According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an accommodation is any change in the service environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal service opportunities.

• Defining Reasonable Accommodations

• Types of Reasonable Accommodations

• Examples

• Interactive Process

• Guidelines

• Resources

What are Reasonable Accommodations?

Link for More detailed EEOC Definition: http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/accommodation.html#general

Types of Reasonable Accommodations

• Defining Reasonable Accommodations

• Types of Reasonable Accommodations

• Examples

• Interactive Process

• Guidelines

• Resources

There are three categories:

1.Modifications in the application process, such as providing alternative formats like large print or Braille.2.Alterations in the physical service environment that enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions of a position.3.Changes in policy or procedure that enable an individual with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of service and volunteering as are enjoyed by service members without disabilities.

Some examples of modifications might be:•Flexible schedules•Mapping of the workspace/office•Unscented, non-toxic products•Daily to-do lists•Voice-activated software such as Dragon•Reachers and grabbers for easy retrieval of items•Step-by-step or closed captioned instructions

Examples of Modifications

• Defining Reasonable Accommodations

• Types of Reasonable Accommodations

• Examples

• Interactive Process

• Guidelines

• Resources

The following seven steps, developed by JAN from EEOC materials, help national service organizations and employers comply with the ADA and Section 504 Requirements:

1.Recognition of an accommodation request2.Gathering information3.Exploring the accommodation options4.Choosing the accommodation5.Implementing the accommodation process6.Monitoring the accommodation process7.Successful accommodation

Interactive Process for Implementing Reasonable

Accommodations

• Defining Reasonable Accommodations

• Types of Reasonable Accommodations

• Examples

• Interactive Process

• Guidelines

• Resources

• Requests for accommodations can be made at any time during the application process or during service, orally or in writing.

• An individual is not required to mention the ADA or “reasonable accommodation” in a verbal or written request; only that an adjustment or change is needed to address the limitation.

• The organization can request documentation that describes the impact of the individual to perform the activity or activities.

Reasonable Accommodation Guidelines

• Defining Reasonable Accommodations

• Types of Reasonable Accommodations

• Examples

• Interactive Process

• Guidelines

• Resources

• Any reasonable accommodation requests must be maintained confidentially and cannot be disclosed to others even if the accommodation is obvious.

• The accommodation is monitored to ensure effectiveness or to determine whether any change has occurred that would alter current accommodation needs.

Reasonable Accommodation Guidelines -Continued-

• Defining Reasonable Accommodations

• Types of Reasonable Accommodations

• Examples

• Interactive Process

• Guidelines

• Resources

• Defining Reasonable Accommodations

• Types of Reasonable Accommodations

• Examples

• Interactive Process

• Guidelines

• Resources

Reasonable Accommodation Resources

• EEOC Information on Types of Accommodations Related to Job Performance

http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/accommodation.html#types

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Interactive Process Fact Sheethttps://askjan.org/media/fedinteractiveprocessfact.doc

• NSIP Train-the-Trainer Manual, Chapter 7 Section on Accommodation, which includes presentation material, activities, handouts, and resources shared from other stateshttp://serviceandinclusion.org/ttt/node/178

• Defining Reasonable Accommodations

• Types of Reasonable Accommodations

• Examples

• Interactive Process

• Guidelines

• Resources

Contact Us

For additional information on reasonable accommodations, as well as any other technical assistance or training questions, please contact the National Service Inclusion Project through-

Phone: 888-491-0326 (toll-free voice and TTY)Email: nsip@umb.edu

Website: www.serviceandinclusion.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/serviceandinclusion

Twitter: http://twitter.com/NSIP_Online

Second Life: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Health%20Commons/202/10/22