Assistive Technology as a Reasonable Accommodation
Posted on February 22, 2010
By: Sara Furguson
The most commonly requested accommodation in the workplace is assistive technology such as adapted computers, hearing aids, wheelchair ramps, speech communication devices, Braille note taking computers, etc. In general, requests for assistive technology are seen as reasonable if no undue burden is involved. This means that unless an accommodation would incur unreasonably large expenses, an employer must make an effort to meet the needs of an employee with a disability.
Since 1990, assistive technology (AT) has improved opportunities for successful implementation of the ADA’s equal employment provisions. Unfortunately, employers may decide to not hire a disabled applicant simply because they lack knowledge about the use of assistive technology. Read more
Filed Under Accessibility, Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Attitudes, Computers, Independence, Independent Living, Sara Furguson, Technology | Leave a Comment
Thoughts on the R-Word From a High School Senior
Posted on February 19, 2010
Note: As many of our readers know, Tim Barbato, one of CDR’s Advocacy Interns, passed away recently. This week, his family sent us an article that Tim wrote about the R-Word. He was very much aware of our advocacy against the use of the R-Word, and we are pleased to be able to share with you his reflections from the viewpoint of a high school student who heard the R-Word spoken all too often by his classmates.
By Tim Barbato
When you hear the term “offensive language” what do you think of? Swear words, threatening words, discriminating words? After recent events in the news, I started thinking about what this term means.
Most of you have probably heard about the Monroe County Councilman who called a colleague a “retard” at a public meeting. This offended a lot of people. When he was asked to apologize for using this word in a discriminating manner, he denied that he had said it. Some county officials apparently felt that it was “no big deal.” (Ed. Note: On December 8, 2009, after Tim wrote this, the County Legislature unanimously passed the “Person First Language Act” in response to intense disability advocacy on the issue.) Read more
Filed Under Advocacy, Attitudes, Tim Barbato | 3 Comments