What are Reasonable Accommodations Defining Reasonable Accommodations Types

What are Reasonable Accommodations? • Defining Reasonable Accommodations • Types of Reasonable Accommodations • Examples • Interactive Process • Guidelines • Resources 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. Link for More detailed EEOC Definition: http: //www. eeoc. gov/policy/docs/accommodation. html#g eneral

Types of Reasonable Accommodations There are three categories: • Defining Reasonable Accommodations • Types of Reasonable Accommodations • Examples • Interactive Process • Guidelines • Resources 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.

Examples of Modifications • Defining Reasonable Accommodations • Types of Reasonable Accommodations • Examples • Interactive Process • Guidelines • Resources 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

Interactive Process for Implementing Reasonable Accommodations • 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Recognition of an accommodation request Gathering information Exploring the accommodation options Choosing the accommodation Implementing the accommodation process Monitoring the accommodation process Successful accommodation

Reasonable Accommodation Guidelines • 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 -Continued • 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 Resources • Defining Reasonable Accommodations • Types of Reasonable Accommodations • Examples • Interactive Process • Guidelines • Resources • EEOC Information on Types of Accommodations Related to Job Performance http: //www. eeoc. gov/policy/docs/accommodation. h tml#types • Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Interactive Process Fact Sheet https: //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 states http: //serviceandinclusion. org/ttt/node/178

Contact Us • Defining Reasonable Accommodations • Types of Reasonable Accommodations • Examples • Interactive Process • Guidelines • Resources 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%20 Commo ns/202/10/22