Various reclined postures may be effective accommodations for neck, back, hip, and circulatory limitations. Manufacturers of supine workstations either have the chair integrated with other products such as keyboard trays and monitor risers or have workstations that stand alone. By not having the seat integrated, an individual can combine a supine workstation with a hospital bed or a recliner, even a “zero-gravity” chair (Based on NASA studies, these appear to place the the least amount of stress on the spine.)

These workstations and products allow people to exercise the lower body while working at a desk.

Products and services offered that can alter vans to make them accessible for individuals with physical disabilities.