Workplace Design And Accommodating Workers With Disabilities

Workplace Design and Accommodating workers with Disabilities Department on Disability and Human Development University of Illinois at Chicago Robin Jones, Director DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center Glenn Hedman, Coordinator Assistive Technology Unit (ATU)

Legal Context
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Section 504
Entities receiving Federal funds
Non-discrimination on the basis of disability in employment or programs and services offered
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Non-discrimination on the basis of disability in employment (Title I)
Private Employers of 15 or more employees
Public Employers of 1 or more employees

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Provides leave for up to 3 months within 12 month period of time for individuals based on qualifying events ( Including disability )
State Worker’s Compensation Insurance
Provides for payment of income, medical and rehabilitation services for workers injured on the job (May result in a long term limitation or disability )

State and Local Human Rights or Fair Employment Laws
Protect against discrimination on the basis of disability

Increasing Prevalence of Disability in the U.S. Workforce
The 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 year old U.S. population is projected to grow by nearly 44.2 million (17%) and 35 Million (39%) in the next ten years*
This group will account for nearly half (44%) of the working age population (20-64) by the year 2010*
The prevalence of disability grows with age
By 2010 the number of people with disabilities between the ages of 50 and 65 will almost double, and will be significantly larger than at any other age**
*From U. S. Census Bureau population projects http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/usinterimproj/ accessed September 26, 2009.
**From “The Economic Consequences of Disability Onset Near Retirement,” mimeo, Robert Weathers 2005.

Reasonable Accommodation: The to being “qualified” “ Modification or adjustment to the application process, the position itself, the work environment, or the way things are usually done” – EEOC ADA Enforcement Guidance

Principles of Reasonable Accommodation
A reasonable accommodation must be an effective accommodation
The reasonable accommodation obligation applies only to accommodations that reduce barriers to employment as they relate to an individuals disability
A reasonable accommodation need not be the best accommodation , as long as it is effective

An employer is not required to provide an accommodation that is primarily for personal use (i.e. wheelchair, hearing aid, guide dog, eyeglasses, etc.)
ADA requirements do not prevent an employer from providing accommodations beyond what is required by the ADA. The ADA is a minimum standard .

Common Limitations found in Older Healthcare Workers
Susceptible to allergic sensitivities from long-term latex and chemical exposure
Experience decreased visual acuity from harsh lighting
Musculoskeletal disorders from lifting
Decreased muscle mass in joints affecting their ability to lift weight from any position
Impact of other health conditions acquired through the aging process (fatigue, hearing loss, arthritis, etc.)

Potential Accommodations:
Decentralizing nursing stations
Utilizing over-bed lifts and other lift assistance equipment
Ensuring wires, equipment and cords are out of walkways
Using portable electronic records keeping stations
Aesthetically designing workspaces with good lighting, visually sensitive color schemes and aesthetic facility textures
Decreasing noise levels
Utilizing big screen monitors with images on dark backgrounds with white letters
Instituting “no lift” policies
Surveyed over a 12-month period, nursing facilities that instituted “No Manual Lift” policies saw a decrease in employee injuries by nearly 97% (AARP, 2007a)

Use of Workplace Flexibility Practices
Periodic rest breaks
Worker rotation
Flexible start/end schedules to take advantage of workers most productive times.
Part-time or job sharing
Flexible rather than scheduled break times
Opportunity to work from home when symptoms severe
Visit www.hrtips.org for more information on accommodations for people with specific disabilities.

What is the cost of providing accommodations?
Survey of entities who used the federally funded Job Accommodation Network (JAN) 2004-2006
46% reported $0.00 cost
45% reported 1 time costs (equipment, etc.)
7% reported on-going, annual costs to the company
2% reported a combination of one-time and annual costs
On average, for every $1 paid for an accommodation they received over $10 in benefits from the accommodation
Source: University of Iowa, Law, Health Policy and Disability Center 2006

Key Issues/Lessons Learned
There is no end to what might be an accommodation-Whether or not it is “reasonable” is a case by case determination
Employers should be proactive in addressing the need for accommodations with any employee who is experiencing performance related problems
Majority of disability is invisible. Best practice is to be proactive with ALL employees.

Never say “NO” to an accommodation request before:
Considering the full array of options, not just what the individual has requested
Exploring resources to assist with the cost of an accommodation and/or problem solving potential accommodations

Monitor the effectiveness of accommodations and/or the on-going need for an accommodation
Some accommodations may only be needed short term
Accommodation needs may change as the job changes and/or the individuals disability changes (age, etc.)

Major Policy Issues
Publicly funded Vocation Rehabilitation System stops serving individuals at the age of 60.
Policies within traditional systems supporting employment of people with disabilities need to recognize that the workforce is aging and similar supports are needed for this population
The “Aging” system is not equipped to address “disability” and “employment”
Non-public employment services for people with disabilities do not have systems in place to serve older workers with disabilities

Accommodations make good business sense! Questions? 800-949-4232 (V/TTY) www.adagreatlakes.org [email_address]

Still Have Questions?
By telephone
800-949-4232 (v/tty)
By fax
312-413-1856
By e-mail
[email_address]
By internet
www.adagreatlakes.org

Workplace Design And Accommodating Workers With Disabilities

by Health & Medicine Policy Research Group on Oct 08, 2009

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