This workshop builds on the presentation “Workplace Accommodations that Work for You: Resources and Strategies to Navigate the Interactive Process,” guiding participants in developing an action plan to identify and request future job interview accommodations. After recapping the highlights of the presentation, we will provide a more in-depth modeling of how to leverage resources like the Job Accommodation Network to prepare for making accommodations requests. Participants will get the opportunity to practice developing accommodations requests scripts in different media (email, conversation). They will also discover strategies for navigating pushback and complications within the interactive process by practicing responding to an array of scenarios. By the end of the workshop, participants will have the framework for completing their own customized action plan for productively navigating the workplace accommodations process.
Presenter Bio:
Aley O’Mara, PhD, is the training coordinator for SUNY Empire’s Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES). With CAARES, they develop education and resources for implementing Universal Design for creating neurodiversity-affirming experiences in education, the workplace, and beyond. Their work is informed by neurodiversity research, critical neurodiversity studies, and significant lived experience navigating accessibility as a multiply disabled worker. Beyond CAARES, they also chair the statewide Disability Rights and Concerns Committee for United University Professions and serve as a founding member of a disability community organization in Central New York.
Melissa (Missy) Zgliczynski has over 18 years of experience working in accessibility services. She has served in her current position as Director of Accessibility Resources and Services at Empire State University for eight years. In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services. In addition to providing accommodations and resources for students, the office is also focused on advancing and supporting leadership and student engagement opportunities for students with disabilities. Additionally, the office provides virtual and in-person professional development for faculty and staff on topics related to supporting students with disabilities. For example, in July 2024, Missy and the office’s Assistant Director presented at the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) national conference on “Collaboration Across the Miles.” Missy strongly believes that disability should be viewed and valued as form of diversity.
Andrea Piazza brings nearly 20 years of experience supporting students with disabilities. In her role as Assistant Director in the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services, she works one-on-one with students to explore their strengths, navigate barriers, and determine reasonable accommodations that promote access and support their learning. Andrea is committed to student empowerment. She meets students where they are, helping them build on their prior experiences, strengthen their abilities, and gain the confidence needed to succeed both during and beyond their university experience. She organizes a monthly virtual student affinity group called Beyond Barriers, offering a safe and welcoming space where all students can connect and talk openly about disability-related topics. She has collaborated with colleagues to develop and deliver presentations for faculty, staff, and student audiences at the university, state, and national conferences. Her presentations have centered on the implementation of Universal Design for Learning, supporting neurodivergent students across academic environments, and advancing efforts to identify and dismantle ableist structures within higher education.
Ariane “Annie” Garwood has been a member of the Career & Experiential Learning Services team, in the role of Assistant Director, at Empire State University since 2024. Annie came from Hudson Valley Community College, where she served as Counselor in the Center for Careers & Transfer for 11 years. Prior, she worked as Volunteer Coordinator at Animal Protective Foundation in Scotia, NY and Alumni Affairs Associate at Albany Law School. Annie has an associate in liberal arts from Corning Community College; a bachelor’s in psychology from Union College and a master’s in college student services administration from The College of Saint Rose. Currently, Annie resides in the Capital Region with her husband, 3 dogs and 2 cats.
