30-Second Employer Training Series

1. What are some examples of accommodations that would benefit all of my employees? 30-Second Employer Training Series This training series is a tool kit for employers to understand why it makes good business sense to hire and retain individuals with disabilities. Click here to begin: Training series originally developed by NDI Consulting Inc., national technical assistance provider to the Disability Program Navigator initiative. Customized by the Maryland Department of Disabilities through Medicaid Infrastructure Grant funding from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare CFDA 93.768.

2. What are some examples of accommodations that would benefit all of my employees, including both those with and without disabilities? Offering “Flex-Time” and “Job-Share” as options to support the demands of employees’ lifestyles (e.g. family, medical, etc). Instituting elements of “Universal Design” in the workplace. Providing ergonomic assessments and implementing reasonable accommodations. All of the Above.

3. True! But there is more… Offering Flex-time and Job-Share are cost-effective ways in which employers can accommodate their valued employees; talent you might otherwise lose to the competing demands of family and medical needs, travel or professional development opportunities. These strategies have been proven to maximize efficiency and increase productivity in the workforce, while improving the morale of workers and reducing employee turnover. Try Again!

4. True… The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities. For more information on universal design, click here. TTY phone Ergonomic keyboard Universally Accessible Office Space Please try again for the best answer!

5. Good idea… Ergonomics commonly refers to designing work environments for maximizing safety and efficiency. Recently, U.S. laws requiring a safe work environment have stimulated great interest in Ergonomics - from ergonomic furniture to ergonomic training. But it is in the design of the workplace as a whole where the greatest impact can be seen for both safety and efficiency. The easier it is to do a job, the more likely it is to see gains in productivity due to greater efficiency. Please try again for the best answer!

6. CORRECT! Offering Flex-time and Job-Share are cost-effective ways in which employers can accommodate their valued employees; talent you might otherwise lose to the competing demands of family and medical needs, travel or professional development opportunities. The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Ergonomics commonly refers to designing work environments for maximizing safety and efficiency. Universal design and ergonomics can address both of these issues concurrently by maximizing the workspace and equipment needed to do a job. Any or all of these strategies can be utilized to promote a more accessible and accommodating workplace that attracts and keeps talented workers and reduces employee turnover. Click here for resources and further information:

7. Resources Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Disability Employment Resource Page For extensive resources on reasonable accommodations, visit the Job Accommodations Network (JAN). For information on Universal Design, visit ODEP’s website. For extensive national resources pertinent to telework, visit Telework Exchange. ______________________________________________________________________ The Maryland Department of Transportation offers free professional telework consulting services to Maryland employers. Click here for information. For resources in Maryland, visit the Resources page of www.mdworkmatters.org. Maryland Department of Disabilities Fact Sheets: How can I get resources for reasonable accommodation requests? Need Help Accommodating Employees and Customers with Disabilities? Quick Tips: Job Seekers & Employees with Disabilities The Benefits of Allowing Employees to Telework

8. Join Maryland’s Work Matters Business Partnership, a network of innovative, socially responsible businesses focused on profitability and productivity. employer@mdod.state.md.us (410) 767-3660