Open To Work
ANNETTE O. PAZ
Escondido,USA
Work Preference
Summary
- REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, EEO SPECIALIST & ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT
- US CITIZEN
- SCHEDULE A CERTIFIED JOB-READY APPLICANT PROVEN CAREER COMMITMENT to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Federal jobs. TWENTY- FIVE PLUS YEARS of progressive experience in assisting PWD in the public and private sectors to work independently by evaluating their needs, providing appropriate technology solutions, and facilitating effective and reasonable accommodation efforts. DEMONSTRATED PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE of all aspects of assistive technology theory and practice for PWD with broad spectrum of medically complex diagnoses. PROVEN ABILITY to apply new scientific or technological procedures to accommodate PWD in their work environment by resolving unusual / challenging reasonable accommodation requests. DEMONSTRATED SKILL in planning and carrying out complex evaluations and long or short-term treatment plans to foster independence and resumption of major job functions for PWD. EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its Amendments. AGENCY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT in Assistive Technology and CAP. PROVEN ABILITY to perform formal and informal evaluations in the area of physical, psychological, cognitive, perceptual motor, activities of daily living (ADLs), functional and adaptive skills, developmental processes, work and occupational role performance. DEMONSTRATED ABILITY to synthesize, analyze, and conceptualize the meaning of various tests and measures for use in assessing the specific needs of employees with disabilities. PROVEN ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS allowing effective performance and demonstration of new technologies effectively to Persons with Disabilities as well as teaching concepts and providing briefings to supervisors and staff. BROAD AND DEEP KNOWLEDGE of technologies available for Persons with Disabilities and proven experience in recommending purchase of appropriate devices and computer programs to effectively meet requests by Persons with Disabilities for reasonable accommodation. STRONG ADMINISTRATIVE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS. Received personal positive comments via DOL annual survey each year from 2013-2023. Recognized by DOL Civil Rights Director for customer service attributes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
ACCESSIBILITY/ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
Department of Labor
04.2013 - Current
- Company Overview: RESIDENT EXPERT on Assistive Technology, Reasonable Accommodation, and Ergonomics at the Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center, US Department of Labor (DOL), a nationally prominent Federal disability resource center.
- Ensure that all DOL employees receive appropriate accommodations in order to perform their primary position functions.
- Expertly oversee and execute wide range of needs assessments and assistive technology requests in close consultation with clients.
- SUCCESSFULLY PROCESSED DOL and CAP requests since 2013, ensuring that disabled DOL employees have the technology, training, services, items needed to perform their jobs.
- SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED over $4,200,000 of procurements utilizing the agency’s funding source 'Central Accommodation Funding' (CAF) since 2013.
- EFFECTIVELY CONDUCTED 1000+ needs assessments since 2006.
- CONSISTENTLY STRONG PERFORMER commended for strong job performance and excellent customer service.
- RESIDENT EXPERT on Assistive Technology, Reasonable Accommodation, and Ergonomics at the Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center, US Department of Labor (DOL), a nationally prominent Federal disability resource center.
- Responsible for major accommodations programs, including DOL/Central Accommodation Fund.
- Oversee and approve all procurement requests related to purchases of reasonable accommodation services, equipment, or software.
- Conduct research and analysis of Civil Rights statutes, regulations, and policies.
- Established effective communication channels with clients, understanding their specific challenges and tailoring solutions accordingly.
- Coordinated with vendors to procure necessary equipment while adhering to budgetary constraints or funding limitations.
- Championed the integration of assistive technology into organizational policies or curriculum, advocating for increased accessibility to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals.
- Liaised between clients and manufacturers regarding technical support issues, ensuring timely resolutions and continued satisfaction.
ACCESSIBILITY/ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
Manila Consulting
08.2006 - 04.2013
- Company Overview: TECHNICAL PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR and RESIDENT EXPERT on Assistive Technology, Reasonable Accommodation, and Ergonomics at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) TARGET Center, a nationally prominent Federal disability resource center.
- Ensure that all USDA employees receive appropriate accommodations in order to perform their primary position functions.
- SUCCESSFULLY PROCESSED 1,100+ CAP requests since 2006, ensuring that disabled USDA employees had the technology needed to perform their jobs.
- SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED $675,000+ of CAP spending on Assistive Technology Programs since 2006.
- EFFECTIVELY CONDUCTED 600+ needs assessments since 2006.
- TECHNICAL PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR and RESIDENT EXPERT on Assistive Technology, Reasonable Accommodation, and Ergonomics at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) TARGET Center, a nationally prominent Federal disability resource center.
- Managed needs assessment request from USDA Farm Service Agency supervisor of 150 field inspectors.
- Oversee and manage major accommodations programs, including USDA/CAP PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
DISABILITY ANALYST
New Editions Consulting
04.2006 - 09.2006
- Researched and answered questions regarding the Department of Transportation (DOT) pertaining to transportation or accommodation requests.
- Assisted with accommodations for DOT employees who met the requirements of DOT order 11001.1 of 1973 as amended.
- Provided ergonomic assessments to DOT employees on a one-on-one basis, or in a group session.
- Served as point of contact for the DOT/CAP Partnership for DOT in order to procure the appropriate Assistive Technology for persons with disabilities.
LEAD TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Foundation for Blind Children
01.2001 - 03.2006
- Performed assistive technology assessments for low-vision and blind clients.
- Trained adult clients to use assistive technology, including but not limited to: scanners with scanning software, speech output recognition software (JAWS, Kurzweil, WindowEyes).
- Managed all clerical functions for the Technology Department and Executive Assistant to the Technology Director.
Education
Business Management, Journalism
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LouisianaSkills
- Adaptive equipment expertise
- Special education collaboration
- Universal design principles
- Client advocacy
Affiliations
- American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
- Section 508 Accessibility Professionals
- National Association of Professional Women
- Past Board Member for Foundation for Blind Children (non-profit)
- Hearing Loss Association of America
- Arthritis Foundation
Languages
Spanish
Software And Computer Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel)
- Dragon Naturally Speaking
- JAWS
- ZoomText
- Magic
- SuperNova
- Lunar
- Easy Converter
- Easy Tutor
- Read and Write Gold
- Duxbury
- Kurzweil 1000 and 3000
- Omnipage
- OpenBook
Personal Information
Nationality: US CITIZEN
Awards
- Federal Service Award 2006, 2011, 2016, 2020, 2022
- Finalist, Employee of the Year, 2005
- Employee of the Quarter, 2004
- Employee of the Quarter, 2003
Training
- Managing Emotions in the Workplace Victims, Villains and Heroes, 2012
- Self-Employment Strategies for Persons with Disabilities, 2012
- Transforming Traditional Learning and Development, 2012
- Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace, 2012
- Current Events in Accommodations, 2011
- Access, Employment and Learning Technology, 2011
- I am a Disability Employment Program Manager, now what?, 2010
- ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility, 2010
- Conversational American Sign Language, 2008
- Section 508 testing, 2008
Timeline
ACCESSIBILITY/ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
Department of Labor
04.2013 - Current
ACCESSIBILITY/ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
Manila Consulting
08.2006 - 04.2013
DISABILITY ANALYST
New Editions Consulting
04.2006 - 09.2006
LEAD TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Foundation for Blind Children
01.2001 - 03.2006
Business Management, Journalism
Louisiana State University
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