SERVICES

Are you having issues with requesting ADA accommodations from your employer? We’re here to help. Our case review services include:

• Personalized Consultation: One-on-one consultations to understand your specific situation and challenges.

• Expert Guidance: Professional advice on how to effectively request and negotiate ADA accommodations with your employer.

• Documentation Assistance: Help with preparing and organizing the necessary documentation to support your accommodation requests.

• Advocacy Support: Advocacy to ensure your rights are protected and your needs are met.

Vocational Rehabilitation Assessment evaluates an individual's skills, interests, and limitations to determine their suitability for various employment opportunities. It includes:

• Career Interests and Goals: Identifies the individual's interests, strengths, and career aspirations.

• Skills and Abilities: Assesses current job skills, educational background, and physical or cognitive abilities.

• Barriers to Employment: Examines any obstacles, such as disability or health issues, that may impact job performance.

• Work History: Reviews previous employment experiences and achievements.

• Job Readiness: Evaluates the individual's preparedness for the workforce, including resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.

This assessment aims to create a tailored plan that supports the individual's return to work or career development, addressing any challenges and leveraging their strengths to achieve successful employment outcomes.

Worksite Evaluation assesses a workplace to determine how well it accommodates an employee's needs, especially if they have a disability or specific limitations. It includes:

• Job Task Analysis: Reviews the essential duties and physical demands of the job.

• Workplace Environment: Examines the physical layout, equipment, and safety features of the worksite.

• Employee Needs: Identifies any accommodations or modifications needed to support the employee’s performance and safety.

• Compliance: Ensures that the worksite meets legal requirements for accessibility and workplace accommodations.

This goal is to make recommendations that improve the employee’s ability to perform their job effectively and comfortably while ensuring a safe and compliant work environment.

If you have experienced harassment, discrimination, or a hostile work environment, Deaf Rehabilitation Services, LLC (DRS) offers a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and provide valuable insights.

DRS has extensive experience serving as Vocational Experts for both plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving:

• Wrongful Termination

• Disability Discrimination/ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Cases

Our vocational evaluation includes a comprehensive record review, vocational diagnostic interview, work and transferable skills analysis, and, when necessary, testing to determine an individual’s ability to perform gainful work activity and their earning capacity in the local labor market. Additionally, we may conduct a Labor Market Survey to document the availability of job openings in the geographical area.

This vocational evaluation aids both plaintiff and defense attorneys in assessing the impact of wrongful termination on an individual's earning capability post-incident. As part of the assessment, we perform research on job openings and wages for available positions using government and local sources.

Deaf Needs Assessment evaluates the specific needs and accommodations required for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It involves:

• Communication Preferences: Identifies the individual’s preferred methods of communication, such as sign language, lip-reading, or assistive listening devices.

• Accessibility Needs: Assesses the need for accommodations like captioning, interpreters, or assistive technology in various settings (e.g., work, education, public services).

• Social and Emotional Support: Evaluates support systems and resources for social integration and mental health.

• Educational and Vocational Goals: Examines the individual’s educational and career aspirations and the support needed to achieve them.

This assessment aims to ensure that the individual's communication and accessibility needs are met, enabling them to fully participate in all areas of life.

Upon the job search recommendation, the following activities are completed as needed to enhance and facilitate the individual's potential employability:

• Prospecting for job leads

• Registering at the Job Service Office/Career One Stop Center for free assistance

• Selecting appropriate interviewing attire

• Completing job applications

• Developing interviewing skills, with special emphasis on highlighting abilities rather than disabilities

• Writing resumes, cover letters, and thank you letters

The individual is expected to actively engage in job-seeking activities. Aggressive follow-up with prospective employers, the Job Service Office/Career One Stop Center, and the individual is essential to ensure compliance with the plan.

Independent Living Assessment (ILA) is a comprehensive evaluation designed to determine an individual's ability to live independently and manage daily activities without significant support. This assessment typically focuses on various life skills, including:

• Personal Care: Evaluates the individual's ability to manage personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, and other self-care tasks.

• Household Management: Assesses skills related to cooking, cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe and functional living environment.

• Financial Management: Examines the person's ability to budget, handle money, pay bills, and manage financial resources.

• Health Management: Reviews the individual's capability to manage medications, schedule and attend medical appointments, and follow healthcare recommendations.

• Transportation: Looks at the ability to navigate public transportation, drive safely, or arrange alternative transportation methods.

• Communication Skills: Evaluates the ability to effectively communicate needs, understand instructions, and interact socially.

• Safety Awareness: Assesses the person's awareness of potential hazards, ability to respond to emergencies, and understanding of safety protocols.

• Community Involvement: Examines the ability to participate in community activities, access community resources, and maintain social connections.

A Transferable Skills Analysis identifies skills that can be applied across different jobs or industries. It includes:

• Skill Inventory: Catalogs the individual’s current skills, such as problem-solving, communication, or project management.

• Contextual Application: Examines how these skills have been used in previous roles and how they can be adapted to new settings.

• Relevance Assessment: Determines the relevance of these skills to potential new careers or job opportunities.

• Gap Identification: Identifies any additional skills needed for a successful transition to a new role or industry.

The goal is to highlight and leverage existing skills to facilitate career transitions and enhance employability in various fields.

Labor Market Research involves analyzing data and trends related to employment and job markets. It includes:

• Job Demand: Identifies in-demand occupations, industries, and the growth or decline in job opportunities.

• Wages and Salaries: Examines compensation trends, salary ranges, and benefits for various roles and industries.

• Employment Trends: Analyzes factors like unemployment rates, job market fluctuations, and emerging employment patterns.

• Skills and Qualifications: Assesses the skills and qualifications required for different jobs and identifies gaps between supply and demand.

• Regional Differences: Looks at geographical variations in job availability and market conditions.

The research helps guide career planning, job search strategies, and workforce development by providing insights into current and future job market conditions.