Schedule
JAN Conference 2007 included two days of professional training from JAN
Consultants and other national experts in job accommodation and disability
employment law. Participants
attended presentations from three focused tracks; Accommodation,
Legal, and Employer Policies and Practices. Continuing
Education Credits (CEUs) were
available for each session.
The plenary sessions provided an opportunity to learn from the personal experiences
and professional accomplishments of keynote speakers who are dynamic and
inspirational authors, educators, and key government officials.
Handouts for sessions are linked from the session description.
Sunday, August 5
7:30
p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Exhibitor Setup
(Regency Foyer)
Monday, August 6
6:30
a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Exhibitor Setup
(Regency Foyer)
7:30
a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
(Regency Foyer)
7:30
a.m. Registration Opens
(
Regency Foyer)
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
(Regency Foyer)
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Welcome
(Regency Ballroom)
D.J. Hendricks, Job
Accommodation Network (JAN)
Karen Czarnecki, the Acting Assistant
Secretary of Labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S.
Department of Labor
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Opening Keynote Address
(Regency
Ballroom.)
Michael
Stein, Cabell Research Professor of Law, William & Mary Law School.
Professor in Residence, Harvard Law School
10:00
a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concurrent
Sessions
How to Handle Psychiatric Disabilities in the Workplace: Balancing
Issues of Behavior, Direct Threat, and Reasonable Accommodation
(Accommodation
Track. Potomac VI)
This session will focus on enforcing standards of behavior and conduct
and accommodating employees with psychiatric disabilities in the workplace.
Attendees
will learn about common psychiatric disabilities and how to accommodate
an employee who has performance and behavior problems including issues
of direct
threat. Active participation and discussion will be encouraged.
Kendra Duckworth, M.S., Job
Accommodation Network (JAN)
Know When to Hold Em': Medical Inquiries and the ADA
Handout: Powerpoint
Slides, Medical
Inquiry in Response to an Accommodation Request (MS Word), Sample
Medical Inquiry Form (MS Word), Sample
Reasonable Accommodation Request Form 1 (MS Word), Sample
Reasonable Accommodation Request Form 2 (MS Word)
(ADA/Legal Track. Potomac
IV)
Knowing when to ask what, how much, and why can be complicated under the
ADA and Rehabilitation Act. This session will provide an overview of the
scope of medical inquiries permitted during the various employment phases
and the interactive accommodation process. The presenter will address some
of the basic Do's and Don'ts, as well as complex medical inquiry related
issues. Expect an interactive session with time for Q & A.
Tracie D. Saab,
M.S., Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Emergency Evacuation
Handouts:
Employers’ Guide
to Including Employees with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plan, Evacuation
Checklist (MS Word files)
(Employer Policies and Practices
Track. Potomac II)
This presentation will address how to effectively include employees with
disabilities into workplace evacuation procedures. Specifically, the presentation
will review a guide for employers, highlight specific accommodation situations
and solutions, and provide an overview of the Access Board’s evacuation
plan.
Peg Blechman, Compliance Specialist, U.S. Access Board
Beth Loy, Ph.D., Job
Accommodation Network
11:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Luncheon Keynote Address
(Regency
Ballroom)
Leslie
Milk, Author,
Editor
1:15
p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Concurrent
Sessions
Webtacular Design
Handout:
Tips for Designing Accessible Web Pages
(Accommodation Track. Potomac VI)
This session will give an overview of what managers need to know when it
comes to accessible Web site design. Training will include what makes a Web
site accessible; relevant ADA issues; design faults; and accessible alternatives
for individuals with motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments. Non-techies
are welcome!
Beth
Loy, Ph.D.,
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Linda Carter Batiste, J.D., Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Adopting Reasonable Accommodation Procedures
Handout: Practical Advice For Drafting And Implementing Reasonable Accommodation
Procedures
(ADA/Legal
Track. Potomac IV)
Increasingly, employers are adopting step-by-step written procedures as a
guide for managers in responding to requests for reasonable accommodation.
This session will offer employers many practical ideas regarding how to draft
and implement internal procedures for the reasonable accommodation process.
We will look at possible features to include, mistakes to avoid, and best
practices for implementing the procedures after they have been written.
Jeanne Goldberg, J.D., Senior Attorney Advisor, ADA Policy Division, Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Employment Issues and MS: Implications of Adult-Onset Physical Disability
Handouts: Powerpoint
Slides, Information
for Employers,
The Win-Win Approach to Reasonable Accommodations,
Disclosure: The Basic Facts
(Employer Policies and Practices Track. Potomac II)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is most often diagnosed during the height of a
person's career. The unpredictability, variability, and invisible
symptoms that accompany
MS can pose certain challenges. Learn the possible reasons why
people with MS leave the workplace prematurely, practical accommodation strategies
for managing MS symptoms, and the concerns surrounding disclosure.
Though
focusing
on MS, the information provided applies to other adult-onset physical
disabilities with invisible and varying symptoms.
Steven Nissen, Director of Employment Programs, National Multiple Sclerosis
Society
Christopher Carlson, Recruiting Manager, Booz Allen Hamilton
2:30
p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Concurrent
Sessions
Ergonomic Principles and Accommodating Employees with Disabilities
(Accommodation
Track. Potomac VI)
The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) provides federal employees
with disabilities prevention solutions and accommodation services through
its Healthy Work Practices Program (HWPP). HWPP is a proactive program through
which we educate our customers on prevention of the repetitive stress injuries
that can result from improper ergonomic configuration. This strategy can
diminish the severity of ergonomic-related injuries or eliminate the need
for accommodation altogether.
Sharon Terrell-Lindsay, Dexterity Team Leader, Computer/Electronic Accommodations
Program (CAP), U.S. Department of Defense
Jerome Lyons, Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP),
U.S. Department of Defense
Interplay of the ADA, FMLA and Workers' Compensation
Handout: Session
Notes,
Overview, ADA
(ADA/Legal
Track. Potomac IV)
Employers in every sector face challenging issues raised by the overlapping
responsibilities, obligations and rights established by the principal federal
disability discrimination and leave statutes -- the ADA and the FMLA -- as
well as state law requirements established by workers' compensation statutes.
This session will focus on some of the most common and challenging questions
in this area, and provide a framework for analysis of many difficult leave
and accommodation issues.
Peter A. Susser, Partner, Littler Mendelson, P.C.
Making Connections: Strategies for Finding Candidates
Handouts: Powerpoint
Slides, Large Print
(Employer Policies and Practices Track, Potomac II)
Gaining access
to the pool of candidates with disabilities can be difficult without the right
partners. Knowing how to prepare your business and where
to go to find individuals with disabilities are challenges that many employers
face in the pursuit to find top talent. This session will assist you in expanding
how you can reach candidates with disabilities and increase your circle of
partners to adapt successful strategies to meet your human capital needs.
Tyler T. Matney, Project Manager, Employer Assistance & Recruiting
Network (EARN)
Greg S. Alleyne, Program Manager, National Veterans Employment Program, Department
of Veterans Affairs
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Concurrent
Sessions
Focus on AT: Motor Edition
Handout: Powerpoint Slides
(Accommodation Track.
Potomac VI)
Participants will receive information on the informal process JAN
Motor Team consultants use to determine assistive technology (AT)
accommodation solutions for office, industry, and service occupations.
The presenter will discuss performing a needs assessment, evaluating
functional limitations and essential job functions, and determining
effective accommodations. ADA issues that commonly develop when accommodating
individuals with motor impairments, such as direct threat, undue
hardship, and meeting performance standards, will also be addressed.
A question and answer session will conclude the presentation.
John Greer, M.S., Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Successful Disability Employment: ROI Strategies for Business
Handout: Powerpoint Slides
(Employer
Policies and Practices Track. Potomac II)
Debra Ruh, Founder and President of TecAccess, will present the business
case for disability employment, effectively demonstrating results
from leading businesses who are currently recruiting, hiring, and
retaining employees with disabilities. Debra will utilize best
practice examples, and highlight how including employees with disabilities
impacts return on investment and can provide an advantage over
your competition. The aim of this presentation is to assist businesses
in developing strategies for accommodations, retention, and company
wide success.
Debra Ruh,
Founder and President of TecAccess
Disability Employment 101
Handout: Powerpoint Slides
(ADA/Legal Track, Potomac IV)
This session will review the basic components of the American with
Disabilities Act (ADA) and its overlap with the Family Medical Leave
Act (FMLA) as they relate to the employment of people with disabilities.
The definition of disability and process of determining and providing
reasonable accommodations will be discussed. Learn the top ten things
an employer should do to comply with the ADA. There will be time
for Q & A and a resource sheet will be provided.
Robin Jones, Project Director,
DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center
5:00
p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Networking Exhibitor Reception
(Regency
Foyer)
Tuesday, August 7
7:30
a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
(Regency Foyer)
7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Exhibits Open
(Regency Foyer)
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Opening Keynote Address
(Regency
Ballroom)
Dinah
Cohen, Director, Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)
Ronald Drach, Director,
Government and Legislative Affairs, Veterans' Employment and Training(VETS),
U.S. Department of Labor
9:45a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Concurrent
Sessions
Accommodating Hidden Disabilities
Handout: Powerpoint Slides
(Accommodation
Track. Potomac VI)
Suzanne provides an interactive training session to help understand hidden
disabilities. Discussion will cover hidden disabilities such as Learning Disabilities,
Epilepsy, and Cancer. Expect to learn about famous people with hidden disabilities,
and engage in simulations to better understand cognitive disabilities like
auditory processing disorder, visual perception disorders, and dyslexia.
Suzanne
Gosden Kitchen, ABD, Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Legal Update 2007
Handouts:
Disability Document Links MS
Word, PDF;
Selected Cases Under Title 1 and Section 501 MS
Word, PDF
(ADA/Legal Track. Potomac IV)
This session will use recent court decisions to illustrate some of the most
common legal mistakes employers make when processing reasonable accommodation
requests and the best practices that will help you avoid these pitfalls.
Jeanne Goldberg, J.D., Senior Attorney Advisor, ADA Policy Division, Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission
U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) Employer Forum
(Employer
Policies and Practices Track. Potomac II)
In this session you will hear from four employers representing the Financial,
Healthcare and Hospitality Industries who understand the value of including
people with disabilities in their Company's business strategies. It's all about
collaborative partnerships!
Katherine McCary, President, U.S. Business Leadership Network
(USBLN), and Vice President and Manager of Accessing Community
Talent and Disability Resource Center, SunTrust Banks, Inc.
Beth Butler, Vice President of Employment Compliance, Disability and Accommodations
Consultant, Wachovia Corporation
Erin Riehle, Senior Director, Division of Disability Services, Cincinnati Children's
Hospital Medical Center
Robert Haber, Director of Human Resources, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
11:30
a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Concurrent
Sessions
Choosing Assistive Technology as a Job Accommodation
Handouts: PowerPoint
Slides, A
Process for Choosing AT (MS Word)
(Accommodation
Track. Potomac VI)
Selecting assistive technology (AT) as a job accommodation can
be challenging. Contacting AT related resources, using the Job
Accommodation
Network’s (JAN) Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR),
and applying a decision-making process may be the keys to finding
a successful AT fit. This session will introduce attendees to JAN’s
SOAR site while walking participants through a five step process
for choosing assistive technology as a job accommodation.
Tracie D.
Saab, M.S., Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
3's Company? A Review of the Legal, Policy, and Practical
Aspects of Reasonable Accommodation
Handout:
Employers’ Practical
Guide to Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans with Disabilities
Act (Large Print MS Word)
(ADA/Legal Track.
Potomac II)
This session will review the legal, policy, and practical aspects
of reasonable accommodation. The speakers will address the ADA requirements,
useful employment policies, and benefits and costs of accommodation
using specific examples from JAN and CAP.
Linda Carter
Batiste, J.D., Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Beth Loy, Ph.D., Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Dinah Cohen, Director, Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program
(CAP), U.S. Department of Defense
The 2nd Big Transition: Moving From College To Employment
Handouts:
Soft Skills, Disclosure
Decisions, MS
Word Tips, Clarifying
Facts (Large Print. All files are MS Word.)
(Employer
Policies and Practices Track. Potomac II)
To proactively address the employment challenges that face college
graduates with disabilities, Virginia Commonwealth University’s
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, in collaboration with
the University Career Center and the Disability Support Services
office, provides comprehensive career planning. This session highlights
collaborative efforts, individualized supports, technology education,
internship accommodations, and mentoring experiences offered at VCU.
Lori Briel, M.Ed., Coordinator of Post Secondary Initiatives, Virginia
Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
on Workplace Supports and Job Retention
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Luncheon Keynote Address
(Regency
Ballroom)
Christine M.
Griffin, Commissioner, U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Concurrent
Sessions
Employing and Accommodating Returning Injured
Service Members
Handout:
Employing
and Accommodating Returning Injured Service Members (MS
Word)
(Accommodation
Track. Potomac VI)
This session will focus on accommodation ideas and resources for
employers who will be working with returning injured service members
and veterans who have Cognitive, Sensory and/ or Motor impairments.
Attendees will learn how to access and contribute to resources available
to returning injured service members to help in their transition
to civilian life. In addition, practical accommodation solutions
for typical injuries sustained by wounded service members such as
traumatic brain injury, amputations, vision and hearing loss, as
well as post traumatic stress disorder, will be explored.
Kendra Duckworth, M.S., Job Accommodation Network
(JAN)
Anne Hirsh, M.S., Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Applying Performance and Conduct Standards to Employees
with Disabilities
(ADA/Legal Track. Potomac IV)
Typically, an employee's disability has no bearing on performance
or conduct. But, in some instances an employee's disability may contribute
to performance or conduct problems. This session addresses these
situations, discussing relevant ADA requirements, the application
of quantitative and qualitative standards when disability may affect
performance, and the role of reasonable accommodation in preventing
or addressing performance or conduct problems.
Sharon Rennert, Senior Attorney Advisor, ADA Policy Division, U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The Knowing-Doing Gap: Understanding Real-Life Barriers
to Implementing Disability Policies in the Workplace
Handout: Powerpoint Slides
(Employer
Policies and Practices Track. Potomac II)
Many interventions designed to enhance the employment outcomes of
people with disabilities are based on the implicit assumption that “knowing” will
lead to “doing”; that providing employers with knowledge
about disability policies and laws will result in changed employment
practices. Clearly, this has not always been the case. In this session,
the
presenters will offer a simple but powerful model designed to enable:
(1)
the identification of barriers to the application of disability policies
in real-life employment settings and (2) more powerful interventions
by matching intervention-type with barrier-type.
Hannah Rudstam, Ph.D., DBTAC: Northeast ADA Center, Employment and
Disability Institute, Cornell University
S. Antonio Ruiz-Quintanilla, Ph.D., Director, DBTAC: Northeast ADA
Center, Employment and Disability Institute, Cornell University
3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Plenary Session
(Regency Ballroom)
Ask the EEOC
This Q&A session invites audience members to ask challenging
questions of three top ADA employment experts from the EEOC. Collectively,
these
three individuals have worked on every ADA policy guidance and technical
assistance document issued by the EEOC, and are familiar with all the
finer points of ADA compliance.
Sharon Rennert, EEOC
Naomi Levin, EEOC
Chris Kucyznski, EEOC
Moderated by Linda Batiste, JAN
4:30 p.m. CEUs Issued at Registration
Desk
(Regency Foyer)
