Speech Accommodations | Save the Date | Related Articles|Related Books| Resources | PASS Plans | Federal Employment
The intent of this page is to try to address some of the unique challenges those with Physical/speech disabilities face while looking for employment. We are all to aware of the way higher then average unemployment statistics that our population faces. In spite of this, we do not have to fall among these abysmal stats. If we are proactive in the steps we take to achieve our employment goals we can reach them. This page will have resources to help our community with this pursuit so that we can live the life that each of us desires.
A Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) allows a person with a disability to set aside otherwise countable income and/or resources for a specific period of time in order to achieve a work goal. Any person who receives SSI benefits,or who might qualify for SSI, or any person receives SSDI(or a similar benefit) and could qualify for SSI, may be able to have a PASS. There is no limit to the number of successful PASS plans a person may use in a lifetime. Learn more. Read Jenny’s and Millie’s Pass Plans. How to fill-out a winning PASS Plan Application from the Institute for Community Inclusion.
The good, the bad, and the ugly…..”The [Bush] Administration takes seriously the Rehabilitation Act’s call for the Federal government to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities.” In January, 2008, a report was created that evaluated just how well this had been accomplished. It found, ” Despite the initiatives of multiple administrations and the efforts of various agencies charged with administering programs for the employment of PWTD (partner agencies), the percentage of federal employees with targeted disabilities has declined each year since reaching a peak of 1.24% in fiscal years (FY) 1993 & 1994.” “Among all targeted disabilities, mental illness has represented the highest percentage of PWTD in the federal work force since it surpassed deafness in FY 1998. From FY 1997 to FY 2006, federal employees with mental illness and deafness have represented at least 38% of all PWTD, combining for 42.39% in FY 2006. In contrast, employees with distortion of limb/spine have represented the fewest, at less than 3%.”
Senator urges agencies, Congress to hire more disabled employees by Alyssa Rosenberg
The federal government must hire more people with disabilities to meet its obligation as a model employer, said Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., in a Monday lecture at New York Law School. Link to full story
Getting a Job with the Federal Government: Everything you Need to Know About Schedule A
C. Bates - Harris - Presentation Slides (MS PowerPoint, 80KB)
Statistics (MS Word, 27KB)
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
This site contains information for potential applicants and current Federal employees that describes how to get a Federal job, how positions are filled, how reasonable accommodations are made, and includes resources that can help you with a wide range of issues that pertain to the Federal employment of adults with disabilities. The site also contains references to the law and executive orders that apply to applicants and employees who have disabilities.
The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) CAP was established by the Department of Defense in 1990 to eliminate employment barriers for its employees with disabilities by providing free assistive technology and services to individuals with disabilities to ensure that they have equal access to the information, environment and opportunities in the Federal government. In 2001, it was expanded by Congress to serve as the government’s centrally funded program.
Job Accommodations
for people with Speech that is difficult to Understand
Job accommodations are tricky things. When do you ask for them and what do you ask for? If your speech is difficult to understand, you may need your first accommodation at the interview stage or you may be able to get away without any accommodations at all.
Interview -
- Utilize dry erase or chalk boards when communicating to a group
- A presentation can be done using a voiced powerpoint
- Have a person accompany you who can understand your speech
- Use Email, text-messaging or instant messaging instead of an in person interview
Ongoing -
- Telephone with speech amplification if you are unable to speak loudly.
- Alternative Augmented Communication (AAC) devices
- TTY or a Uniphone
- Use Speech-to-Speech (SRS) relay services
- Laptop, computer tablet, or pen & paper
Save The Date
July 2008 Ticket to Work Training Sessions
In preparation for the implementation of the New Ticket to Work Program regulations on July 21, 2008, the Social Security Administration and its partners will be conducting national training sessions to review changes to the program. Interested parties should save the training dates and participate in the appropriate teleconferences or webinars. These highlighted sessions, as listed below, have been designed to meet specific needs based on feedback from previous sessions and from stakeholder requests. Attached is a training flyer containing more details regarding the training opportunities. Please help us disseminate the information to appropriate organizations and individuals.
Basics for Beneficiaries
Teleconference July 9, 2008 2:00-3:30pm EST
This teleconference will provide an overview of the new regulations and information on changes and how those changes will positively impact beneficiaries. To participate, please call 1-800-779-1514 and use 7905458 for the participant passcode.
USBLN Annual Conference & Career Fair The Marriott Portland
October 5-8, 2008
Portland, Oregon
More information TBA
CAREERS & the disABLED
Expo For People With Disabilities
Date: November 17th 2008
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Ronald Reagan International Trade Center;
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
More Information
Related Articles
- Successful defense subcontractor uses disabled workers
- Technology eroding wall between disabled and non-disabled
- Straight Talk-Resume Tips for the Jobseeker
- Kaiser Permanente: A Model Employer for People with Disabilities
- A Driving Force: Automotive Industry Creates Interesting Professional challenges
- Other Articles About Employment & Disability
Related Books
- Disability Accommodation Handbook
By: WorkAbility, Metropolitan Community Colleges - People With and Without Disabilities: Interacting and Communicating by: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
- Focus On Abilities: Certification for Americans with Disabilities Act
By: United Parcel Service - Employees with Disabilities: A Resource Guide for Employers
By: Project EASE, Arrowhead Community Colleges - A Guide for Managers and Supervisors: Employment of People with Disabilities in the Federal Government
By: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Ready Willing and Available: A Business Guide for Hiring People with Disabilities
By: President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities - Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act: A Handbook for Employers
By: The Career Initiatives Project, Keene State College, Keene, NH (This guide is available at the Keene State College
Employment Resources
- DisabilityInfo.gov
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Careers and the Disabled MagazineThe ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability
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