Spring 2012 Newsletter: Interesting Websites and Noteworthy Bits of News

What Does Disability.gov Do?

Disability.gov is the federal government website for comprehensive information on disability programs and services in communities nationwide. The site links to more than 14,000 resources from federal, state and local government agencies; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations. You can find answers to questions about everything from Social Security benefits to employment ) to affordable and accessible housing .

New information is added daily across 10 main subject areas – Benefits , Civil Rights , Community Life , Education , Emergency Preparedness , Employment , Housing , Technology , and Transportation ).

Disability.gov is a web portal, which means every time you select a resource, you will be directed to another website. For example, a resource about Social Security benefits may direct you to the Social Security Administration’s website . Disability.gov is not responsible for the maintenance of these resources or websites.

What is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN)?

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace.

JAN’s consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online. Those who can benefit from JAN’s services include private employers of all sizes, government agencies, employee representatives, and service providers, as well as people with disabilities and their families. For more information visit the Job Accommodation Network .

More from JAN --- What is SOAR? Searchable Online Accommodation Resource

JAN's Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) system is designed to let users explore various accommodation options for people with disabilities in work and educational settings. These accommodation ideas are not all inclusive. If you do not find answers to your questions, you should contact JAN directly. The staff of experienced consultants is happy to discuss specific accommodation needs in a confidential manner.

What is the DOJ Disability Rights Section?

The Disability Rights Section works to achieve equal opportunity for people with disabilities in the United States by implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Through its multi-faceted approach toward achieving compliance with the ADA, this Section works to make this goal a reality. The Section's enforcement, certification, regulatory, coordination, and technical assistance activities, required by the ADA, combined with an innovative mediation program and a technical assistance grant program, provide a cost-effective and dynamic approach for carrying out the ADA's mandates. The Section also carries out responsibilities under Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, and Executive Order 12250.

Section activities affect six million businesses and non-profit agencies, 80,000 units of state and local government, 49 million people with disabilities, and over 100 federal agencies and commissions in the Executive Branch.

Information about Reasonable Accommodations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) , a federal government agency, enforces the sections of the ADA that prohibit employment discrimination.

Below are a few of the most frequently consulted resources for accommodating qualified people with disabilities. Many other resources exist both nationally and locally, such as organizations of and for individuals with particular types of disabilities. Finding one of these organizations in your area may be as simple as consulting your local phone book. Additionally, Disability.gov provides links to many federal resources.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (see above)

U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy
ODEP engages in a wide variety of activities and initiatives, sponsors research, and produces training materials and publications to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities.
(866) 633-7365 (voice); (877) 889-5627 (TTY)

ADA National Network (formerly known as DBTACs) ; 10 federally funded regional centers provide assistance on all aspects of the ADA.
(800) 949-4232 V/TTY

RESNA Technical Assistance Project refers people to projects offering technical assistance on technology-related services for individuals with disabilities.
(703) 524-6686 (voice); (703) 524-6639 (TTY)

Employment and Disability Institute
Disability and HR Tips for Human Resource Professionals
Cornell University
Program on Employment and Disability, School of Industrial and Labor Relations
106 ILR Extension
Ithaca, NY 14853-3901
(607) 255-7727 (voice); (607) 255-2891 (TTY)

U.S. Business Leadership Network is a national program led by employers that engages the leadership and participation of companies throughout the United States to hire qualified job candidates with disabilities.