Accommodation Quiz Answers

  1. The average workplace accommodation costs an employer thousands of dollars.

False. There are very few pieces of assistive technology that are in this price range. An ergonomic keyboard might cost $50. Custom modifications to an existing workstation might be $100. Even high-tech voice recognition software can be under $100. Some accommodations, like lighting or desk position, are free. Typically, these expenditures pay for themselves within a few weeks, thanks to the employee’s improved productivity. Consider tax credits in the equation and accommodations are a no-brainer. More information on available tax credits and deductions.

  1. Employers are required to provide assistive technology to any of their employees who can benefit.

False. While the law does require employers to offer reasonable accommodations, this is only for the specific group of workers (those with disabilities). Of course, if an accommodation at work could improve an employee’s safety, comfort, or productivity, we think a reasonable employer would look into for any employee.

  1. There are legal ways for some employers to avoid paying for assistive technology.

True. There are some exemptions provided by the law. For instance, a small business with a very old building might be "grandfathered" so that they would not have to provide (via elevator or ramp) second-floor access to, say, an employee who uses a wheelchair. Many smart employers, though, take the initiative to go beyond the law’s requirements and accommodate the needs of the staff (and customers); they are rewarded, not only with tax credits, but with improved productivity as well.

  1. Employers have difficulty with assistive technology because it is a new concept.

False. Although "assistive technology" is a relatively new term, the concept of improving people’s functional capacities with technology is not so new. Think about eyeglasses; this piece of assistive technology has been improving vision of people with visual impairments for over 500 years!

  1. If an employer and an employee with a disability think an accommodation could be helpful, they can try it out for free before purchasing.

True. Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) maintains a large Assistive Technology Lending Library. Thousands of devices and software packages are available for free trial loan periods to Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Before investing in unknown accommodations, it may be reasonable to explore some options.

  1. The Sierra Group Academy prepares job-seekers to utilize accommodations in the workplace for maximum comfort, safety, and productivity.

True. Not only do we integrate assistive technology into its curriculum, but we can provide set-up and support of accommodations once job-seekers reach the workplace.

If you scored…

1-2… Uh-oh! Sit down and read the Assistive Technology Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

3-4… Not bad. If you have some free time, learn a little more about Employment Incentives.

5-6… Nicely done. Maybe you should be the one writing this quiz. Seriously, email the Foundation with "Accommodation Quiz" in the subject line and let us know a good true/false question to add.