• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and Accommodations for Staff Members

    What is the ADA?

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that provides for equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.

    What is reasonable accommodation?

    A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, work environment or the way things are usually done. Accommodations are sometimes referred to as “productivity enhancers.” Some examples of reasonable accommodation include ramps, accessible restrooms or modifying the layout of a workspace.

    Who is an “individual with a disability?”

    If a staff member meets the Americans with Disabilities Act definition of “disability” that would qualify them for reasonable accommodations if they have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (sometimes referred to in the regulations as an “actual disability”). If a disability is not obvious to an employer, they can ask for medical documentation from a health care provider to confirm the need for an accommodation.

    Individuals who solely are “regarded as” having a disability but do not have a disability, are not qualified to receive reasonable accommodations.

    What is the process for accommodation?

    1. The staff member requests the forms from Abigail Iracheta, Human Resources Generalist (or reaches out to discuss accommodation options) to start the accommodation process.
    2. The staff member completes the employee portion of the forms and if requested has their healthcare provider complete the requested healthcare provider accommodation documentation.
    3. The next step is the interactive process. This is a good opportunity for all engaged in the process to discuss reasonable accommodations that can be put in place for the staff member.
    4. Accommodations will be documented and signed by all parties. If the accommodations are temporary, the accommodation dates will be listed.
    5. After the accommodations are signed and agreed upon, the accommodations will be put in place. Accommodations can always be revisited if revisions are needed.  

     ADA Forms for Staff Members:

                    Staff member and healthcare provider forms for onsite accommodations

    Questions?
    Contact Abigail Iracheta, HR Generalist
    airacheta@psd1.org
    509-543-6735