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Americans with Disabilities Act
Successful Reasonable Accommodation Process
Title I – Employment
Southwest ADA Center
PRESENTER: Julie Ballinger, Southwest ADA Center Regional Affiliate Disability Rights and Issues Consultant StarReach Enterprises 505.797.8612 [email protected]
The information herein is intended solely as informal guidance and is neither a determination of your legal rights or responsibilities under the Act, nor binding on any agency with enforcement responsibility under the ADA.
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The ADA Resource! The Leading Resource On
ADA & ADAAA Other disability related
laws such as IDEA Making information
technology accessible
Services a wide range of audiences including employers businesses government agencies WIA Workforce System schools people with disabilities
Expert staff are available to provide training, publications and respond to your inquiries.
Hot Line: 1-800-949-4232 Web Site: www.southwestADA.org Check out the Archived Webinars
and Podcasts!
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Housekeeping Training Process and Goals
Training is 3 hours Ask questions / Interactive discussion / Learn from each other Raise to the level of participants existing knowledge Interactive Exercises Not about getting through the whole PowerPoint – only a framework
to advance what you want to explore / examine Is designed to have extensive info for future reference
Materials PowerPoint (includes Resources) Evaluation Possible Pre & Post Survey
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The PowerPoint ContentsNote: Model Reasonable Accommodation Policy on SPO website
Employment Trend: Why Create a Culture of Inclusion? Covered Entities - Public vs. private employer requirements Brief overview of who is covered now (ADAAA) Important EEOC guidance documents Getting to the workplace accommodations process Disability Inquiries Enacting and satisfying the reasonable accommodations process and requirements What is unreasonable? Qualification/performance and conduct standards Direct threat and reasonable accommodations Undue hardship Policy and Procedure Models and Webcast Best practices and successful reasonable accommodations process tips Interactive Exercise Appendix Types of accommodations - including the not so obvious GREAT ADA Technical Assistant resources
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QUESTIONS? Ask Anytime
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The Business / Employment Case
Why Create A Culture of Inclusion? 18 to 20 percent of Americans have a disability. The largest percentage (70%) of
disabilities are those that are hidden. Some 58 million adults, 34 percent of people age 18 to 65, have at least one
chronic condition and 19 million adults (11%) have two or more chronic conditions.
It is estimated that by the year 2020 half of the U.S. population will have at least one chronic condition and one-quarter will be living with multiple chronic conditions.
On January 1, 2011, the first of the 83 million-strong wave of “boomers” began to reach retirement age and every day approximately 10,000 more employees reach this milestone. Many of these employees will retire creating a shortage of workers in various industries.
In the next 5 years, there will be about 10 million more jobs
than people to fill them.
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The ADA“This Act is powerful in its simplicity. It will
ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which
they have worked so hard: independence, freedom of choice,
control of their lives, and the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American
mainstream.”
President George Bush at the Signing of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990
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Sociological Perspective of Access Categorization/labeling of some people as
“disabled” and others as “non-disabled” depends upon society’s relative ideas:
what activities people should be able to do and
how they should be able to do it
Just imagine……what if………
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Public vs. Private Employer Private Employers = ADA Title I
15 or more employees (also check your state/city law)
Government Employers = ADA & Rehab Act Sec. 504 Covered regardless of number of employees Obligations under 504 are essentially the same as the ADA:
require formalized documentation of compliance efforts appointment of a 504/ADA Coordinator establishment of grievance procedures to address disability-related
complaints, including those of employees Widely publicize the grievance procedures throughout the
institution
Also covered Employment agencies labor organizations joint labor management committees
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Definition of Disability - ADA Amendments ActSigned September 25, 2008 / Enacted January 1, 2009
Regulations Published March 11, 2011 / Regulations Effective May 24, 2011 Negates US Supreme Court Rulings that narrowed the definition of disability
The ADAAA retains without amendment the existing definition of the term “disability” but clarifies the key words and phrases in the definition.
The term “disability” means, with respect to an individual
who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or
has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment-even if he or she does not, in
fact, have such an impairment (actual or perceived)
Also covered are individuals who are discriminated against due to their association with a person with a disability.
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Major Life Activities (examples and non-exhaustive list)
GENERAL caring for oneself performing manual tasks seeing hearing eating sleeping walking standing lifting bending speaking breathing learning reading concentrating thinking communicating working
MAJOR BODILY FUNCTIONS immune system normal cell growth digestive bowel bladder neurological brain respiratory circulatory endocrine reproductive functions
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ADAAA - Who is protected? The definition of disability = broader coverage – Major life activities now
includes bodily functions.
“Substantially limits” to be interpreted consistently with the ADAAA (rejects “prevent or severely restrict” = too demanding)
Substantially limits = only one major life activity has to be limited
Episodic or in-remission impairment covered if substantially limits a major life activity when active
Eliminates ‘mitigating measures’ test Only mitigating measures that can be considered = ordinary eyeglasses or contact
lenses = fully correct visual acuity or refractive error No discrimination on the basis of uncorrected vision in determining qualification
standards/selection criteria -- unless job related & consistent with business necessity.
Individuals who are otherwise qualified and can prove discrimination are entitled to relief.
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Substantial Limitation An individual is substantially limited in a major life
activity If the individual is substantially limited (consistent with the ADAAA) as to
the condition, manner, or duration in performing a particular major life activity
As compared to the condition or manner under which the average person in the general population can perform that same major life activity.
Intent of Congress = courts to focus on if covered entities have complied with their obligations (not on intensive analysis of disability)
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Record of Disability / “Regarded As” “Record of” no specific changes in the ADAAA
EEOC’s long-held position that accommodation available for “record of” if still needed
“Regarded As” An individual meets this requirement if discriminated against because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment
Whether or not the impairment limits or is perceived to limit a major life activity
ADAAA intent = discrimination on the basis of disability
Don’t have to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who are considered “regarded as”
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Transitory And Minor Impairments Impairments that are not usually disabilities
Temporary, non-chronic impairments of short duration with little or no residual effects (such as the common cold, seasonal or common influenza, a sprained joint) usually will not substantially limit a major life activity.
“Regarded As” does NOT apply if:
The impairment is both transitory AND minor. lasting or expected to last for six months or less rule – only applies to Regarded As
NOTE: Actual Disability An impairment may substantially limit a major life activity even if it lasts, or is
expected to last for fewer then six months and reasonable accommodations may need to be provided
Example: Employee has 2 broken arms from a car accident that are expected to heal within 4 to 6 months.
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For additional information and detail guidance on the ADAAA go to www.eeoc.gov:Questions and Answers on the Final Rule Implementing the ADA Amendments Act of 2008
http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/regulations/ada_qa_final_rule.cfm
Fact Sheet on the EEOC’s Final Regulations Implementing the ADAAA
http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/regulations/adaaa_fact_sheet.cfm
Final Regulations Implementing the ADAAA
http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/03/25/2011-6056/regulations-to-implement-the-equal-employment-provisions-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-as
The ADA Amendments Act can be found on the EEOC website
http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/adaaa.cfm
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The ADA Coverage Exclusions current illegal drug addiction / psychoactive substance use disorders
resulting from current illegal use of drug compulsive gambling pedophilia / exhibitionism / voyeurism / other sexual behavior
disorders kleptomania pyromania gender identity not resulting from a physical condition* Transvestitism* Transsexualism*
*Remember the ADA was passed in 1990 when little was known or accepted and would have been considered an excluded impairment
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Important Technical Assistance Guidance from EEOC that I will be referencing
ADA Enforcement Guidance: Pre-employment Disability-Related Questions and Medical Examinations www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/preemp.html
EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Disability-Related Inquiries and Medical Examinations of Employees Under the Americans with Disabilities Act www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/guidance-inquiries.html
The Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/fmlaada.html
The Americans With Disabilities Act: Applying Performance And Conduct Standards To Employees With Disabilities www.eeoc.gov/facts/performance-conduct.html
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Reasonable Accommodation Policy Approach Creating a Culture of Access and Inclusion
SAYYes when you can and no when you have to.
rather than
No when you can and yes when you have to.
Be aware of any negative stereotypes and stigma you may have, even if unintentional
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The ADA requires reasonable accommodation in three aspects of employment
1. To ensure equal opportunity in the application process,
2. To enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job,
3. To enable an employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.
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Getting to the Workplace Accommodation
Before even considering reasonable Accommodation
First ask “Is this an ADA issue?”
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Determining If You Have an ADA Issue
Relevant portions of the ADA require: an employer;
to provide reasonable accommodation;
to otherwise qualified individuals;
with disabilities;
who are employees or applicants for employment;
unless to do so would cause undue hardship.
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For Each Employee Go Back to the Basics! Does the individual have a Disability?
Is the individual otherwise Qualified?
Is the accommodation needed Reasonable to do the essential job functions or to apply for the job?
Does the accommodation Remove application or employment barriers?
Is the accommodation made being monitored
to make sure it Remains Effective?
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Is there a disability? How do you know? 3 Stages of Employment & Disability Inquiries 1. Application2. Post-offer - Pre-employmentADA Enforcement Guidance: Preemployment Disability-Related Questions and Medical Examinations
3. EmploymentEEOC Enforcement Guidance on Disability-Related Inquiries and Medical Examinations of Employees Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Confidentiality Requirements – disability/medical info separate from personnel file
RA Policies & Procedures address each of these 3 stages?
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Is the Individual “Otherwise Qualified”
Have the skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of the position, and who, with reasonable accommodation, if needed, can perform the essential function of the job.
Ask: What are all the job-related qualifications? Are they all listed on the job description?
Review job descriptions What steps were taken to ensure that each qualification is actually
job-related? What are the screening tools to disqualify on a non-disability-related basis? ( ie: criminal history and drug tests).
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Process……and the first 3 minutes of the interactive process
RA Policies &Procedures Make sure to include a process to monitor how accommodations are working and how
leave as an RA interacts with FMLA
Individual must let employer know that an adjustment or change is needed for a medical condition. Employer is not required to assume disability
Not obligated to observe an employee for any behavior that may be disability related, and then decide the employee is disabled.
The Request (No Magic Words) is the First Step in the interactive process between the individual and employer Can be made by others (family member, friend) or by employer or other
employee observation.
Does not need to be in writing to start the process
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What Satisfies Accommodation Requirements?
Don’t have to give accommodation requested by employee but the….
Accommodation must be EFFECTIVE must enable the employee to perform the essential
functions of the job;
must enable applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process; and
must enable employee to enjoy privileges and benefits of employment.
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“UN”Reasonable Accommodations Eliminating essential functions of the job Lowering production standards Personal use items (i.e.: prosthetic limb, eyeglasses, hearing aids,
wheelchair)
Placing a disabled applicant in job for which he/she did not specifically apply
Placing a disabled individual into a job if doing so would create a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others (risk cannot be lowered to acceptable level with reasonable accommodation)
Maintaining the salary of an employee reassigned from a higher-paying job to a lower-paying one if the employer does not do so for non-disabled.
Creating a job Bumping another employee from his/her job
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Qualification / Performance Requirements & Conduct StandardsQualification / Performance must be:
job related consistent with business necessity the qualification standards that are:
truly reflected in what is expected performed in the actual workplace Based on essential job functions only (not marginal functions)
Conduct Standards unacceptable workplace conduct can be enforced
EEOC Guidance: The Americans With Disabilities Act:
Applying Performance And Conduct Standards
To Employees With Disabilities
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Direct Threat and Reasonable Accommodations
If an individual poses a Direct Threat significant risk of substantial harm to the health and
safety of the individual or others
the employer must determine whether a reasonable accommodation would either eliminate the risk or reduce the risk to where substantial harm no longer exists.
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Undue Hardship The responsibility of an employer to provide reasonable accommodation is
limited to those situations that would not cause an undue hardship.
Limitations costly or unduly extensive or Substantial or Disruptive or those that would fundamentally alter the
nature or operation of the business
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Determining Undue Hardship The employer is the one who is required to show that an accommodation is an
undue hardship. must consider whether there is an alternative accommodation that would not impose
such hardship.
Employers must determine undue hardship on a case by case basis consider the undue hardship in relation to the size of the employer, the resources available, and the nature of the operation. The employer should also factor in the effect of tax incentives on the cost of an
accommodation before making an undue hardship determination.
Assessment of undue hardship is an ongoing process as resources and situations change.
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RA Policy and Procedure Ingredients Clearly state the employer complies with the ADA Definition of disability Definition of reasonable accommodation Accommodation process
Training Who is responsible for what (job candidates, employee, supervisors, HR, etc) How the process is communicated to applicants and employees How the request needs to be made Responding to the request Monitoring the effectiveness of the accommodation given Accommodation rejection Appeal process Documentation of the process
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Policy and Procedure Models and Webcast DBTAC Southwest ADA Center
“Developing a Successful Reasonable Accommodation Process” webcast (part 1 and part 2) and model policies
You will find the two model RA P&P under Part 1 webcast (and the Part 1 Power Point). Small Business Model Reasonable Accommodation Policy Title II State and Local Government Procedures Model Reasonable
Accommodation Policy http://ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/handouts/2011/01-19-DBTAC/
index.html
For Part 2 webcast PowerPoint: http://ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/archive/2011/01-26-DBTAC.html
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Successful RA Process Tips! Creating a Culture of Access and Inclusion
Securing support from the top - including high level administrators. Compliance efforts must be system-wide, centralized, concerted and
coordinated authority needs to be centralized to ensure consistent application of programs,
policies and procedures.
Appoint a Task Force While not required by the ADA or 504 it may be wise to appoint an
organization-wide Task Force.
Utilize the expertise, ideas and input from staff at all levels plus research ADA resources.
Invite individuals with disabilities, and external customers as “consultants” to the group.
Employees will then have an internal, informal access point rather than starting their complaint process outside the organization with legal counsel or other third parties.
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Review policies, procedures, and forms Review application forms and recruiting & hiring practices
include qualification standards & selection criteria, upgrading, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination and rehiring procedures.
Interviewers need to know what they can and can’t ask AND when they can and can’t ask disability-related questions.
Review record keeping requirements and the need for confidentiality of information obtained during medical examinations.
Assess Benefits programs medical, hospital, accident, life insurance, & retirement programs Workers compensation, FMLA and return to work programs. Recreation, education and employer sponsored social activities must be
accessible.
Successful RA Process Tips!
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Conduct technology and physical audits of the workplaceLunchrooms, lounges, bathrooms, and parking must be accessible to all employees. Information technology, including the web, software and hardware should be accessible as well.
Review job descriptions Section 504 nor the ADA require written job descriptions. But most of the literature suggests that properly prepared job descriptions are critical in complying with the regulations.
Job descriptions can be a valuable tool in the recruitment, selection, hiring, and accommodation assessments needed for successful programs.
Job descriptions are a road map for supervisors, interviewers, even applicants and employees throughout the employment process.
Successful RA Process Tips!
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Develop a process for making accommodations and determining undue hardship The process must be on a case-by-case basis but within a structured system for
making assessments. Employment decisions must be based on the abilities of individual applicants or
employees, and not on presumptions about what individuals with disabilities can or cannot do.
Develop training programs and manuals Training is key - at all levels of the organization.
All employees should be trained: interviewers, hiring supervisors, administrators, co-workers.
Often the greatest barrier to implementing successful disability employment practices is the attitudes of co-workers.
All employees should be part of the solution in ensuring equal access.
Successful RA Process Tips!
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Develop and implement a comprehensive communication program It’s not enough to have policies available in a handbook. Communication vehicles need to be multi-faceted.
Develop evaluation and monitoring tools Document everything you do to demonstrate that you are making good faith
efforts toward compliance. what accommodations have been made for whom
what attempts were made to make accommodations, including what resources were accessed in those attempts.
Include a system for indicating when accommodations were not made because of undue hardship
for monitoring accommodations made
Successful RA Process Tips!
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Creating a Work Culture of Access Accessibility
Increases the ability of the organization to attract qualified applicants
Equals agility creating a creative (not expensive) flexible employer who will attract and maintain the best potential employees
Remember the business and employment case so your organization remains productive and viable.
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Group Training Scenarios Exercise What would you do?
Consider the following as you ponder on what steps to take to
address the situation and what additional facts you need to know.
1.Is this individual covered by the ADA? / Is there a disability?
2.Is the individual otherwise qualified?
3.Is the accommodation requested OR needed reasonable?
4.Does the accommodation remove employment barriers to do the essential functions of the job or the apply for the job?
5.What other reasonable accommodations could be made to create equal employment access?
6.How will you monitor the accommodation
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Seizures
An employee, whose job it is to market the firm’s services by meeting with potential clients at their offices, develops a condition that results in occasional seizures. As a result the employee can no longer drive but wants to continue to do his job. The employee has worked for the firm for 15 years and has been recognized as the “best salesman” 5 years in a row.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome An employee, due to chronic fatigue syndrome, found it
difficult to arrive at work on time early in the morning. For three years, the employee was given the accommodation of a later start time and received satisfactory job performance ratings all three years as a tax auditor.
A new supervisor decided that letting this employee come in later than the rest of the employees was bad for morale and that this employee could at least try to arrive at 8:00 am, so he removed the accommodation.
Plus the new supervisor could not find any past documentation of the granted accommodation.
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Hip and Bone Pain An grocery store employee who had hip and bone
problems was experiencing severe leg pain. He mentioned the pain to his employer and that he “couldn't stand on it much longer.”
The employer sympathized with the employee but didn’t think any more of the conversation.
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Depression An employee, who is a social worker the State Dept. of Health, began to
experience mental health difficulties. He found that his job was becoming more and more stressful due to his depression.
The employee asked his employer to transfer him to another position within the Dept., claiming that his current position was too stressful and overwhelming. The employer denied the request and said that he was "doing fine" in his current position.
During a subsequent meeting, the employee "broke down" and started to cry. During the weeks following this meeting, the employee was reprimanded; once for working late without approval and 4 times for failing to complete his assigned tasks in a timely manner.
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Medical Restrictions An employee, who is a sales manager in a small retail store,
is required to perform certain cleaning tasks, including mopping floors, that violated his medical restrictions. The employee asked for an accommodation not to be assigned mopping responsibilities and provided medical support.
The employer refused the request and required the employee to mop, which lead to further injury and a medical leave.
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Environmental Illness
An administrative employee at a computer company develops an multiple chemical sensitivity (the cause of which is unknown). The illness makes her very allergic to fragrances.
She asks her supervisor if she will send a memo to her co-workers asking them to refrain from wearing perfume at the office.
The supervisor refuses. Her production suffers and she is fired.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder A teacher with seasonal affective disorder requested a
classroom with natural light and identified other issues that exacerbated her condition, including noise distractions and inadequate ventilation.
Although the school remedied some of these issues, it failed to reassign her to a room with natural light.
As a result, plaintiff needed to take medical leave.
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Appendix
Types of Accommodations Including the not so obvious
Extensive ADA Resources
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Types of Accommodations Information Technology (conduct web, software, hardware audits)
Assistive Technology
Modifications to work stations (conduct architectural audits)
Modifications to schedule
Telecommuting
Structural changes within leased space
Structural changes to building during renovations
Promoting an employee into a vacant job
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Examples of RA for Involving Communication
Qualified readers or qualified sign language interpreters,
Examinations, training materials or policies in Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.,
Software for standard computers and other equipment that can enlarge print or convert print documents to spoken words (screen readers),
Tactile markings on equipment in Braille or raised print,
Talking calculators,
Speaker phones,
Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf,
Telephone amplifiers,
Removing communication barriers such as putting up Braille signage or flashing fire alarms.
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Assistive Technology (See Accessible Action Technology Center in this PowerPoint Resources)
Mechanical Page Turners
Modifying Computer Keyboards
Ergonomic Seating Considerations
Headsets
Negative Tilted Keyboard and Mouse
Adjustable Desks
Sip/Puff Switch / Foot Switch
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Modifications to Work Stations
Furniture
Office layout
Equipment adaptations
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Modifications to Schedule / Telecommuting
Flexible scheduling
Delayed start time
Telecommuting can be an option for employees as a reasonable accommodation or means to keep valued employees.
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Structural Changes within Leased or Owned Space
Bathroom modifications Door openers Signage Accessible stalls
Rearrange furniture in employee kitchen
Keep reception area furniture out of main path of travel
When carpeting needed to be replaced, low pile need to be priority
Some offices reconfigured for greater accessibility
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Structural Changes to Building During Renovations
Main level parking lot modifications
Main level door opener
Main level curb cuts
Ramp to doors
Door openers
Marking accessible parking spaces
Signage on elevators
Bathroom modifications
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Steps to Workspace Accommodations
Discuss accommodation needs with employee/s.
Ask for suggestions for solutions.
Research options.
Make sure solution doesn’t pose obstacle for another employee!
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Steps to Office Modifications Invite employees to notify you of hard to use or
inoperable elements of your facility- Create an Environment that invites this.
Ask for suggested solutions.
Research options.
Make necessary modifications – can be useful for all employees!
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Steps to Building Modifications Discuss needs for accessible features with building
owners/managers-may have to “stay” on them to do modifications!
Provide written information on ADAAG, state or local codes to landlord.
Provide referrals for technical assistance if necessary.
Follow-up.
Remind Leasers Access benefits ALL tenants!
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Development of Evacuation Plan (there are tons of resources on this – call the Southwest ADA Center)
Like many accommodations, evacuation plans are for everyone!
Invite employees with/without disabilities to discuss evacuation strategies/needs-what do they want to do to get down the stairs?
Meet with fire marshal to determine average response times and their on-site protocol.
A safe room that Fire marshals know about?
Meet with staff or committee to devise evacuation plan.
If necessary, purchase evacuation chair.
Provide staff training on evacuation procedures.
Fire box that has all your important info?
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RESOURCES
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The ADA Resource! The Leading Resource On
ADA & ADAAA Other disability related
laws such as IDEA Making information
technology accessible
Services a wide range of audiences including employers businesses government agencies WIA Workforce System schools people with disabilities
Expert staff are available to provide training, publications and respond to your inquiries.
Hot Line: 1-800-949-4232 Web Site: www.southwestADA.org Check out the Archived Webinars
and Podcasts!
Independent Living Research Utilization A Program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
1-800-949-4232
New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability
Mission: To improve the quality of life of all New Mexicans with disabilities by addressing social integration, economic self-sufficiency, political resolve, physical and program accessibility, and full participation in the benefits of life and rights of all individuals.
Information and TrainingADAEmployment: Reasonable Accommodations/Best PracticesEmergency PreparednessNM Building Code: AccessibilityVoting: Accessible Polling SitesAssistive TechnologyAnd much much more! Go to www.gcd.state.nm.us
491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501Phone/TTY (505) 476-0412, Toll Free (in state only) 1-877-696-1470 / [email protected]
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Independent Living Research Utilization A Program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
1-800-949-4232
Job Accommodation Network 800-526-7234 (V/TTY)
http://askjan.org
A free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities
6411/29/12
Independent Living Research Utilization A Program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
1-800-949-4232
Accessible Action Technology Centerhttp://www.resna.org/aboutUs/resnaSponsoredProjects/accessible-technology-action-center.dot?host_id=1
The Accessible Technology Action Center (ATAC) facilitates and promotes the use of accessible technology in the hiring, employment, retention, and career advancement of individuals with disabilities.
1.Develop, coordinate and publicize resources on accessible technology in the workplace;
2.Promote effective employer practices in the workplace related to leadership, self-assessment, policies and practices, continuous improvement;
3.Facilitate policy advancement on specific issues facing employers, developers, and the technology industry related to ensuring accessible, usable and interoperable technology in all types of work settings; and
4.Translate policy knowledge into adoption and implementation.
A Program of RESNA at www.resna.org
(Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
Society of North America)
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Independent Living Research Utilization A Program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
1-800-949-4232
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Cornell University Employment and Disability Institute (EDI) Since 1968, researchers and practitioners at the Cornell ILR School with expertise in
disability have helped companies, labor organizations, government agencies, schools, and communities throughout the United States and abroad to accommodate and integrate individuals with disabilities.
The EDI team consults with policy makers, disability advocates, and rehabilitation program professionals.
EDI provides technical assistance, training, and research in the following topic areas: ADA, Accommodation & Accessible IT, Community Inclusion, Disability Benefits and
Work, Disability Employment Research, Disability Statistics Research, Educational Achievement & Transition, International Disability Research, and Workforce Development
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/ 607-255-7727 (VOICE) 607-255-2891 (TDD)
Independent Living Research Utilization A Program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
1-800-949-4232
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US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy
ODEP is an extensive and rich source on employment and disability.
www.dol.gov/odep
1-866-487-2365 (VOICE)
1-877-889-5627 (TDD)
Independent Living Research Utilization A Program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
1-800-949-4232
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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission The EEOC provides access to Federal employment laws and
regulations. The EEOC has publications on the Americans with Disabilities Act which include their policy guidance on various portions of the Act, fact sheets, Q&As, best practices, and other information.
www.eeoc.gov
www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/disability.cfm
1-800-669-6820 (TTD)
Independent Living Research Utilization A Program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
1-800-949-4232
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ADA Case Law Database The ADA Case Law Database is a comprehensive search tool that
provides information pertaining to significant rulings under the Employment (Title I), Local and State Government (Title II) and Places of Public Accommodations (Title III) provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The database is a unique research tool specially designed to search by a variety of variables including but not limited to disability type, discrimination issue, jurisdiction and remedy.
http://www.adacaselaw.org/
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