Adaptive Information Systems: Portals to Employment, Targeting the Physically andMentally Challenged

摘要

This thesis assesses and provides a critical evaluation of reasonableaccommodations in the telecommunications and information systems technologies for people with disabilities at the Naval Postgraduate School. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 established a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. As barriers to access are removed, more people with disabilities are taking their rightful places as contributing members of society. This research has provided an assessment of the Naval Postgraduate School's compliance with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act in providing reasonable accommodations. Areas where information systems and telecommunications products and services are not fully accessible by faculty, staff or students with a disability were identified. This research provided recommendations to assist NPS faculty, staff and managers of Automated Information Systems providing Assistive Technologies Support Services and Devices. Outside resources were identified that can assist the Naval Postgraduate School by providing the expertise, education, and training on the issues dealing with reasonable accommodations in the workplace. The lessons learned are applicable to all Department of Defense activities.