DOD - FEMA Partnership on Reasonable Accomodation
Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program Partners with Federal Emergency Management Agency
Washington, DC -- March 21, 2001, The Federal Emergency Management Agency signed an interagency agreement with the Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) on February 27, 2001 making its employees eligible for CAP services. This agreement is currently in place until September 20, 2001. Providing real solutions for real needs to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to the information environment and opportunities in the Federal Government is the CAP mission. On October 30, 2000, the National Defense Authorization Bill granted CAP the authority to "provide assistive technology, devices, and services to any department or agency in the Federal Government upon the request of the head of the agency."
CAP will provide services including: solutions for current Federal Emergency Management Agency employee requirements, retention issues including Workers' Compensation and accommodations for telecommuters, ensuring public access to Human Resource/EEO Offices and Training Centers as well as future employee requirements. CAP will also assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency with adhering to Federal Legislation including Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Executive Orders 13163 and 13164 which mandate the hiring of 100,000 persons with disabilities in the Federal government and require the establishment of accommodations procedures.
CAP pays for and provides a wide variety of assistive technology for people with hearing, visual, dexterity, cognitive or communication disabilities. Frequently requested accommodation solutions include teletypewriters (TTY's), captioning for training videos, print enlargers, screen readers, alternative keyboards, pointing devices, and speech recognition software. CAP also funds sign language interpreters, readers, and personal assistants for Federal employees needing to attend technology related training sessions.
The process for customers to identify and request accommodations from CAP is simple. First, a needs assessment is conducted to identify accommodations suitable for an individual's specific situation. CAP works with employees and their supervisors in order to conduct a proper needs assessment. Following the completion of the needs assessment, a two page CAP Request Form is completed and submitted via mail, fax, or e-mail to FEMA's Office of Equal Rights. The request is also coordinated with the Information Technology Services Directorate to ensure compatibility with FEMA systems. The request is then forwarded to the CAP Office. If the accommodation is appropriate, the equipment is ordered within 7 to 10 days and shipped directly to the individual.
CAP also maintains the CAP Technology Evaluation Center (CAPTEC) where employees and their supervisors can evaluate and become familiar with assistive technology and facilitate the process of choosing the appropriate equipment. CAPTEC, located in the Pentagon, Room 2A259, contains several computer workstations equipped with a wide variety of technology designed to accommodate persons with disabilities. In addition, CAPTEC hosts equipment demonstration days highlighting specific technologies throughout the year.
Although CAP focuses on purchasing assistive technology for employees with disabilities, CAP also supports other Federal employment initiatives and services. Among the employment initiatives, CAP provides assistive technology to students within the Workforce Recruitment Program, employees participating in the Flexiplace/Telecommuting program, and beneficiaries of Workers' Compensation. In addition, CAP serves as a resource for Section 508 compliance.
The CAP office is available to answer any disability or accommodation related questions. The CAP staff will work with individuals to ensure compliance with Federal laws and to assist in creating a more accessible information environment within the Federal government. CAP supports the Federal goal of increasing employment of and retaining persons with disabilities and is committed to making the Federal workplace a productive and healthy environment for all employees. CAP is recognized by many as a model program in the Federal government and is a recipient of former Vice President Gore's Hammer Award. For further information, please contact at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Jacqueline Richards at 202-646-4101 or CAP at 703-681-8813 (Voice/TTY). CAP's electronic mail address is cap@tma.osd.mil, and the CAP web site is www.tricare.osd.mil/cap.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 21-Mar-2006 08:56:49 EST