Is it Reasonable?
Did They Just Request an Accommodation?
Policy 114
100
Steve has carpel tunnel, he's requested a new ergonomic mouse. Is it reasonable?
Most likely, yes. There are reasonably priced mice available to accommodate Steve's need. Be sure to tell HR, it's possible that there is a resources to pay for that request.
100
Stephanie has requested that her service dog be allowed in the office. Did she request a reasonable accommodation?
Yes.
100
Who is the ADA Compliance Officer?
Anthony
200
Paula shares with her supervisor that she has a hard time reaching the top shelf to put binders away. Paula requested a step stool to help. Is this a reasoanble accommodation?
Well ... maybe. Paula is making a request to improve her efficiency but it may be related to an unknown disability. If providing a step stool is difficult, contact HR for help, otherwise provide Paula with a step stool.
200
Justin tells his supervisor that his knees have been killing and that he'd sure like some kneepads when he's pulling up carpets.
Justin may have requested a reasonable accommodation perhaps Justin does have a disability, but unless the kneepads are very expensive it doesn't need to go through the entire HR process of checking with the health care provider.
200
What is a disability?
ADA: "A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individuals; a record of such impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment."
300
Ken is vision impaired and has applied for a position as an energy specialist. Ken shares during the interview that he will need a special computer program to assist with the data entry portion of the job, but that he can otherwise perform the duties as stated. Is this a reasonable accommodation?
This is a request for a reasonable accommodation. Whether it is reasonable or not will depend on a couple of factors. 1) will it be an undue financial burden. Does the computer program cost $35 or $3500? 2) will the program cause a disturbance in the work team? Does it make all screens 10x bigger or does it speak each field outloud to him while typing?
300
Susan tells her supervisor that she has a hard time sitting for more than 5 hours and asks for a reduced schedule. The supervisor tells Susan that she's clearly "faking it" because he saw her running after work yesterday and denies the request. What did the supervisor do wrong?
1) We don't determine if someone has a disability - a health care provider does. 2) The supervisor denied the request without talking to HR about the issue. 3) Clearly this supervisor wasn't following SNAP values of Justice and Respect.
300
When is a reasonable accommodation available to an employee?
A reasonable accommodation is available to an employee with a disability if the disability affects the performance of essential job functions.
400
Seth has found out he has a chronic disease that will require treatments three times a week. He is able to schedule two of those during non work hours but one must be in the middle of the day for his Dr. to properly evaluate the treatment. Seth has requested to have 11-2 off every Thursday. Is this reasonable?
Most likely. HR will need to send the health care provider paperwork to determine if the request indeed meets the needs of the condition. HR will also need to evaluate whether Seth is eligible for FMLA.
400
Al's daughter has a chronic disability that requires trips to medical appointments that take an afternoon 3 times per month.. Al has requested a reasonable accommodation. What do you do?
Send the request to HR. As an FYI, the ADA applies to the individual not the individuals family HOWEVER FMLA may grant Al's request for time.
400
What is a "qualfied individual with a disability?"
An individual with a disability who can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
500
Estavan has recently been diagnosed with a condition that requires him to only work 2 hours a day. The Dr.'s paperwork states that the condition is long term. Estavan typically works 8 hour days, as does everyone else in his department. Is Estavan's request reasonable?
We don't know. We would need to look into the circumstances of Estavan's request. Does Estavan's department have a history of allowing part-time work? Does Estavan's health care provider feel that he can meet all of the requirements of his job description in 2 hour shifts?
500
Moss has requested a chinchilla for his office and states that it is his companion animal. You know that Gloria is allergic to chinchilla's and shares an office with Moss. What do you do?
1) send the request to HR 2) HR sends paperwork to the provider to determine if a chinchilla will allow Moss to perform the duties of his job as assigned 3) if the provider determines that yes, Moss does need the chinchilla then we look for a new office for Moss to help eliminate issues with Gloria's allergies or if that is not reasonable we contact legal counsel for advice on how to proceed.
500
Who reviews requests for reasonable accommodation?
Human Resources.
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