Assistive Technology at Work

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology and Employment Collaborative

The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology and Employment Collaborative is a network of Pennsylvania organizations that provides information to employers and others on assistive technology and how it can help individuals with disabilities in employment; understanding the employer's responsibility for providing assistive technology; and how to locate, try, and buy assistive technology devices and services, including employer resources and incentives. Initial funding for this Collaborative was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability and Employment Policy.

Assistive Technology (AT) encompasses devices that increase function, independence, participation, and productivity for people with disabilities, as well as the services needed for using these devices. AT can range from easy-to-obtain and inexpensive products like electric staplers to sophisticated, specialized adaptations for computer access. There are many AT solutions that can assist in a variety of occupations and workplaces!

Providing Awareness, Education, and Training

The mission of the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology and Employment Collaborative is to educate employers on the benefits of and resources for workplace assistive technology. The purpose of the Collaborative's efforts is to increase the likelihood that assistive technology devices and services will be utilized as workplace accommodations to recruit, hire, retain, and advance employees with disabilities.

Free trainings from the Collaborative about the scope and benefits of assistive technology as workplace accommodations are available for human resources professionals, small business owners, industries, business organizations, and other employers throughout Pennsylvania. The duration and content of the training can be customized for the employer's needs, and trainings can be held at the employer's location.

In addition, the Collaborative can conduct a half-day Train-the-Trainer session for individuals who have a strong interest in the use of assistive technology in the workplace to facilitate the recruitment, hiring, retention, and advancement of employees with disabilities AND who agree to replicate portions of the training curriculum to employers/business owners, human resources and other professionals, providers, advocates, and individuals with disabilities. Each participant agency/organization in the Train-the-Trainer session will receive a full training package, including a training notebook, CD containing all training materials in accessible formats, training DVDs, low-tech assistive technology devices, and additional materials.

Members of the Collaborative

Contact any of the members of the Collaborative for more information about the Collaborative, to learn more about each member's organization, or for general information about assistive technology and workplace accommodations. The members are:

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN)

The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is a federally-funded, non-profit agency that is mandated to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. DRN's mission is to advance, protect, and advocate for the civil, human, and legal rights of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. DRN works with people with disabilities, families, organizations, and advocates to ensure that people with disabilities can live in their communities free of discrimination, abuse, and neglect. DRN provides intake and referral, individual and systemic policy advocacy, legal advice and representation, and training and education on issues concerning persons with disabilities.

Contact Information—www.drnpa.org
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security
Project Director: Jennifer Garman, Esq. 800-692-7443 ext. 327 (Voice)
Email: jgarman@drnpa.org
Offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh
Main intake in Harrisburg:
800-692-7443 (Voice)
877-375-7139 (TTY)
1414 N. Cameron St., Suite C
Harrisburg, PA 17103


Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)

Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) is a federally-funded program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, the designated lead agency for implementing the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended. Key activities designed to improve access to assistive technology include device demonstrations and short-term equipment loans, which enable borrowers to try a device in the environment in which it will be used. Employers can borrow devices to make a decision about an accommodation for an employee with a disability or for the general public (e.g. to answer the question, will my Deaf customers be able to use an UbiDuo at the courtesy counter?).

PIAT also works to help people acquire the AT they need, through PA's Telecommunication Device Distribution Program and a variety of equipment reutilization programs. PIAT's information and referral service will respond to questions related to assistive technology devices and services. PIAT also provides training about the scope and benefits of AT.

Contact Information—www.disabilities.temple.edu
Amy S. Goldman, MS, Associate Director, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University; Program Director, Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology
800-204-PIAT (7428) (Voice - toll-free, in Pennsylvania
866-268-0579 (TTY - toll-free, in Pennsylvania)
215-204-1356 (Voice/TTY)
Email: ATinfo@temple.edu
Mailing Address
Institute on Disabilities
1601 N. Broad Street
University Services Bldg., Suite 610
Philadelphia, PA 19122


Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)

PATF helps people with disabilities and their families purchase the assistive technology devices and services they want through low-interest loans, mini-loans / mini-grants, information about other assistive technology programs in Pennsylvania, and information about other possible funding sources in Pennsylvania. PATF serves people with all disabilities, family members, and older adults, regardless of where they live within Pennsylvania. PATF helps people of ALL income levels, but individuals must have an ability to repay a loan. PATF is a consumer choice program, which allows borrowers to choose the technology they want from the vendor of their choice.

Contact Information—www.patf.us
888-744-1938 (Toll-free Voice/TTY)
484-674-0510 (Fax)
1004 West 9th Avenue, 1st Floor
King of Prussia, PA 19406


Pennsylvania Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership (BWDP)

The mission of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership (BWDP) is to ensure the efficient and effective advancement and encouragement for statewide and local productivity, achievement, growth, and development that focuses on the abilities, innovation, and creativity at the state and local level of a consolidated workforce program. The BWDP is responsible for the management, administration, and oversight of operations funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The BWDP works to create opportunities for Pennsylvanians by ensuring access to workforce development, training, and education programs that equip individuals with the skills employers need to be successful.

Contact Information—www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/browse.asp?A=129
717-787-3354 (Voice)
Bill Moulfair
717-772-8855 (Direct line)
Email: wmoulfair@state.pa.us


Pennsylvania Business Leadership Network (PA BLN)

The Pennsylvania Business Leadership Network is an employer-driven program designed for business leaders to promote hiring practices that enable qualified people with disabilities to enter and succeed in the workplace. The emphasis of the PA BLN is to create opportunities where employers can communicate, peer-to-peer, to provide candid and frank assessments of hiring successes and challenges. PA BLN provides employers with access to a network of their peers as well as opportunities for training, positive public relations, an increased number of applicants with a disability, and a centralized source of information.

Contact Information—www.blnofpa.org
Project Director: Stacy Kyle, 717-763-0968 ext.115 (Voice)
Email: Stacy.kyle@blnofpa.org


Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program (CAP)

The Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program (CAP) serves as a vital link between vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and people with disabilities in the community. CAP helps individuals with disabilities to pursue administrative and legal remedies to ensure protection of their rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. CAP helps individuals with disabilities to resolve questions or concerns about vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and other services funded under the Rehabilitation Act. CAP provides systemic advocacy on issues impacting the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services. CAP also provides information and referral about Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Contact Information—www.equalemployment.org
888-745-2357 (Voice/TTY – toll free in Pennsylvania)
Email: info@equalemployment.org
1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19103


Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC) Employment Committee

The goal of the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council Employment Committee is to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities by working with employers, trade associations, Centers for Independent Living, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and others crucial to the employment of people with disabilities.

Contact Information—www.pasilc.org
Coordinator: Melissa Simmons, 717-364-1732 ext. 106 (Voice)
MdSimmons@pasilc.org
Email: melissasim@hotmail.com
2 North 2nd St., Suite 100
Harrisburg, PA 17101


Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Programs

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Programs assist Social Security beneficiaries with transitioning from dependence on public benefits to paid employment and greater economic self-sufficiency. Pennsylvania's three WIPA Programs are AHEDD, DRN, and Goodwill PASSABCO:

AHEDD—AHEDD serves as a catalyst in the employment and development of persons with disabilities. AHEDD operates an array of employment programs by partnering with business and persons with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Contact Information—www.ahedd.org
Vice President: John Miller 717-763-0968 ext. 118 (Voice)
Email: john.miller@ahedd.org
3300 Trindle Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) WIPA Program—Serves Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.

Contact Information—www.drnpa.org
Project Director: Phyllis Hilley 800-692-7443 ext. 309 (Voice)
Email: philley@drnpa.org

Goodwill PASSABCO—Goodwill's Pennsylvania/Social Security Administration Benefits Counseling and Assistance Project (PASSABCO) serves 36 counties in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Contact Information—www.yourgoodwill.org
Project Director: Corey Nelson
866-541-7005 (Voice)
866-541-7001 (TTY)
Email: corey@passabco.com
Goodwill Keystone Area
1150 Goodwill Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Resources

Resources include:

Link to resources

CONTACT

For more information contact:

Amy Goldman
Associate Director of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
800-204-7428 (Voice - toll-free in Pennsylvania)
866-268-0579 (TTY - toll-free in Pennsylvania)
215-204-3862 (Voice/TTY)
Email: piat@temple.edu


Jennifer Garman, Esq.
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security Project Director
800-692-7443 ext. 327 (Voice)
877-375-7139 (TTY)
Email: jgarman@drnpa.org


To inquire about or to arrange a training, please contact:
Ann Dolloff
Assistant Director, Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology
800-204-7428 (Voice - toll-free in Pennsylvania)
866-268-0579 (TTY - toll-free in Pennsylvania)
215-204-0452 (Voice)
Email: adolloff@temple.edu


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