Disability and the Workplace

Ergonomics Consultants at Labor and Industries provide prevention-oriented assistance to employers. Occupational and Physical Therapists provide job modification assistance in the event of an industrial injury.

When workers have limitations that are not part of a workers' compensation claim (for example, personal automobile accident) and these limitations are affecting job performance, the Job Accommodation Network and the Americans with Disabilities Act resources can provide valuable assistance.

Note: The information on this page is intended as guidance and does not establish or recommend policy.

Job Modifications

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If you are seeking assistance to modify a job when a disabling condition is due to a work-related injury, please see the L&I FAQ on Job Modifications (116 KB PDF).

For ideas on job modifications, check out these resources:

Labor and Industries' Ideas Bank.

Oregon's Worksite Modification Digest (8 MB PDF 23 min.)

Oregon OSHA's ergonomic publications.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Disability Resources

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

ADA Home Page: Federal information and technical assistance on the ADA.

JAN Job Accommodation Network (800-ADA-WORK): a phone consultation service and computer database provided by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy to facilitate the employment and retention of workers with disabilities.

Access Board: Federal agency providing assistance on accessible design for buildings, transportation, and equipment.

Disabilitygov: posts links to information from a variety of sources on Twitter.

Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) Northwest: Local resource offering free consultation on questions regarding compliance with the ADA.

Agriculture

National AgrAbility Project: Assists farmers, ranchers and farm workers with disabilities. Includes tip sheets and assistive technology resources.

Anthropometrics

Anthropometrics for adults and children with disabilities

Assistive Technology

Washington Assistive Technology Act Program: Addresses assistive technology needs for Washingtonians. Makes devices and services available through demonstration and consultation.

Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DO_IT): University of Washington based group promoting the use of computer and networking technologies to increase independence, productivity, and participation in education and employment.

AbleData: Information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources.

Disability Resource Directory: Directory of assistive technology programs and products.
Assistive Technology Resource Center: Disability, Assistive Technology, Ergonomic and other resources lists.

Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP): Provides assistive technology and services to people with disabilities, Federal managers, supervisors, IT professionals, and Wounded Services Members.

Blind and Visually Impaired

Washington State Department of Services for the Blind: Services for individuals and employers, including Job Site Accommodation and Technical Assistance.
National Federation of the Blind

Deaf and Hearing Impaired

National Association of the Deaf: Advocacy and information for the deaf and hearing impaired.
Hearing Loss Association of Washington: Local resources for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA): Support and information on communication and technology.

Disability Employment

Disability Resource Center: Roles, rights and responsibilities in the field of disability employment policy. Resource library includes information about ergonomics.

General Disability Information

Disabilitygov: Links to information from a variety of sources posted on Twitter.