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About Blindness
The term “blindness” generally refers to a lack of usable vision. Individuals with total blindness are unable to see anything with either eye. Legal blindness is defined as 20/200 or less in the better eye with the best possible correction. Many individuals who are considered legally blind still have some degree of useable vision.
Blindness and the Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA does not contain a definitive list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more "major life activities," (2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. For more information about how to determine whether a person has a disability under the ADA, see How to Determine Whether a Person Has a Disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).
Accommodating Employees with Blindness
People with blindness may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Be aware that not all people will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.
Questions to Consider:
- What limitations is the employee experiencing?
- How do these limitations affect the employee and the employee’s job performance?
- What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?
- What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations?
- Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the employee to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to determine whether additional accommodations are needed?
- Do supervisory personnel and employees need training?
Key Accommodations:
Reading Printed Materials: Printed materials may be inaccessible to individuals who are blind, which may necessitate modification such as alternative formats or text reading devices.
- Auditory versions of printed document
- Braille formatted document
- Reformatted document that displays as accessible Web page
- Optical character recognition (OCR), which scans printed text and provides a synthetic speech output or text-based computer file
- Note: Handwritten documents are generally inaccessible via OCR devices. At this time, the Seeing AI app by Microsoft is the only OCR scanning app with the capability to read handwritten text.
- Qualified reader, which may be used to read text aloud for a person with a vision impairment
- Note: There currently is not a standard for providing or hiring readers, and no certification requirements exist.
- Tactile graphic document
Accessing Computer Information: Individuals who are blind may need to access computer-based information in order to perform essential job duties. Screen reading software allows employees to hear an audio output or read the screen via connection with a Braille display.
- Screen reading software
- Computer Braille display
- Qualified reader
Writing Notes and Completing Forms: Individuals who are blind may struggle to take written notes or complete forms. When feasible, modifying the way notes are taken or providing a product or service may be helpful.
- Personal data assistants, notetakers, and laptops with speech output or Braille display
- Digital recorder
- Speech dictation software
- Note: If using a screen reader in addition to speech dictation software, compatibility issues may arise. This can be solved with the provision of speech dictation integration software such as J-Say or DictationBridge.
- Braille stylus/Braille slate
- Braille printer or embosser
- Scribe
Accessing a Telephone: Challenges that may arise with telephone use include accessing buttons and visual displays, as well as knowing whether a line is active. Smartphones that primarily operate via touchscreen may also pose difficulty.
- Telephone light sensor, which is held over a phone line to indicate if a line is lit steady or blinking
- Note: Line status is indicated by audible or vibrating signal
- Talking telephone console indicators and message displays
- Smartphone screen reading
- Note: Both Apple and Android devices feature built-in screen readers and magnification options
Working with Money: Accommodation may be needed to assist employees in identifying bills and coins when working with money.
- Talking money identifier, cash register, coin counter/sorter, calculator
- Training on how to fold money for identification purposes
Reading from Instrument or Control Board: Individuals may need to access a variety of equipment in the workplace. Following instructions or prompts that are displayed visually may require accommodation.
- Braille/tactile labels or indicators
- Qualified reader
- Instrument modification by manufacturer, rehabilitation engineer, or employer
Repairing, Constructing, Assembling Pieces/Parts: Identifying and differentiating pieces or parts, as well as assembling or repairing appropriately, can pose unique challenges. Color-coded assembly may also be inaccessible to individuals who are blind.
- Braille/tactile labels or indicators
- Talking multimeter, micrometer, caliper, stud finder, level, tape measure
- Tactile ratchet-action wrench
Mobility: Accommodations for workplace navigation, as well as necessary work travel, should be considered for individuals who are blind. Limitations may include difficulty reading signage or noticing obstacles that may be in one’s path.
- Service animal and/or mobility aid (e.g., cane, electronic aid)
- Mobility and orientation training
- Detectable warning surfaces
- Colored and/or textured edges on stairs
- Traveling/evacuation partner
- Tactile map of evacuation and common routes
- Talking landmark or global positioning system
Driving: Commuting to and from work, as well as work-related travel, may require accommodation for employees who have driving limitations due to vision impairment. Note that while employers are not obligated to provide transportation to and from work unless they do so for other employees as a benefit of employment, they must consider other accommodations related to the commute if needed due to a disability.
- Driver (e.g., hired driver, volunteer, coworker)
- Public transportation or carpool
- Modified or flexible work schedule to meet public transportation needs
- Reassignment
- Telework
Other Accommodation Considerations:
- Training materials or company correspondence in alternate format (e.g., large print, Braille, CD-ROM, audiotape)
- Time off for training on adaptive technology, mobility training, and/or service animal training
- Additional training beyond what is typically given to others
- Accessible versions of employee related Web sites or Intranet material
- Note: See JAN's Tips for Designing Accessible Web Pages
Accommodation Ideas:
By Limitation
Blind - Total
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Braille Labelers
- Computer Braille Display
- Computer Phone Software
- Detectable Warning Surfaces
- Flexible Schedule
- Headsets - Computer (USB, VOIP etc.)
- High Visibility Floor Tape and Paint
- Job Restructuring
- Keyboard Tops and Labels
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Systems - Scan
- Qualified Reader
- Ridesharing/Carpooling
- Screen Reading Software and Training
- Service Animal
- Stair Tread/Textured Tape
- Tactile Dots and Markers
- Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader
- Talking Cash Register
- Talking Color Detector
- Talking Credit Card Terminal
- Talking Money Identifier
- Telephone Light Sensor
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
By Work Related Function
Situations and Solutions:
The following situations and solutions are real-life examples of accommodations that were made by JAN customers. Because accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, these examples may not be effective for every workplace but give you an idea about the types of accommodations that are possible.
A social service worker at a state agency had no vision and requested reader services to help with accessing documents and information.
Reader services were provided during half of every workday.
An applicant was unable to complete a pre-employment typing test because the testing software did not work with his assistive technology.
The employer offered a reader, but the applicant was concerned that this would not reflect his true ability, since the reader could not match the speed and consistency of a screen reader. The applicant’s vocational rehabilitation was able to provide a proctored test of his typing ability using an accessible typing program.
A university professor who is blind had to attend a conference once a year.
He was provided with a sighted guide to assist him with travel and with navigating the hotel and conference center.
An educator at a health care facility had no vision and wanted to bring her service dog to work to assist with mobility.
The employer allowed the employee to bring the service dog to work.
An employee working at a resort gift shop who is legally blind had difficulty knowing when a new customer was in the store.
She also had trouble reading tags on merchandise. She did benefit from magnification. JAN suggested a wireless visitor alert system that would chime when customers walked through the door. To read tags on merchandise, JAN suggested a portable electronic magnifier that the employee could carry everywhere in the store.
Co-workers decide it would be funny to move furniture around so an employee who is blind will run into it.
The employee does run into the furniture and is injured. The co-workers are suspended while the employer investigates what happened and they are ultimately terminated.
An individual with no vision was placed in a switchboard operator position for a large service complex building.
The person needed to be aware of what telephone lines were on hold, in use, or ringing. She was provided with a light sensor to assist in determining the console buttons that were lit, blinking, and/or steady. The telephone console was also modified to provide the employee with ring differentiation for external versus internal calls.
A customer service representative for a financial institution lost his vision and could no longer read his computer screen.
The employer provided screen reading software for his computer so that all information present on the screen and all information inputted into the system would be read back to him.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Blindness
Publications
Consultants' Corner Articles
Events Regarding Blindness
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Webcast Series Training
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ADA & Workplace Accommodations - Episode #44May 5, 2022
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The ADA and Workplace Accommodation for Employees with Voice DisordersJanuary 31, 2024
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Low-Key AT: Less-Obvious Options for Entry-Level WorkersMarch 16, 2022
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Accessibility as a Key to InclusionJuly 25, 2022
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Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2023?February 2, 2023
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Together Again: AT for Travel and Inclusive EventsFebruary 3, 2023
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2023 CSUNMarch 17, 2023
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ATIA 2024 ConferenceJanuary 25, 2024
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant, Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Accommodating Educational Professionals: Meeting Workplace Needs with AT
Friday 1-2pm
Grand Ballroom 7B
Session Code: TWA-05
Back on Track with the Interactive Process: When Accommodations Go Off the Rails
Friday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-02
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2024?
Thursday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-08
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant, Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Accommodating Educational Professionals: Meeting Workplace Needs with AT
Friday 1-2pm
Grand Ballroom 7B
Session Code: TWA-05
Back on Track with the Interactive Process: When Accommodations Go Off the Rails
Friday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-02
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2024?
Thursday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-08
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Q&A with the Cog/Psych Team: Challenging Mental Health ScenariosMay 11, 2021
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Accessibility & Accommodations: How Employers & HR Professionals Can Prepare for Emerging Tech in the WorkplaceMay 20, 2021
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Accommodating Public Safety Workers with DisabilitiesJune 8, 2021
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ADA UpdateJuly 13, 2021
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AT Update: What’s new in 2021August 10, 2021
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Ask JAN! Expert Q&AOctober 14, 2021
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Return to Work After COVID-19 – Focus on Mental Health and Cognitive LimitationsNovember 18, 2021
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Accommodation Solutions for Autoimmune DisordersDecember 9, 2021
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Next-Level Accommodation and ADA ChallengesJanuary 13, 2022
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ADA and Accommodation Lessons Learned: Stay at Work/Return to Work EditionFebruary 10, 2022
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Ergonomics for TeleworkersMarch 1, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Executive Functioning DeficitsMarch 17, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Gastrointestinal DisordersApril 14, 2022
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Accommodation and ADA Considerations: Reproductive Disorders and PregnancyMay 12, 2022
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Personal Use or Reasonable Accommodation: What’s What?June 9, 2022
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ADA UpdateJuly 14, 2022
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AT Update 2022August 11, 2022
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Accommodation Solutions for Sleep DisordersSeptember 22, 2022
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Building a Disability-Inclusive OrganizationOctober 13, 2022
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Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with DisabilitiesNovember 10, 2022
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Ask JAN! Q&AJanuary 12, 2023
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Supports and Services: Accommodations with a HeartbeatFebruary 9, 2023
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What You Should Know About the Impact of Long COVID in the WorkplaceMarch 9, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Neurodivergent WorkersApril 13, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Fine Motor LimitationsMay 11, 2023
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What to Do When Performance and Conduct Factor Into the Accommodation EquationJune 8, 2023
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ADA Update 2023July 13, 2023
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Assistive Technology (AT) Update: What’s New in 2023August 10, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions: Substance Use DisorderSeptember 14, 2023
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The Way I See It: Accommodation Process Perspectives from Different Points of ViewOctober 12, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions: Respiratory Conditions, Allergies, & Fragrance SensitivityNovember 9, 2023
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Accommodation Solutions for Employees with Intellectual DisabilitiesDecember 12, 2023
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ADA and Beyond Compliance Considerations: Medical DocumentationJanuary 11, 2024
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Ask JAN! Q&A: Sensory Team EditionMarch 14, 2024
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Accommodating Employees with Diverse Cognitive and Neurological NeedsApril 11, 2024
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Director of Collaborations, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Bill Curtis-Davidson, Co-director of PEAT
- Martez Mott, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, Ability Group, Microsoft Research
- Tina Park, Ph.D., Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI
Presentations
Transcripts
This session, produced in collaboration with JAN and the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT), will introduce the potential impact of emerging tech on accommodations. Participants will learn how employers and HR professionals can help plan for an accessible workplace of the future, including the procurement of accessible technologies and potential accommodation needs of people with disabilities. PEAT, funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, will interview technology leaders to find out how AI and XR will change the way we work and what these technologies could mean for the employment of people with disabilities.
This event takes place on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
Speaker Bios:
Bill Curtis-Davidson is a Co-Director and Sr. Consultant on Emerging Tech Accessibility at PEAT. In this role, he works to advance the accessibility of emerging workplace technologies, including XR and AI, to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He partners with the disability community, tech companies, and the public to advance adoption of inclusive design and promising practices for tech accessibility. He serves on the External Advisory Board of the GA Tech Human-Computer Interaction Degree Program.
Martez Mott is a Senior Researcher in the Ability Group at Microsoft Research. His research is focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating intelligent interaction techniques that improve the accessibility of computing devices for people with diverse motor and sensory abilities. His current research focuses on identifying and overcoming accessibility barriers embedded in the design of virtual and augmented reality systems. Martez is passionate about improving diversity in the CS and HCI communities. He co-chaired the 2020 CHI Mentoring Workshop (CHIMe), is serving on the steering committee for CHIMe 2021, and co-founded the Black Researchers @ Microsoft Research group. Martez received his Ph.D. in Information Science from the Information School at the University of Washington. Prior to attending UW, he received his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University.
Tina M. Park is currently a Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI, developing evidence-based methodologies for incorporating a more diverse range of stakeholders in the design and development of artificial intelligence. Prior to joining PAI, Tina has led efforts to cultivate supportive intellectual spaces for scholars of color at Brown University and nationwide. She has presented at top international conferences in her field such as the American Sociological Association, the Social Science History Association, the Population Association of America, and the Society for the Study of Social Problems, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tatum Storey, Consultant - Motor Team
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Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg is a Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
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Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Julie Davis , Consultant - Motor Team
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Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg - Senior Attorney Advisor, Office of Legal Counsel, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Christy McCune , Consultant - Sensory Team
Presentations
Handouts
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Presentations
Transcripts
Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Ellice is an Extension Associate with the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. She provides content development, training and technical assistance for EARN. As an Extension Associate, she provides national technical assistance and training on topics related to disability and employment, and U.S. disability policy. Her areas of focus include employer practices to support workforce disability inclusion, demand-side strategies to improve employer engagement among disability service providers and evidence-based practices to support post-school success for youth with disabilities.
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Terri Rhodes, Chief Executive Officer, Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC)
- Bryon Bass, Senior Vice President Workforce Absence and Disability Practice Leader, Sedgwick
- Susanne Bruyere, Co-Director and Co-Principal Director, Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
Handouts
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Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
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Presenters:
- Julie Davis, Consultant - Motor Team
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant - Motor Team
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Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant — Sensory/Motor Teams
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Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts, Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Batiste, Director of Publications and Services
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Lore Lee, Consultant
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant - Sensory/Motor Teams
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant – Sensory/Motor Teams
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Other Information Regarding Blindness
External Links
Organizations
- Job Accommodation Network
- Office of Disability Employment Policy
- Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- American Council of the Blind
- American Foundation for the Blind
- American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
- Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Georgia Center for the Visually Impaired
- Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults
- Learning Ally
- Mayo Clinic
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- National Federation of the Blind
- National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision
- World Health Organization