Affiliations: Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports, 1314 West Main St., PO Box
842011, Richmond, VA 23284-2011, USA. Tel.: +1 804 828 1851; Fax: +1 804 828
2193; E-mail: jbarcus@saturn.vcu.edu; psherron@atlas.vcu.edu
Abstract: It comes as no surprise to people with significant disabilities that
getting and keeping a job can be a challenge. For some people with physical,
sensory, or cognitive disabilities that limit their ability to function, day to
day life often requires them to seek assistance with routine activities such as
working, dressing, going to the bathroom, preparing meals, and other activities
that are easily performed by people without disabilities. Personal Assistance
Services, which are modifications of equipment or alterations of the workplace,
often make it possible for a qualified person with a disability to do the same
job as everyone else but in a slightly different way. The role and function of
PAS in the workplace provides an important tool to employers for increasing
access to a major labor pool – individuals with significant disabilities. A
chief business benefit will be dedicated, dependable and productive
employees.
Keywords: Personal Assistance Services, work supports, reasonable accommodations, work site modifications, assistive technology, Personal Assistant, employer concerns, employment, disability
