Common Types of Accommodations

We’ve explored when and how to request a reasonable accommodation, but before you actually talk to your employer about getting an accommodation, let’s look at what types of accommodation exist.

Equipment supplied to the employee is best when it is “universally designed.” That means that its manufacturer made an extra effort to make sure that the equipment is as accessible as possible for people with and without disabilities. For example, adjustable-height desks allow people with different needs to be able to use the same model of desk.

However, it isn’t always possible to buy universally designed equipment. Many types of new technology are designed without considering people with disabilities, making the technology inaccessible. In other situations, even if a product has been universally designed, depending on a person’s disability, they may still need a reasonable accommodation to perform their work.

Here we’ll introduce some of the reasonable accommodation options that can help you do your work.

Assistive Technology

One type of accommodation is called assistive technology (AT). AT includes technology and devices that help people with disabilities do things that would be difficult or impossible for them to do otherwise. There are many types of AT technology and equipment. Here are some examples of AT that could be used as reasonable accommodations:

• Computer screen-reading software for employees who are blind or have dyslexia

• Software that raises or lowers computer keyboard sensitivity for people with limited use of their hands

• Electronic organizers for people with traumatic brain injury or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for employees with hearing loss

Trying Out Assistive Technology

The nonprofit Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA) helps Alaskans find assistive technology that best meets their needs at work, school, or home. Their Short-term Equipment Loans program lets you try out equipment before choosing and buying, have a backup system when yours is in for repairs, or have a device to use while waiting for yours to be delivered. The Reuse Program cleans and restores donated AT devices, then gives them to people who need them. ATLA also offers AT demonstrations, examples of solutions for different types of AT needs, and a wide variety of other AT programs.

Your local Independent Living Center is another good resource for learning about and trying out AT.

Assistive Technology Funding

Usually, your employer will be responsible for paying for and supplying AT services that you need to perform your job or satisfy your job standards. However, sometimes people need or want AT that would be too costly for an employer. Alternatively, some people want to be able to keep their AT if they switch employers, because it is specially designed to fit their needs.

In cases where the employer does not pay for AT, you can explore other options from government resources or private grants.

Here are some funding alternatives for AT:

• Medicaid helps pay medical expenses for people with disabilities, including AT. For AT to be paid for by Medicaid, the device must be for a medical condition and be prescribed by a physician.
• Medicaid Waivers might help pay for AT.
• The Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) may be able to fund AT to help a person with a disability find, get, and keep their employment. You must meet DVR eligibility rules to get these services.
• Workers’ Compensation often pays for AT for people with work-related injuries.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers funding for AT for veterans with disabilities who are eligible. The VA also helps veterans, reservists and National Guard members to get employment and may fund AT. You can also get help from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or from your local Alaska Job Center.

Resources to Learn More About Assistive Technology

• The Disability Law Center of Alaska offers an online booklet on Assistive Technology & A Guide to Self-Advocacy.
• Closing the Gap supplies professionals, parents, and consumers with information and training on how best to locate, compare, and introduce AT into the lives of people with disabilities.

Specific Technology Resources

• Microsoft has a webpage dedicated to describing accessibility options in its products.
• The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) can help you find organizations that sell mobility vehicles.

Personal Assistance Services

Personal Assistance Services (PAS) are services that another person offers to a person with a disability that assist with activities of daily living. These services can include help with:

• Home activities, such as bathing, dressing, cooking, personal hygiene, and remembering things
• Community activities, such as shopping, going to the doctor, and help getting around
• Work activities, such as reading, sign-language interpretation, and lifting or reaching

The nonprofit Independent Living Research Utilization lists general PAS resources. Here we’ll focus on PAS in the workplace.

Workplace Personal Assistance Services

You can use workplace Personal Assistance Services (PAS) to help you perform the essential duties of your job. If you need PAS at your job, the services may be considered a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the employer would have the responsibility to offer PAS to you if you request them.

Funding for Workplace PAS

Workplace PAS are often funded by an employer when they are considered a reasonable accommodation. Additional funding for PAS may also be available from the following sources:

• The Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Workers' Compensation coverage
• Medicaid Waivers

Resources on Workplace PAS

• The Job Accommodation Network's Accommodation and Compliance answers a series of common questions about workplace PAS and has links to numerous PAS resources.
• Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports and Job Retention has the Personal Assistance in the Workplace: A Customer-Directed Guide Manual.
• The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy links to resources for PAS in the workplace.