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A screen-reader in the “cloud!”  WebAnywhere is a web-based screen reader that allows someone with a visual impairment to access the web from any computer with a sound card.  While it’s still a work in progress, and has some limitations, it’s still worth checking out to determine how you might make it available to your customers.

You can access the Beta Release of WebAnywhere by visiting:

http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu/

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The Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense recently launched the PTSD coach, a phone application that offers tools to Veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress.

Key features include:
- A self assessment of PTSD symptoms with individualized feedback
- Coping skills & assistance for common PTSD-related symptoms & problems
- Assistance finding immediate support
- Education about key topics related to trauma, PTSD, & treatment

The PTSD Coach downloadable application can be found at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ptsd-coach/id430646302?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3d2

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I was referred to this new training by a colleague.  It’s a free, self-paced webcourse available 24/7 that provides an overview of disability rights laws. I took the course last week, and really enjoyed it.  I was excited to learn a few new things about some of the disability laws I’m less familiar with (e.g. transportation, housing). It includes real life scenarios, quizzes, a final exam, and as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), I was pre-approved to
receive two-hours of continuing education credits!

You can take the training at:

http://www.disabilityrightscourse.org

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If you are a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funded program or are a partner of a One-Stop, today’s resource is actually the source of many of the recommendations I share with One-Stops during my one-on-one consultations and disability-related trainings. It’s meant to help providers in implementing the regulations related to serving customers with disabilities.

I’d recommend saving this as a resource or web “favorite,” so you can easily access it if you need to clarify or research specific information: http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/crc/section188.htm

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Don’t get intimidated by the long title.  This is a great resource!  I came upon these guidelines while working on a project recently.  With more and more agencies providing services “virtually,” this  provides service providers with a really good framework of things to consider.  When I say virtual, I mean email, the Internet, and the computer-based programs/software many of our clients are currently using.  I would encourage you to take a look.  I’m actually making some changes to one of our programs as a result.

You can access the guidelines at:
http://associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/guidelines

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In addition to being an excellent resource for reasonable accommodation questions and information, JAN also conducts monthly webcasts on a variety of disability related topics.  The webcasts are available at no cost.  This is a great way to educate staff and gain additional professional development training hours.  Topics may include: disability etiquette, assistive technologies, management techniques, and the latest on accommodations and the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  November’s training focuses exclusively on Veterans issues.  All webcasts last an hour, and you must register to attend.

You can view the webcast schedule by visiting:

http://askjan.org/webcast/

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On July 26th, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued rules to update its Americans with Disabilities Act regulations and to implement new accessibility standards for facilities. Join DOJ and the U.S. Access Board for a FREE  webinar on the updated regulations and standards.

The webinar will be held on September 2nd from 1:30pm to 4:00pm Eastern Time.  You must register for the event to attend.  For more details, visit: http://www.acessibilityonline.org

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The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Right Division Disability Rights Section has developed the Accessible Information Exchange – Meeting on a Level Playing Field.  It provides a great overview on presenting meetings that are accessible to people with disabilities.  It focuses on three main components – where the meeting is held, how the meeting room furniture is arranged, and how the meeting information is communicated. Even though the focus is people with disabilities, the suggestions will serve a wide range others, including experienced workers, baby boomers and people with temporary disabilities.

You can visit http://www.ada.gov/business/accessiblemtg.htm for more information.

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This toolkit is a collection of online resources that guide employers and human resource professionals in providing job-related transportation benefits to their employees while improving their companies’ bottom line.  The toolkit has a menu of options that allow an employer to select what will work well for their business, such assisting employees with disabilities with transportation to work.

Show your value!  Bookmark it and pass it on to your employers.

Please visit:
http://www.disability.gov/employment/employing_people_with-disabilities/hr_tools_&_resources

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For more information about the Fair Employment Housing Act, please visit:
http://snipurl.com/u26q3

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