Real Solutions for Real Needs Leading the Way with Accommodations Dinah Cohen CAP Director February 29, 2008

Real Solutions for Real Needs CAP: 17 Years of Accommodations CAP was established in 1990 as DoD’s centrally funded program to provide accommodations Expanded by Congress in 2000 to support other Federal agencies Partnerships with 65 Federal agencies Over 61,000 accommodations CAP Mission To provide assistive technology and accommodations to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to the information environment and opportunities in the Department of Defense and throughout the Federal government

Real Solutions for Real Needs CAP Services Provide assistive technology and training Conduct needs assessments and technology demonstrations Provide installation and integration Provide training on disability management and on creating an accessible environment Support the compliance of federal regulations Assist in the recruitment, placement, promotion and retention of people with disabilities and Wounded Service Members

Real Solutions for Real Needs Computer input devices Alternative keyboards, input devices and voice recognition software Computer output devices Screen readers, magnification software, Braille terminal Telecommunication devices PC based TTY Video communication devices Assistive listening devices Personal amplification devices Captioning services Assistive Technology and Services

Real Solutions for Real Needs CAP Accommodations Profile by Disability (FY90 - FY07) 61,448

Real Solutions for Real Needs Needs Assessments / Tech Demo CAP Technology Evaluation Center (CAPTEC) Assist individuals and supervisors in choosing appropriate computer and electronic accommodations Wide variety of assistive technology VTC capability Tours Located in the Pentagon (2A259) (V) (TTY)

Real Solutions for Real Needs Real Solutions Employment Lifecycle Recruitment Placement Promotion Retention Accommodations

Real Solutions for Real Needs Employment Lifecycle Recruitment and Placement Workforce planning and development State Rehabilitation Services Disability network of advocacy groups, Independent Living Centers USA Jobs: Schedule A Hiring Preference Veterans Hiring Preference Employer Assistance Referral Network (EARN) Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

Real Solutions for Real Needs Recruitment and Placement Schedule A An excepted service appointing authority to cover people with disabilities. Proof of disability and certification of job readiness from a licensed medical and vocational professional. Veteran’s Preference Preference over non-veterans both in Federal hiring practices and in retention during reductions in force (RIF).

Real Solutions for Real Needs Workforce Recruitment Program Co-sponsored by the Department of Labor and Department of Defense Participation from Federal agencies and the private sector Wide range of occupations Diverse workforce CAP covers the cost of accommodations for all WRP students participating in any Federal agency

Real Solutions for Real Needs Retention Aging Workforce Healthy Work Practices Program Workers’ Compensation Telework Wounded Service Members

Real Solutions for Real Needs Retention - Healthy Work Practices Program Disability Prevention Employees who develop ergonomic disabilities Secondary disabilities HWPP Training Safety and Occupational Health Specialists Workplace Ergonomic Reference Guide Needs Assessments and Demonstrations CAP Web site Needs Assessment Process CAP Technology Evaluation Center (CAPTEC) Disability Accommodation Individuals who develop Musculoskeletal Disorders Repetitive Stress Injury (Carpal Tunnel, Tendonitis) Keyboards, pointing devices, and other dexterity- related tools

Real Solutions for Real Needs Retention - Workers’ Compensation Assist Workers’ Compensation claimants who obtain “on the job” injuries that result in an accepted claim in their return-to-work process Work with Workers’ Compensation officials to evaluate needs of employees Conduct CAP accommodation needs assessments Provide appropriate assistive technology or related accommodations Review Telework options

Real Solutions for Real Needs Retention - Telework Target groups Recipients of Workers’ Compensation payments Persons with Disabilities As a form of reasonable accommodation To increase productivity and/or improve accessibility issues Persons who may be subjected to disability retirement Equipment Assistive technology Home office equipment (computer hardware and software, fax machine, printer) Trends Teleworkers with disabilities increased by 120% from FY02 to FY03

Real Solutions for Real Needs CAP’s Wounded Service Members Initiative Phase 1: Recovery and Rehabilitation Phase 2: Transition Phase 3: Employment FY07 Accomplishments Public Law : Retention of AT after separation or medical retirement from active service Provided 3,000 accommodations From Deployment to Employment

Real Solutions for Real Needs Phase 1: Recovery & Rehabilitation Provide services throughout the recovery and rehabilitation process Introduction to assistive technology On-site needs assessments Individual accommodations Medical Departments Intensive care Amputee care Occupational therapy Speech therapy Case management

Real Solutions for Real Needs Phase 1: Recovery & Rehabilitation BAMC Case Study 26 year old National Guard soldier sustained multiple traumatic injuries due to mortar attack in support of OIF on 2 April 2005 Transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and then directly to BAMC Comprehensive rehabilitation program Orthopedics Psychosocial Low vision Enhancement of occupational performance via OT services and CAP provided assistive technology

Real Solutions for Real Needs Phase 2: Transition Increase awareness to impact future independence and employment by working closely with: Therapists, Providers, and Case Managers Military Support Programs – Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) – USMC Wounded Warrior Regiment, Marine for Life – Injured Support – Navy Safe Harbor Program – Palace HART (Helping Airmen Recover Together) VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Provide services to housing, training centers and employment/career fairs

Real Solutions for Real Needs Phase 3: Employment & Education Provide assistive technology to WSMs to use in future employment and vocational settings Provide services and resources for: Employment internships Assistive technology and services in Federal employment Partnership programs – Military Severely Injured Center (MSIC) – VA Seamless Transition – DOL REALifelines

Real Solutions for Real Needs

Real Solutions for Real Needs Resources Agency Disability Program Managers Department of Labor Job Accommodation Network DisabilityInfo.Gov Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program

Real Solutions for Real Needs