Friday, January 28, 2011

Resource of the Week


Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR)
http://askjan.org/soar/index.htm

Ever worked with someone who you think is an excellent job candidate, but because of their disability, you feel helpless about finding the right job for them? Well, here's the resource to provide a little bit of hope in the scenario -- or at least some options you may have not already considered: accommodations. The DPN has posted a number of Resource of the Week posts about Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and that is just because they are that good. SOAR, or the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource, is a wonderful resource provided free by JAN and it should be your first stop when faced with the previously described situation.

Let's consider someone who has a back condition that inhibits them from reaching overhead. SOAR suggests a 4-step process which includes 1) surveying materials and supplies 2) rearranging storage areas 3) raising or lifting the individual 4) considering products like lifts, reachers and ladders. If you have any question about the accommodations, you can speak with a JAN consultant that offers technical assistance about the job accommodations and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Resource of the Week



San Francisco Food Bank -- Emergency Food Box Program
http://www.sffoodbank.org/programs/get_food.html

In these tough times, we can all use some extra help. As the DPN, we know that everyone faces barriers they must overcome sometimes before making the step towards employment and today we look at our most important basic need: food. The San Francisco Food Bank has a crucial, but little-utilized program called the Emergency Food Box program. This program allows people in emergency food situations to obtain assistance in the form of a food box with a three-day supply for food. They also receive along with referrals for long-term food needs. The boxes are an emergency supply and individuals can receive it once in any one year span. Sounds good, right?

To request an emergency food box for a customer, contact their social worker if they have one. If not, call 2-1-1 to find out the nearest pick-up location. Evictions, cut of stolen benefits, unemployment, sudden illnesses, domestic violence, or release from prison are all emergency situations that your job-seekers may be facing. This type of resource can be a huge relief in a time of challenging circumstances and help address basic needs so that they can move towards employment.