Transcript - Slide 3

When looking at a prospective position for an applicant or the current position for an employee, step 2 can help determine what actions for accommodation need to be considered. Now let's look at the questions to consider in the Assessment Stage of the accommodation process.

In finding an accommodation solution, you may need to consider one or more of these questions depending on the situation. The questions to consider are:
Is it necessary to modify the job?
Is it necessary to modify a policy?
Is it necessary to modify the facility?
Is it necessary to use a product or piece of equipment?
Is it necessary to modify or design a product? and
Is it necessary to obtain a service?

You can imagine that more than one of these questions may need to be addressed.
A useful resource to help with exploring accommodation options is JAN's Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR). Visit SOAR on the Web at www.jan.wvu.edu/soar/index.html/

Now let's look at each question within step 2. The first question, is it necessary to modify the job? Modifying a job may include restructuring the job by eliminating marginal job functions; changing a shift or hours worked; providing a flexible schedule; sharing job duties; and working at home. Here is an example of a situation and solution involving a modification to a job:

The situation: A data entry clerk who has agoraphobia had difficulty traveling during peak hours of traffic.

The solution: Her hours were changed to work 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (an example of a change in the schedule).

If modifying the job is successful then move on to Step 5: Monitor Accommodations.
If it is not possible to modify the job or additional accommodations need to be considered, continue with the next question in step 2. The next question: Is it necessary to modify a policy? In some cases an employer may consider modifying or implementing a policy that will reduce a workplace barrier as an accommodation. Policies might address attendance, food and beverages at workstations, wearing or using fragrances, or allowing animals in the workplace. Here is an example of a situation and solution involving a modification to a workplace policy.

The situation: A team leader is hypersensitive to fragrances.

The solution: The dress code was modified to include a statement requesting that employees refrain from wearing fragrances in the workplace.

If a modification to a policy is the solution, formalize the policy changes, notify employees and create an enforcement procedure, then move on to step 5. If it is not applicable to modify or implement a policy or additional accommodations need to be considered, continue with the next question in step 2. The next question:

Is it necessary to modify the facility? Modifying the existing facility can include installing ramps at an entrance, modifying restrooms, or providing accessible parking spaces for employees with a mobility impairment. Other modifications may include removing physical obstacles or installing an emergency alerting system that has both visual and audible alarms for employees who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Here is an example of a situation and solution involving a modification to a facility.

The situation: A professor cannot access the entrance to the Biology Department building.

The solution: A ramp was built and the door knob was replaced with a lever handle.

If a modification of the facility is successful, move on to step 5. If it is not possible to modify the facility or additional accommodations need to be considered, continue with the next question in step 2.