Programs

Assistive Technology Program

The mission of the Assistive Technology Program is to provide needs assessment, procurement, and integration support services to impact the awareness and utilization of assistive technology and increase access to USDA electronic and information technology. The Assistive Technology Program is responsible for the following:

1. Conducts needs assessments for USDA employees with disabilities.
2. Supports the Department of Defense Computer Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) Partnership by processing assistive technology requests for employees with disabilities.
3. Provides demonstrations and resources related to assistive technology.
4. Supports agency integration and interoperability requirements for assistive technology devices, such as videophones.
5. Provides technology to increase communication access for attendees with disabilities at USDA events in the Jefferson Auditorium and other venues within the National Capital Region.
6. Implements a temporary scooter loan program for USDA employees with short-term injuries.

Accessible Communications Program

The mission of the Accessible Communications Program is to facilitate and support a variety of effective communication needs for all USDA employees and visitors with disabilities nationwide. The Accessible Communications Program is responsible for the following:

1. Assesses and recommends communication solutions for individuals with disabilities at USDA points of service.
2. Provides resources and training related to accessible communication within the workplace.
3. Provides guidance on securing sign language interpreting, CART and TypeWell transcription services.
4. Supports the acquisition of interpreting services with a helpdesk capability to provide assistance in troubleshooting and solutions to known problems.
5. Supports USDA multi-media creators and meeting/event planners to provide visual accessible captioning, audio description, and other types of accessible communication to promote pathways in effectively communicating with individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
6. Provides alternative formats of print communication to support USDA Agencies in disseminating information to the public.

Ergonomics Program

The mission of the Ergonomics Program is to provide needs assessments and equipment modification recommendations to increase the safety of USDA employees, including employees with disabilities and the prevention of secondary disabling conditions. The Ergonomics Program is responsible for the following:

1. Conducts ergonomic needs assessments.
2. Demonstrates ergonomic equipment and best practices.
3. Facilitates ergonomic chair fittings.
4. Provides information related to ergonomics.

Education Program

The mission of the Education Program is to foster program use of innovative methods to effectively teach customers around the world regarding the impact of accessibility, ergonomics, and universal design in the workplace and at USDA points-of-service. The Education Program is responsible for the following:

1. Ensures all educational programs illustrate the impact of accessibility and ergonomics in the workplace.
2. Provides training and education, including the demonstration of assistive technology, to increase management understanding of the effectiveness of individuals with disabilities in today’s workforce.
3. Provides training and education to increase USDA awareness of safe and healthy work practices.
4. Develops, promotes, and manages a roster of Educational Event offerings from the TARGET Center.
5. Curates educational content on the TARGET Center website, through social media outlets, and on the TARGET Digital Display System.
6. Utilizes technology to deliver cost-effective training to employees worldwide.
7. Enhances the reputation of USDA as an employer of choice by participating in external assistive technology and disability-related conferences and events.
8. Supports agencies in planning, acquisitions, and conferences to ensure accessibility for employees and visitors.