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BACKGROUND: The experience of disability and of how work is conducted in the American economy is undergoing new shifts in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic This unique space in time provides an opportunity to re-examine the importance of universal design (UD) as a way to respond to a workforce that is growing more diverse and living longer with disabilities UD is a set of strategies that creates places and resources that are accessible to all and considers the needs and wants of people from the outset Through the use of UD, work environments can be more accessible and useable to all employees OBJECTIVE: This article describes the changes in the experience of disability within the context of COVID-19 and defines UD and UD for learning principles We then consider how UD reduces stigma and reduces the need for individual accommodations while promoting inclusivity and improving productivity in the workplace CONCLUSION: We offer strategies for embedding UD into vocational rehabilitation from pre-professional training to practice, all with a new sense of urgency and opportunity that is present as a result of COVID-19 © 2021 - IOS Press All rights reserved

BackgroundIn this study, investigators examined the employment discrimination experiences of older workers (55 and over) with multiple sclerosis (MS) in comparison to younger adult workers with MS.ObjectiveTo examine age as a differential indicator of demographic characteristics of the Charging Parties, the discrimination issues alleged to occur, and the legal outcome of allegation investigations.MethodsThe study utilized data from the Integrated Mission System of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).ResultsFindings indicate that allegations filed by older Charging Parties with MS were more likely to come from Whites and Native Americans/Alaskan Natives. Allegations filed by older Charging Parties were less likely to come from African Americans. Allegations filed by older workers were less likely to involve reasonable accommodations and more likely to involve issues related to demotion. No significant differences were observed related to the types of case resolutions between the two groups.ConclusionsResults suggest that many of the workplace discrimination experiences of people with MS are common across age groups, indicating that the very presence of MS is likely the most salient factor in the discrimination experiences of Americans with MS. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

In this article we present the results of a needs assessment evaluating the employment-based needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), from the perspectives of self-advocates, their families and care givers, and IDD service providers in a primarily rural state. Participants were recruited through statewide distribution of a questionnaire about key issues and barriers to employment. A total of 467 adults participated. Employment was identified as a top concern across the groups. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the qualitative comments provided by respondents about their employment needs. The results were generally consistent with prior research among Americans with IDD, in that employer expectations, transportation barriers, disability benefits, limited opportunities to develop employment skills, and broader economic factors influencing the community were identified as key issues. However, the results demonstrate the magnified impact of these barriers in rural areas, particularly rural areas facing economic challenges. The results of this needs assessment are discussed in terms of the broad national implications, and in terms of the local process of engaging multiple stakeholder groups to identify potential solutions.

Students with physical and learning disabilities are choosing to continue their education beyond high school in ever increasing numbers. The quality of education received by these students can be impacted by the knowledge and responsiveness of their postsecondary institution to disability issues. A Web-based survey was conducted at one southeastern land grant university to ascertain: current knowledge levels of eight general disability topics relevant to higher education; ability to obtain services when needed; and day-to-day experiences staff have with people with disabilities. A total of 2130 staff (11 .4% of the total staff employed by the university) representing administrators, instructional employees, and auxiliary services participated in the survey. Results indicate staff have some basic knowledge but may lack access to specific resources when needed. Limitations of this survey methodology are discussed, as well as implications for rehabilitation professionals and researchers interested in Web-base surveying techniques that will build upon this study.