Workplace accommodation and disability assistance resources
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.
The Act does not guarantee you a job because you have a disability. You must be qualified, and compete and perform like all other employees. Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations to permit persons with disabilities to be employed, but they are not required to give people with disabilities special considerations that they would otherwise not provide to all employees.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
The JAN is a free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities by:
- providing individualized worksite accommodations solutions,
- providing technical assistance regarding the ADA and other disability related legislation, and
- educating callers about self-employment options.
Office of Disability and Employment Policy (ODEP)
The Office of Disability and Employment Policy is a non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
The Patient Advocate Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability.