Accessibility in the work place: Solutions for the SF tech community

You’re rights under ADA Americans with Disabilities Act went into effect in 1992 Purpose is to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in Employment Only “covered” businesses must comply, 15 or more employees Accommodations can be requested at any time Accommodations for one employee often help all employees Accommodations apply to all facets of employment including hiring, orientation, training, and workplace events/activities

When accommodations can be denied Reasonable accommodations are required as long as it does not place undue hardship on the employer considering: – Nature and cost of accommodation – Resources and size of business – Type of business – Impact of accommodation on the facility and business as a whole Removing or eliminating an essential function from a job Lowering production standards Providing personal use items such as, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or similar devices if they are also needed off the job

SF Tech Offices

Google

Facebook

Uber

What do you see as potential issues?

Brainstorm for solutions

Effective brainstorming Answer: How might we One conversation at a time Go for quantity Build on the ideas of others Defer Judgement – No blocking! Stay on topic Encourage wild ideas

Asking for accommodations It is your responsibility to approach the employer. You can request accommodation at any time during the application process or while employed It is better to request an accommodation before your job performance begins to suffer

How to ask Use plain English when requesting accommodation According to the law, you only have to let your employer know that you need an adjustment or change at work for a reason related to a medical condition Be proactive and interactive, employers won’t have all the answers Every situation is different

How to ask (continued) Example A: An employee tells her supervisor, "I'm having trouble getting to work at my scheduled starting time because of medical treatments I'm undergoing." This is a request for a reasonable accommodation. Example B: An employee tells his supervisor that he would like a new chair because his present one is uncomfortable. Although this is a request for a change at work, his statement is insufficient to put the employer on notice that he is requesting reasonable accommodation. He does not link his need for the new chair with a medical condition.

Asking for accommodations (continued) – I find I work best when I get regular feedback. Would it be OK with you if we checked in every day, just briefly, to make sure I’m on track with my tasks? – It helps my productivity a lot if I can take a 5-minute break every hour. Could we try that out for a week and see if you’re satisfied with my performance? – I have difficulty sitting for long periods. I use a kneeling chair at home that I got for $60. It’s helped others with back troubles, too. Would the company be willing to purchase a chair like that for me?

Additional sources JAN: The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual with a Disability at Disability Related Inquiries and Medical Exams of Employees (EEOC Guidance) at Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship (EEOC Guidance) at