Collaborations and Partnerships: Infusing AT into

Work and the Community –The Pennsylvania Assistive

Technology and Employment Collaborative

Disability Rights Network of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania’s Initiative on

Assistive Technology2009 Annual Conference of AT Act Programs

April 21, 2009

2

The Pennsylvania Collaborative

• Funding – U.S. Department of Labor• Objective – Statewide collaborative to promote

workplace assistive technology through outreach, training, and technical assistance

• Lead partners – Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (Protection and Advocacy) (lead organization) and Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (statewide Assistive Technology Act program) (co-manager)

• Outcomes – 127 trained, outreach to 8300, training and outreach tools

3

Lesson 1: Form a Diverse Collaborative

• Critical elements:– Pre-planning with key partners

– Recruitment of members• Disability groups• Government• Business and Industry

4

Lesson 2: EnsureEqual Participation

• Stress the common purpose• Have “something” to build on• Generate specific activities together

– Mutual investment– Members contribute an array of resources,

networks, and ideas to create and execute statewide activities

• Write a mission statement together to guide activities

5

Lesson 2: EnsureEqual Participation

• “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 our 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.”

6

Lesson 3: Plan for Sustainability

• Create lasting tools (training materials, website)

• Create an identity (letterhead, press releases, letters to legislators)

• Measure impact/outcomes through a variety of methods

• Identify employment policy and advocacy opportunities

7

Lesson 3: Plan for Sustainability

• Commitment from lead partners to continue to support activities with funding from other relevant programs

• Commitment from Collaborative members for continued participation

8

Collaboration: Using the Tools

• The tools we created and how we used them for outreach, training, and technical assistance

• Materials are accessible

• Most of the materials to be discussed can be found at:http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/atwork/

9

Tool Number 1: Website

• Main Page: – Pennsylvania Assistive Technology and Employment

Collaborative: Introduction to the Collaborative– Providing Awareness, Education, and Training: How

the Collaborative can assist employers and others– Members of the Collaborative: Information about and

links to each Collaborative member– Resources– Contact: For more information or to inquire about or

to arrange a training

10

Tool Number 1: Website

• Resources Page:– News Articles about Assistive Technology and

Employment– Information Especially for Employers– Assistive Technology at Work Training Manual– Videos (including Imagine the Possibilities)– Guides to Assistive Technology and Employment– Related Publications– Presentations and Upcoming Events– Contact

• Share materials – amy.goldman@temple.edu

11

Tool Number 2: Training Manual

• Introduction: Materials for Train-the-Trainer (1/2 day session) and presenters

• PowerPoint Slides: 30-, 60-, and 90-minute presentations (sample agenda also included)

• Assistive Technology Activities: Principles of adult learning utilized

• Pennsylvania Employment Resources: Materials from Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and Collaborative members

12

Tool Number 2: Training Manual

• Participant Handouts: Workplace Technologies for People with Disabilities (Illinois Assistive Technology Program), Disability Etiquette booklet (United Spinal Association)

• Training Forms: “All you need to replicate this training” – customizable flier, sign-in sheet, follow-up contact form, training summary form, training survey and evaluation forms, letterhead

13

Tool Number 2: Training Manual

• Additional Resources for Employers: Hire Heroes USA, U.S. Department of Labor Employment Checklist, Small Employers and Reasonable Accommodation, JAN Fact Sheets, Principles of Universal Design, and other materials

• Recommended Assistive Technology Devices from the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Lending Library

14

Tool Number 3:Train-the-Trainer

• For all Collaborative members interested in participating as part of the Collaborative training team

• Also for representatives from other agencies/organizations who commit to training others

• Additional session scheduled for June 2009 in Pittsburgh

15

Tool Number 4: Employer Training

• Promoted by all Collaborative members• Outreach to Society for Human Resource

Management, Chambers of Commerce, and others

• Pennsylvania Business Leadership Network key member in outreach

• Trainings conducted jointly by two or more Collaborative members

• Outcomes follow up through online survey tool

16

Tool Number 5: Training Others

• Sessions at statewide conferences, including, but not limited to, Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council Conference, Pennsylvania Partners Conference (workforce development professionals)

• Conducted jointly by two or more Collaborative members

17

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania

• Website: www.drnpa.org

• Offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh: 800-692-7443 (Voice) or 877-375-7139 (TTY)

• PAAT Project Director:Chava Kintisch, Esq., 215-238-8070 ext. 210 (Voice)ckintisch@drnpa.org (Email)

• PABSS Project Director: Jennifer Garman, Esq., 717-236-8110 ext. 327 (Voice) jgarman@drnpa.org (Email)

18

Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology

• Website: http://disabilities.temple.edu

• Main Office: Temple University, Philadelphia; subcontracted regional Assistive Technology Resource Centers across the state

• Main Telephone Number: (in-state toll-free) 800-204-PIAT (7428) (Voice), 866-268-0579 (TTY), 215-204-1356 (Voice/TTY), ATinfo@temple.edu (Main Email)

• Assistive Technology Act Program Director:Amy Goldman, 215-204-3862 (Voice) amy.goldman@temple.edu (Email)