Assistive Tech Tidings
Santa's elves used this type of software to help clients with dyslexia read holiday stories aloud.
What is text-to-speech software?
An employee with a mobility impairment is scheduled to work at a holiday market booth with no ramp access. This law requires the employer to provide reasonable accommodations.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Before starting his new job at the toy factory, Jingle the Elf practiced this skill to help him arrive on time every day.
What is time management?
Frosty the Snowman needs help finding a job before he melts. What’s the first step in the VR process?
What is Intake?
Scrooge, a VRC, accepts a $200 airplane ticket to the North Pole from a participant.
What is Naughty? (creates a conflict of interest)
Frosty the Snowman uses this type of software to help clients with limited hand mobility control their computers using just their voice.
What is voice recognition software?
A client with PTSD is overwhelmed by loud music and flashing lights at the company holiday party. This type of accommodation could help them participate more comfortably.
What is a sensory-friendly environment or modifications to the event?
Holly the Elf had trouble working with others in Santa’s workshop. Her counselor helped her build this important workplace skill.
What is teamwork or interpersonal skills?
Santa wants to ensure his workshop is inclusive. What federal law requires reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities?
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Sharing Santa's success story on social media without his permission.
What is Naughty? (violates confidentiality)
To help a client with low vision wrap gifts, the elves recommend this type of magnification tool that can zoom in on fine details.
What is a CCTV (closed-circuit television) magnifier or digital magnifier?
A seasonal retail worker with a learning disability is struggling to keep up with fast-paced holiday transactions. This type of support could help them succeed on the job.
What is job coaching or task modification?
A client preparing for a holiday job interview practices answering questions about strengths and weaknesses. This is part of what type of training?
What is interview preparation or mock interviewing?
An elf is struggling to keep up with toy production due to a disability. What VR service might help them stay employed?
What is job coaching?
Rudolph, a VRC, excuses himself from a case where he has a personal relationship with the participant.
What is Nice? (Avoiding dual relationships is ethical.)
During a holiday job interview, this device helps a Deaf client communicate in real time with a remote interpreter.
What is a video relay service (VRS) or video remote interpreting (VRI)?
An employee with a chronic health condition needs time off for treatment during the busy holiday season. This federal law may protect their job while they’re away.
What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
A client is nervous about asking their supervisor for help during a busy shift. You role-play this type of communication skill.
What is self-advocacy or assertive communication?
Rudolph is applying for VR services. What document must he sign before his information can be shared with the reindeer team?
What is a consent form?
VRC gives The Grinch, a participant, a holiday gift to cheer him up.
What is Naughty? (dual relationships or conflicts of interest)
The reindeer team installed this type of environmental control unit so clients can turn on lights and appliances with voice commands—no magic required!
What is a smart home system or environmental control unit (ECU)?
A client with a traumatic brain injury is hired for a fast-paced holiday warehouse job but is struggling with memory and task sequencing. This type of accommodation could help them stay on track and succeed.
What is a visual schedule, task checklist, or cognitive support tool?
A client keeps forgetting their daily tasks at the holiday bakery. You suggest using this type of strategy to support independence and productivity.
What is a task list, daily planner, or memory aid?
The Grinch wants to appeal a VR decision. What policy ensures he has the right to do so?
What is Vocational Rehabilitation Appeals policy?
Frosty hires his cousin, Snowball, as a VR vendor without going through the proper process.
What is Naughty? (conflict of interest or favoritism)