ADA Question of the Month - Do You Know the Answer?
Question: I suffered a traumatic injury a year ago and I've recovered, physically. Unfortunately, I have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the experience. I see a therapist twice a week to help with my anxiety related to PTSD. I've asked my employer for a flexible schedule to attend appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have not heard back from my manager and I'm afraid they will say no. What can I do?
The answer is at the end of the newsletter.
Vermont Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) 2019 Spirit of ADA Awards
GCEPD has announced the recipients for the 2019 Spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Awards. The awards are given to employers who reflect the spirit of the ADA in their employment practices; considering equity in recruitment, job accommodations, and the physical access of their facility.
New Hampshire's 2019 Governor's Accessibility Awards (GAA)
Chuck Saia, executive director of the Governor's Commission on Disability (GCD), recently announced the results of the GAA Nomination Committee.The three 2019 GAA recipients, and four lifetime achievement award recipients, are living examples of how far New Hampshire has come in 29 years since the passage of the ADA. Gov. Chris Sununu presented awards at an event hosted by the GCD.
Gov. Chris Sununu and Charles Saia. Image source: photo courtesy of Louise McBride.
New Research Results Identify Challenges to Implementing the ADA Survey for Cities and Towns in New England
Did you know that only 7% of municipalities in the New England region are compliant with the ADA? The New England ADA Center published the results of our research study about the challenges that municipalities face in implementing the ADA.
Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) Remembers Disability Rights Champion Sergio Goncalves
We are deeply saddened at the passing of longtime BCIL Chairperson, Sergio Goncalves following a brief illness. For two decades, he was a leader and advocate for equal access to health care, housing, and transportation for the disability community. He was widely recognized for using his personal experience to benefit thousands of people in Boston and across the state.
Sergio Goncalves. Image source: photo courtesy of BCIL.
National News
Overcoming Addiction for the Sensory Impaired
Overcoming addiction of any kind is challenging. However, for those who also have sensory disabilities, finding a detox and rehab program that takes into consideration their disability can prove problematic.
Not only do these people have to face the painful reality of recovering from an addiction, but finding treatments that cater to their individual physical and emotional needs can also prove to be a challenge.
When unaddressed, alcohol and other drug use disorders in the workplace are costly and dangerous for organizations, as well as individuals. More than 70% of individuals with alcohol or drug use continue to maintain employment, as many employees with alcohol or other drug problems can continue to remain "functioning." Over 22 million Americans are currently in recovery from alcohol and other drug use disorders.
Companies that offered the most inclusive working environment for disabled employees achieved an average of 28% higher revenue. Those companies that were rated as "disability inclusion champions" were twice as likely to have a higher shareholder return. Even non-"champions" that were actively working to better support employees with disabilities were four times more likely to report higher shareholder returns.
This free course, available 24/7, covers the rights of people with disabilities in housing under the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The focus is on reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications. Duration: 2 hours to complete.
Answer: Reasonable accommodation requests, like a modified schedule, should be handled in a timely manner. However, it may take time to make a determination. If there is a delay, then management should keep you updated, which is part of the interactive process on determining an effective accommodations that works for both the employers and employees. You may need to contact your manager or human resources to keep the interactive process going. If there is no response or communication has ceased then you may need to file a complaint with your states's human rights commission or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The New England ADA Center is a member of the ADA National Network funded by the Administration for Community Living through National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Grant # 90DP0087.
