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WORKTECH SOLUTIONS: USING TECHNOLOGY AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN TO INCREASE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Sue Cusack, M.Ed.
Technology Specialist
Institute for Community Inclusion/UAP
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-8457 (voice)
(617) 355-7940 (fax)
(617) 355-6956 (TDD)
E-Mail: cusack_s@a1.tch.harvard.edu

US Census data indicates that 13 million American with disabilities are under-employed or unemployed; and a recent Harris Poll reports that 79% of working age people with disabilities who are not working, want to work. The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) with funding from Microsoft and in partnership with the University of Massachusetts/Boston and the New England Council [a consortium of New England businesses], is addressing this issue in a new initiative called WorkTech Solutions, a project that matches employer needs with the employment needs of people with disabilities.

At the heart of this initiative is a model that utilizes technology and flexible design strategies (or universal design) to help employers address job requirements and workplace environments in ways that attract and retain qualified individuals with disabilities. This model recognizes that individuals with varying needs and abilities can perform effectively and independently if technology is leveraged to its full potential. Additionally, as employers engage in strategies that promote access and flexibility, the application of universal design is extended beyond the environment to include the multifaceted issues of employment, retention, and promotion.

WorkTech Solutions will provide three primary services for the business community. First, a team of experts in technology, employment, and workplace environments, will work in partnership with businesses to respond to their unique employment needs. This team provides services such as:

• Assisting companies evaluate their work environment and/or work processes and suggest technology or job re-design strategies that expand their workforce options. Evaluating essential job tasks and offer suggestions about how employees with disabilities can complete this work.
• Demonstrating new and/or alternative technology and workflow options to specified departments (front line managers or supervisors, Information Technology and/or Human Resources staff). Matching qualified job seekers with disabilities for vacant positions in companies. Providing instruction on alternative technology features available onbusinesses' current computer systems that allow employees with disabilities to perform the job and/or help with the future needs of the company.
• Demonstrating how companies can better outreach to potential employees with disabilities. Providing disability awareness training as needed. And producing work plans for companies which help them to expand their use of universal design, technology, job accommodations, job redesign and current human resource supports.

• "In the News", a updates highlighting significant project activities and advances in the field employment and disability; Internet-based resources about workplace practices and accommodations that support employees with disabilities;
• "The Real World" a collections of vignettes from employers and employees on successful workplace accommodations;
• and frequently asked questions, and answers about the project, technology, universal design, and employment related issues.
• The final component of the model is to provide direct support to job seekers and employees with a disability. These services will be consumer driven, person-centered, and will help match a person's interest and skill with the job of their choice. WorkTech Solutions will help bridge the gap between business and job seekers with disabilities. By utilizing the team of experts and other project resources, businesses will be supported in the development of recruitment, retention, and promotion strategies that will support the unique needs and gifts of individuals with disabilities as well as enhancing the work experience for the business community as a whole.

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