Resources for JOBS- The Job Accomodation Network, JAN

Article by Jessica Patton, Employment Consultant Best Buddies Jobs

As an Employment Consultant for Best Buddies Jobs, I work daily with my JOBS participants to troubleshoot when there are questions regarding accommodations in the workplace.  But sometimes, we cannot figure out the best answer on our own.  That is where an amazing resource called JAN –Jobs Accommodation Network – comes in.  JAN is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy through the U.S. Department of Labor.  They offer free advice for employers, individuals, and agencies that support individuals with disabilities on questions regarding workforce accommodations or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

JAN is an extensive resource.  They provide an A-Z list of disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as physical disabilities.  JAN offers information about each disability including definitions, causes, and treatments.  For most disabilities, there is also detailed information about how a business can accommodate a person with that particular disability.  They offer questions to consider as well as suggestions for accommodations that are broken down by some of the most common needs of people with that disability.  Lastly, JAN offers descriptions of common situations as well as solutions that JAN has recommended.

JAN also provides SOAR, the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource.   This allows you to explore various accommodations for individuals in work or educational settings.  These are just ideas to get you thinking and are not inclusive of all accommodations that are available, nor all disabilities.  SOAR is a great place to get started in your research on accommodations.

If you need more information on how to provide or request an accommodation, one of the best resources from JAN is their free, confidential technical assistance hotline where you can speak with a JAN Consultant trained on accommodations and the ADA.  To reach JAN, call 800-526-7234, Monday through Friday from 6am-3pm, Pacific Standard Time.

You can also utilize this great resource by going to their website at http://askjan.org.

CALLING ALL KATY PERRY FANS – VIP CONCERT TICKETS EBAY AUCTION!

You and a friend can be VIPs at the Katy Perry Concert of your choice in the US, starting with her sold-out show at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on August 5th, 6th or 7th!  

At 6:00 pm pst on Wednesday, July 20, Best Buddies CA is going live on eBay with the Katy Perry Concert charity auction with two VIP tickets to a Katy Perry concert anywhere in the U.S. on Katy’s current tour. These are Katy’s personal seats and also include two passes to stand in the pit where a select crowd reaches a feverish pitch! For a list of upcoming tour dates, visit katyperry.com/tours.


Only U.S. tour dates are available, starting with Los Angeles at the Nokia Theater on August 5th, 6th, and 7th. Exact seat locations will not be known prior to the auction's end. Tickets will be left at Will Call. Transportation, parking, accommodations, and any other expenses are not included.

All proceeds from the auction will come to Best Buddies CA to support our programs to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through one-to-one friendships, leadership development and supported employment.

Find BBCA’s Katy Perry VIP tickets auction at 6:00 pm pst on Wednesday, July 20 at http://is.gd/bestbuddies.  Tell your friends and good luck bidding!