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Kurt L. Johnson, Ph.D., C.R.C.
Associate Professor and Head
Division of Rehabilitation Counseling
Project Director, U.W. Assistive Technology Resource Center
Internet: kjohnson@u.washington.edu
Dagmar Amtmann, M.A.
Project Manager
Assistive Technology Resource Center
Internet: dagmara@u.washington.edu
Thomas Zeiler, MLS
Information Systems Specialist
Assistive Technology Resource Center
Internet: tzeiler@u.washington.edu
University of Washington
Box 357920
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and University Affiliated
Program
Seattle, WA 98195-7920
Voice/TTY/Message: (206) 685-4181, FAX (206) 543-4779
The Internet is now widely available to people throughout the U.S. Approximately 30% of households report that they have a computer with Internet access. For people without Internet connections at home, access is often available through the workplace, public schools, libraries, and other venues. The Internet can serve as tool to enhance the employment process for people with functional limitations associated with many disabilities.
With adaptive interfaces, access to information may be greatly enhanced by using the Internet, providing that information has been stored in accessible formats. For example, people with vision disabilities can elect to use large print, synthetic speech, or Braille output to access information on the screen. Speech recognition systems and other adaptive interfaces allow people with limited dexterity to access information without the requirement of handling paper. People who have limitations in mobility and/or who have significant fatigue or lack of endurance may gain considerable efficiency by engaging tasks online rather than in person. The Internet offers significant advantages to people with communication disorders.
For example, individuals who are unable to speak or who have speech which is difficult to understand may use online communication to facilitate a job search. Also, using the Internet may assist people who require additional time to compose their messages, such as persons with some kinds of learning disabilities or for whom English is a second language.
Career exploration is an important first step in the job search process. Much of this process can be accomplished using online resources. For example, in the state of Washington, the Washington Occupational Information System ( www.wois.org ) is online and allows users to fill out an 'interest inventory' worksheet, learn about activities associated with various jobs, review labor market and wage information, and link to other employment resources. Authorized users can identify individual job listings and complete applications for employment. Occupational Information Systems are available in all states and are linked to the U.S. Department of Labor. A variety of other resources are available for people exploring careers, as well ( www.usacareers.opm.gov , www.uhs.berkeley.edu/CareerLibrary/links/occup.cfm ).
Informational interviewing gives job seekers a chance to learn more about the "real world" of work by interviewing individuals performing work of interest. Informational interviewing can also be useful in establishing networks for a job search. Informational interviewing can easily be accomplished by email, often with greater efficiency for both parties.
Online support and virtual job clubs may be useful as well. A number of these are available to the general public ( www.careermag.com, www.sftoday.com/enn2/jobcentral.htm ). We and our colleagues have been experimenting with using virtual job clubs to support the employment efforts of people with disabilities, in particular.
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