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About Paraplegia
People use wheelchairs for a variety of reasons, the most common reason being paralysis from spinal cord injuries. Individuals who have had a stroke, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, polio, cerebral palsy, back condition, cancer, diabetes, traumatic brain injury, and dementia may also have limitations that result in paraplegia. Paraplegia is a condition that results from paralysis in the legs and potentially the trunk.
Paraplegia 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 Paraplegia
People with paraplegia 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 with paraplegia 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?
Accommodation Ideas:
By Limitation
Balancing
- Aerial Lifts
- All-Terrain Scooters
- All-Terrain Wheelchairs
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Bath Chairs
- Canes
- Crutches
- Evacuation Devices
- Fall Protection
- Grab Bars
- Grab Bars - Toilet Hinged Arm Support
- Personal Safety and Fall Alert Devices
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Leg Extenders for Walkers
- Padded Edging
- Rollators and Rolling Walkers
- Rolling Safety Ladders
- Scooters
- Stair Assists
- Stair Lifts
- Swing Away Grab Bars
- Toileting Aids
- Walkers
- Walkers with Seats
- Walkers for Tall Individuals
Bending
- Accessible Baby Changing Stations
- Adjustable Drafting Tables
- Adjustable Exam Tables
- Adjustable Massage Tables
- Animal Lift Tables
- Automatic Snow Chains
- Battery Powered Lift Tables
- Compact Material Handling
- Convex Mirrors
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Long-Handled Mirrors
- Low Task Chair
- Manhole Cover Lifts
- Pickups, Semis, and Heavy Equipment
- Stools for Cutting Hair
- Telescoping Cameras
- Walk-up Changing Tables
Climbing
Lifting
- Accessible Baby Changing Stations
- Adjustable Exam Tables
- Adjustable Massage Tables
- Adult Changing Tables
- Aerial Lifts
- Animal Lift Tables
- Automated Filing Systems
- Ball Transfer Tables
- Bath Chairs
- Battery Powered Lift Tables
- Cake Decorating and Baking Equipment
- Carts
- Compact Material Handling
- Compact Mobile Cranes
- Drum Handling
- Drywall and Wallboard Lifts
- Electronic Organizers
- Engine Lifts and Lift Plates
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Evacuation Devices
- Folding Steps
- Hair Scissors
- Hands Free Resuscitation Devices
- Height Adjustable Table Legs
- Independent Living Aids
- Job Restructuring
- Large-Rated Small Step Ladders
- Large-Rated Wheelchair Lifts
- Lift Gates
- Lift Tables
- Lifters and Carriers for Mobility Aids
- Lifting Aids
- Light Switch Extension Handles
- Lightweight Lead Aprons
- Low Task Chair
- Manhole Cover Lifts
- Multi-Purpose Carts
- Patient Lifts (General)
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Pickups, Semis, and Heavy Equipment
- Pipettes
- Pool Lifts
- Power Lift IV Stands
- Powered Bath Lifts
- Professional Organizers
- Proper Lifting Techniques
- Rolling Safety Ladders
- Spring-Loaded Carts
- Stainless Steel Carts and Worktables
- Stair Assists
- Stairclimbing Handtrucks
- Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader
- Test Tube Holders
- Tire Handling
- Toileting Aids
- Tool Balancers
- Transfer Aids
- Transfer Sheets
- Truck Mounted Cranes
- Vacuum Lifts
- Vacuum Pickup Tools
- Vehicle Lifts and Manipulators
- Walk-up Changing Tables
- Wheelchair Lifts
- Winches and Chain Hoists
- Work Platforms
Operating Foot Control
Standing
- Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings
- Adjustable Workstations for Office Settings
- Grab Bars
- Scooters
- Stand Aids
- Stand-up Wheelchairs
Use of Mobility Aids
- Accessories for Scooters
- Adjustable and Ergonomic School Desks and Equipment
- Adjustable Massage Tables
- Adjustable Workstations for Industrial Settings
- Adjustable Workstations for Office Settings
- Automatic Door Openers
- Boat Access
- Door Knob Grips and Handles
- Ergonomic and Pneumatic Tools
- Evacuation Devices
- Flexible Schedule
- Height Adjustable Table Legs
- Job Coaches
- Light Switch Extension Handles
- Monitor Risers
- Pool Lifts
- Portable Ramps
- Ramps
- Spring-Loaded Carts
- Stair Lifts
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Threshold Ramps
- Van Conversion
- Wheelchair Accessible Lecterns
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Lifts
- Work Platforms
Walking
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- All-Terrain Scooters
- All-Terrain Wheelchairs
- Foldable / Transport Wheelchairs
- Large-Rated Scooters
- Large-Rated Wheelchairs
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Reclining Wheelchairs
- Scooters
- Scooters for Small Stature
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Wheelchairs for Small Stature
- Wheelchairs
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
By Work Related Function
Commute
- Flexible Schedule
- Ridesharing/Carpooling
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Transportation Assistance
- Van Conversion
Move Items/People
- Adjustable Exam Tables
- Aerial Lifts
- Animal Lift Tables
- Ball Transfer Tables
- Battery Powered Lift Tables
- Carts
- Compact Mobile Cranes
- Lifting Aids
- Multi-Purpose Carts
- Vacuum Lifts
- Vacuum Pickup Tools
Off Site Access
- Accessible Vehicles
- Accessories for Scooters
- All-Terrain Scooters
- All-Terrain Wheelchairs
- Examination and Procedures Chair
- Flexible Schedule
- Head Support for Wheelchairs
- Low Task Chair
- Personal Transportation and Mobility Products
- Scooters
- Stair Assists
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Transportation Assistance
- Van Conversion
- Wheelchair Accessible Scales
- Wheelchair Carts/Trailers
- Wheelchair Mounts
Operate Equipment/Vehicles
Parking
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 car salesman became a paraplegic following a car accident.
Upon returning to work, he realized he could not exit the building quick enough to help customers. After having a discussion with the employer, they jointly decided that installing an automatic door would be the best solution.
A florist with paraplegia needed a table top that permitted her wheelchair to fit under.
The employer purchased her an accessible workstation which enabled her to arrange flowers efficiently.
An applicant with paraplegia interviewed for a taxi driver position.
During the interview, the employer asked about possible accommodation options the applicant would need. The applicant explained he could operate a vehicle with modifications, which included hand controls. The employer offered them the position and had a local driver rehabilitation specialist install the equipment.
A motivational speaker with paraplegia was required to travel and speak to large audiences across the country.
The employer purchased a standup wheelchair so the speaker could stand behind a podium during their speeches.
A county commissioner with paraplegia was required to attend monthly commission meetings.
The meetings were held in an inaccessible historic building. As an accommodation, the commission permitted the county commissioner to Skype into the meetings. This enabled them to actively participate and contribute to the meeting.
A chemistry professor used a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury.
The existing chemistry lab was designed to accommodate students at a standing height. The college could not remodel the entire lab so purchased an elevating wheelchair.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Paraplegia
Publications
Consultants' Corner Articles
Related Disabilities
Events Regarding Paraplegia
- 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
Presentations
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
Transcripts
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
Presentations
Transcripts
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
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Julie Davis, Consultant - Motor Team
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
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
Presentations
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