Jan Job People Disabilities Eslpod Accommodation Network Knowledge

The United States Department of Labor created the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) in 1983. JAN is a "technical assistance center" (a place where people seek help from trained professionals with specialized knowledge) that helps workers with "disabilities" (physical or mental conditions that limit a person's actions or ability to think clearly).

JAN provides information to employers as well as people with disabilities and their family members. Much of the information is related to "job accommodations," or technology, equipment, and ways in which jobs can be changed so that they can be performed by someone with a disability. For example, someone who is "visually impaired" (unable to see well) might have a large computer monitor that "magnifies" (increases the size of) text so that he or she can read and use a computer. This is an example of a job accommodation, but other jobs are actually "modified" (changed). For example, a job that would normally require "lifting" (moving objects upward) may be changed to "accommodate" (make room for; adapt to) someone with a disability who cannot lift heavy items.

JAN also helps people with disabilities become "entrepreneurs" (people who start and own their own business). JAN provides "expertise" (detailed and in-depth knowledge) in small business development, financial planning, marketing, and other areas that are "essential" (extremely important or required) for starting a new business.

The "enactment" (making into law) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 resulted in an increase in demand for JAN's services. Today, JAN "fields" (receives and handles) more than 50,000 "inquiries" (requests for information) each month.