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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReasonable Accom Proc Form AmendedDivision: Equal Opportunity Effective Date: March 11, 2009 Amended: July 31, 2018 July 20, 2017 May 10, 2011 Subject: Procedures for Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities References: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (ADA); The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, (ADAAA) Purpose: To provide procedures for receipt, consideration, and processing of requests for reasonable accommodation from employees and job applicants POLICY The "Anti -Discrimination and Harassment Policy" ("Policy") effective October 1, 2005, and amended April 13, 2007, October 17, 2007, February 9, 2010, February 8, 2012, and March 1, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND Discrimination and harassment based on disability violate the County of Hawai'i's Anti -Discrimination and Harassment Policy effective October 1, 2005, as amended, and federal and state civil rights laws. APPLICABILITY The Reasonable Accommodation Procedures apply to all employees and job applicants. DEFINITIONS "Accommodation file" means a confidential and secure file which contains documentation of the accommodation process. This includes all documentation relating to the request for reasonable accommodation. "Accommodation Resource Manager" (ARM) means the departmental designate who provides assistance, information, and support to decision makers and employees regarding reasonable accommodation, including processing requests for additional medical information when needed.' "ADA Coordinator" means the employee responsible for coordinating the County's efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA Coordinator's duties are assigned to the Equal Opportunity Officer/ADA Coordinator in the Department of Human Resources. "Assistive technology" means any item, piece of equipment, or system whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Forms of assistive technology include, but are not limited to, screen readers which allow persons who cannot see a visual display to either hear screen content or read the content in Braille, specialized one - handed keyboards which allow an individual to operate a computer with only one hand, and specialized audio amplifiers that allow persons with limited hearing to receive an enhanced audio signal (definition from The Assistive Technology Act of 1998). "Auxiliary aids and services" means, but is not limited to: qualified interpreters, note takers, transcription services, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening systems, telephones compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning, telecommunications devices for deaf persons, videotext displays, or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments; qualified readers, taped texts, audio recordings, Brailled materials, large print materials, or other effective methods of making visually delivered materials available to individuals with visual impairments; and • acquisition or modification of equipment or devices and other similar services and actions. "Decision maker" means the supervisor, manager, or other employee responsible for deciding whether a request for accommodation is reasonable and also for implementing it. This includes requests for accommodation for any aspect of the job application process, training, participation in a special event, performance of job duties, modifications to the workplace, and/or access to a benefit of employment. "Direct threat" means a significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation. "Disability" means, with respect to an individual:2 • a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual (an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active); • a record of such impairment; or • being regarded as having such an impairment.3 Note: Some impairments virtually always constitute a disability including, but not limited to, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, HIV infection, bipolar disorder, deafness, blindness, intellectual disability (formerly known as mental retardation), partially or completely missing limbs, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, etc. "Essential functions" mean the fundamental job duties of the employment position the individual with a disability holds or desires. The term "essential functions" does not include the marginal functions of the position.4 "Expedited request" means a request for accommodation that must be processed quickly so the individual with a disability does not lose an opportunity to participate because the accommodation is delayed, for example, arranging for a sign language interpreter to sign during an employment interview for a job applicant who is deaf or arranging a meeting in an accessible room so an employee with a mobility impairment can attend. "Extenuating circumstances" means factors that delay the processing of an accommodation request that could not have reasonably been anticipated or avoided in advance of the request for accommodation. "Interactive process" means a good faith, flexible communication process between an individual requesting a reasonable accommodation and the decision maker to determine the appropriate accommodation. Although this process is described in terms of accommodations that enable the individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position held or desired, it is equally applicable to accommodations involving the job application process, training and special events, and to accommodations that enable the individual with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. The interactive process requires a decision maker to use the following problem -solving approach: • analyze the particular job involved and determine its purpose and essential functions; • consult with the individual with a disability to ascertain the precise job -related limitations imposed by the individual's impairment(s) 3 and how those limitations could be overcome with a reasonable accommodation; • in consultation with the individual to be accommodated, identify potential accommodations and assess the effectiveness of each in enabling the individual to perform the essential functions of the position; and • consider the preference of the individual to be accommodated and select and implement the accommodation that is most appropriate for the employee and the employer.5 "Major life activities" means: • caring for oneself; • performing manual tasks; • seeing; • hearing; • eating; • lifting; • bending; • twisting; • speaking; • breathing; • learning; • eliminating bodily waste; • reading; • concentrating; • thinking; • communicating; • sleeping; 4 • interacting with others; • working; and • operation of major bodily functions such as functions of the immune system, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, hemic, reproductive functions, and normal cell growth. This list is not exhaustive. "Mobility devices" mean devices used by individuals with mobility impairments for the purposes of locomotion. Mobility devices may be powered by the individual or some other source. "Qualified interpreter" means an interpreter who is able, both receptively and expressively, to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially using any necessary specialized vocabulary. "Priority placement" means referral and placement to a suitable job for which a County of Hawai'i employee meets the minimum qualification requirements after it is medically determined that the employee is not able to perform the essential functions of his/her regular position with or without a reasonable accommodation. "Reasonable accommodation" means: modifications or adjustments to a job application process that enable an individual with a disability to be considered for the position such individual desires; • modifications or adjustments to the work environment or to the manner or circumstances under which the position held or desired is customarily performed that enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position; and • modifications or adjustments that enable an individual with a disability who is employed to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment which are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities. A "Reasonable Accommodation" may be directly or indirectly related to the individual's disability. For example, a request for a sign language interpreter from an individual who is deaf directly relates to the individual's substantial limitation in hearing. A request for a change in lunch schedule from an individual who must take medication at a certain time to manage a medical condition like diabetes is indirectly related to the individual's impairment of the endocrine system. 5 "Reassignment" means the assignment of an employee with a disability who is no longer able to perform the essential functions of his/her regular position to another vacant position assigned to the same pay grade as the employee's regular position, the duties and responsibilities of which the employee is able to perform with or without a reasonable accommodation. "Request for reasonable accommodation" means a statement by an individual or the individual's representative requesting a reasonable accommodation.6 "Substantially limits" 7 means that the individual is: unable to perform a major life activity that the average person in the general population can perform; or • restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which she or he can perform a particular major life activity as compared to the condition, manner, or duration under which the average person in the general population can perform the same major life activity. "Undue hardship" means, with respect to the provision of an accommodation, a significant difficulty or expense incurred by the County should it implement the request for accommodation. Consider the following factors when analyzing "undue hardship": • the nature and net cost of the accommodation; • the overall financial resources of the facility or facilities involved; the number of employees at the facility; the effect on expenses and resources; and the number, type, and location of the facilities; • the type of operations of the employer, including the composition, structure, and functions of the workforce, the geographic separateness, and administrative or fiscal relationship of the facility or facilities in question to the employer; and • the impact of the accommodation upon the operation of the facility, including the impact on the ability of other employees to perform their duties and the impact on the facility's ability to conduct business. RESPONSIBILITIES Department/Agencies 2 A. Appoint an Accommodation Resource Manager (ARM).$ B. Appoint decision makers who will be responsible for receiving and processing requests for reasonable accommodation during the job application process for all recruitments (open competitive and internal), training sessions, and special events hosted by the department/agency. Documentation shall be noted on the appropriate form: DHR EO 011, Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Job Application Process,9 or DHR EO 012, Documentation of Reasonable Accommoda- tion for Training, Special Event, etc. Documentation of the accommodation and any supporting documentation required for the accommodation shall be secured in a confidential file and stored with the recruitment and/or event file. C. Include a statement in all internal recruitment notices which informs employees whom to call to request a reasonable accommodation for the job application process. (Please see Endnote No. 9.) D. Include a statement in all letters that invite job applicants to interview and/or participate in performance tests which informs job applicants of the name of the decision maker and the contact information for requesting a reasonable accommodation. (Please see Endnote No. 9.) E. Include a statement in all announcements of training classes and special events which informs employees and others who may attend the event whom to call to request a reasonable accommodation, use of assistive technology, and/or an auxiliary aid. (Please see Endnote No. 9.) Ensure personnel who will act as ARMs and decision makers become familiar with and follow these procedures. G. Ensure ARMs and decision makers attend training on Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Reasonable Accommodation, and the Interactive Process offered by the Department of Human Resources. H. Engage in the interactive process, as necessary, with job applicants, employees, and participants in training classes or special events who request an accommodation based upon a medical condition. Conduct departmental job searches and identify suitable positions within their departments/agencies, engaging in the 7 interactive process, as necessary, with employees who, because of a disability, are unable to perform the essential functions of their regular positions. Refer employees with disabilities who cannot be reassigned to vacant positions within their own departments/agencies because they are unable to perform the essential functions of any position with or without a reasonable accommodation to the Department of Human Resources for priority placement. K. Document the provision or the denial of reasonable accommodation, as appropriate, using Form DHR EO 016, Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Employee; Form DHR EO 016A, Reasonable Accommodation Work Sheet; and Form DHR EO 016B, Reasonable Accommodation Checklist. Ensure confidentiality by storing documentation of accommodations and medical information in the accommodation file. If the individual for whom the request is being made is an employee, the accommodation file shall be secured and filed alongside the employee's medical file. If the individual for whom the request is being made is not an employee, the accommodation file shall be secured and stored with the recruitment file or with the event file, whichever the case may be. M. Ensure that the ARMs and/or decision makers designate other decision makers who, in their absence, will process requests for reasonable accommodations. N. Budget for accommodations which are expected or anticipated (e.g., a department/agency who has an employee that is deaf should annually budget for assistive technology and auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified interpreters). O. Deny accommodations only when any one or a combination of the following factors is present: There is insufficient medical documentation to determine that the individual has a disability as defined in these procedures or that the individual needs a reasonable accommodation; The requested accommodation would result in an undue hardship as defined in these procedures; The requested accommodation would require removal of an essential job function; The requested accommodation would lower a performance or production standard; and The requested accommodation would result in a direct threat to the individual who requested the accommodation or to others which cannot be eliminated or reduced by a reasonable accommodation. II. Accommodation Resource Managers (ARMS) A. Be a resource within the department/agency on accommodation issues by providing information to employees upon request. B. Provide support to decision makers who process requests for accommodation. C. Assist decision makers with requests for accommodation that must be expedited. D. Process requests for medical information and/or functional limitations, which decision makers deem necessary to process accommodation requests.10 For all requests for medical information, ask the individual to first sign Form DHR EO 014, Authorization for Release of Medical Information, which shall accompany a Confidential Request for Medical information letter, Form DHR EO14A (employee) or Form DHR EO14B (job applicant). (Tips for Requesting Medical Information are provided in the enclosures to these procedures.) File documentation of accommodation and medical information in the accommodation file separate from the employee's personnel file. During the job application process, secure documentation of the accommodation and any supporting documentation required for the accommodation in a confidential file stored with the recruitment file. F. Assist the decision maker in providing a temporary accommodation when the accommodation can be provided easily without a significant risk of substantial harm to the employee or others, notwithstanding that the 15-day period for providing an accommodation may be suspended pending a request for medical information. 9 G. Conduct department -wide job searches and engage in the interactive process, as necessary, with employees who are unable to perform the essential functions of their regular positions. H. Refer those employees who, after a department -wide job search, are unable to perform the essential functions of any suitable vacant position with or without a reasonable accommodation to the Department of Human Resources for priority placement. III. Supervisors, Managers, and Other Employees Assigned to be Decision Makers A. Refrain from denying any employee's request for a change or adjustment at work for a reason related to a medical condition until they have determined that there is no accommodation obligation. B. Process requests for accommodation immediately. C. Engage in the interactive process and communicate regularly with the employee requesting accommodation until a reasonable accommodation is found or all options are exhausted. D. Document all requests for accommodations, steps in the interactive process, etc. Maintain documentation pertaining to accommodation in a separate, confidential file, the accommodation file. E. Confirm requests for accommodation whenever possible with the employee or job applicant after receiving an accommodation request from a third party, and document such confirmation. F. Contact the ARM for assistance in requesting additional medical information or when other information is needed to process requests for accommodation. G. Document the provision of a temporary accommodation as such, using Form DHR EO 015, Documentation of Temporary Accommodation. Ask the employee to sign Form DHR EO 015 and place the signed form in the accommodation file. Give a copy to the employee. HE H. Refer to and complete Form DHR EO O1613, "Reasonable Accommodation Checklist" in the enclosures of these procedures when considering accommodation requests. Immediately inform the ARM when, after engaging in the interactive process, it is not possible to accommodate an employee in his/her regular position; and refer the employee to the ARM for a department -wide job search. Refrain from discussing employees' medical conditions, disabilities, and accommodation requests with other employees; share information with other managers/supervisors in the department/agency on a need -to -know basis only. K. After implementing an accommodation, check with the employee from time to time to gauge the effectiveness of the accommodation; identify and resolve any problems, etc. Note and document these checks and place in the accommodation file. IV. Employees A. Review these procedures. Sign Form DHR EO 009, Acknowledgment of Receipt of Procedures for Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities, and return to their departmental designate. B. Follow instructions provided on notices of internal recruitments or in letters to attend interviews or participate in performance or other tests to request accommodations. Complete and submit Form DHR EO 010, Reasonable Accommodation Request for Job Application Process. C. Follow instructions provided on announcements of training and other special events to request accommodations. D. Cooperate and participate in the interactive process as necessary to assist decision makers who are considering their requests for reasonable accommodation. E. Immediately inform a decision maker when they do not wish to accept a specific offer of reasonable accommodation and explain why they believe the proposed accommodation would not be effective or desirable. F. Cooperate in providing appropriate documentation to the ARM when requested. G. Immediately inform their supervisors when they are experiencing difficulty with a reasonable accommodation and/or a reasonable accommodation is not working. H. Immediately inform their supervisors, if appropriate, or the ARM if they experience harassment in the workplace because they requested or received an accommodation. Request an accommodation, if needed. Complete and submit to decision maker (supervisor) Form DHR EO 013, Employee Request for Reasonable Accommodation. V. Department of Human Resources - Equal Opportunity Officer A. Ensure all departments and agencies receive copies of these procedures and have appointed ARMS. B. Provide training on the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation, the interactive process, and these procedures. C. Provide information and guidance to departments and agencies, ARMS, decision makers, employees, and other persons regarding these procedures, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA). D. Review complaints alleging a violation of these procedures and follow procedures outlined in the Anti -Discrimination and Harassment Procedures. PROCEDURES 1. Departments/agencies appoint an ARM. 2. Departments/agencies inform the Director of Human Resources of the ARM's appointment. 3. Departments/agencies appoint decision makers to process accommodation requests forjob application procedures during Open Competitive Recruitments and Internal Recruitments, as needed. 4. Departments/agencies appoint decision makers to process accommodation requests for training sessions and special events, as needed. UK NOTIFICATION Departments/agencies distribute copies of these procedures (Pages 1-20) and the enclosures for "Departmental and Employee Use" (Forms DHR EO 009, DHR EO 010, and DHR EO 013); also notify employees of the departmental ARM. 2. Employees sign Form DHR EO 009, Acknowledgment of Receipt of Procedures for Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities, and return it to their departmental designate. 3. Departments/agencies file the signed Form DHR EO 009 in the employee's personnel file. REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS JOB APPLICANTS - OPEN COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENTS a) Follow instructions to request use of assistive technology, an auxiliary aid, or other reasonable accommodation, if needed, as provided on the Recruitment Announcement. b) Complete and submit Form DHR EO 010, Reasonable Accommodation Request for Job Application Process, or provide sufficient information to enable the decision maker identified by the department/agency to complete Form DHR EO 010. c) Provide medical documentation relative to the request for an accommodation, if requested to do so. 2. JOB APPLICANTS - INTERNAL RECRUITMENTS a) Follow instructions to request use of assistive technology, an auxiliary aid, or other reasonable accommodation as provided on the Internal Recruitment Announcement. b) Complete Form DHR EO 010, Reasonable Accommodation Request for Job Application Process, and submit it to the decision maker whose name is provided on the Internal Recruitment Announcement or provide sufficient information to enable the decision maker to complete Form DHR EO 010. c) Provide medical documentation to support the request for an accommodation if requested to do so. 13 3. EMPLOYEES a) Follow instructions provided in announcements of training sessions or other special events to request use of assistive technology, an auxiliary aid, or other reasonable accommodation, if needed. b) To request an accommodation to perform job duties, access or modify the workplace, etc., inform the decision maker (supervisor) orally or by e-mail of the need for accommodation or complete Form DHR EO 013, Employee Request for Reasonable Accommodation, and submit to the decision maker. Employees who are unable to complete Form DHR EO 013 in writing shall provide sufficient information to the decision maker who will complete the form. RECEIVING AND PROCESSING ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS - DEPARTMENTS/AGENCIES 1. Upon receipt of an accommodation request from a Job Applicant in an internal or open competitive recruitment, the decision makers identified to receive such requests shall complete Form DHR EO 011, Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for the Job Application Process; engage in the interactive process, as necessary, then consider and process the requests as soon as possible, if reasonable; and inform job applicants of the status of their requests. Documentation of the accommodation and any supporting documentation required for the accommodation shall be secured in the accommodation file and stored with the recruitment file. 2. Upon receipt of requests for use of assistive technology, auxiliary aids, or other reasonable accommodations, if needed for training sessions or other special events, the decision makers shall complete Form DHR EO 012, Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Training, Special Event, etc.; consider and process the requests as soon as possible, if reasonable; and inform requestors of the status of their requests. Documentation of the accommodation and any supporting documentation required for the accommodation shall be secured and stored with the event file. 3. Upon receipt of an accommodation request from an employee, the decision maker shall engage in the interactive process and keep the employee who requested the 14 accommodation informed of the status of the request. If the need for the accommodation is obvious and the accommodation is readily achievable, it is not necessary to follow this step-by-step procedure. The accommodation should simply be provided.' 1 4. Except for extenuating circumstances, if an agreement is reached on reasonable accommodation, the accommodation shall be provided within 15 business days from the date the request was received or sooner, if possible. 5. The decision maker, who needs additional information to process an accommodation request, may ask the ARM to conduct research, contact consultants at the Job Accommodation Network, or to assist with expediting an accommodation request. 6. When additional medical information is needed because the need for accommodation is not obvious or has not already been established, the decision maker shall inform the ARM. The ARM shall ask the individual to complete and return Form DHR EO 014, Authorization for Release of Medical Information. 7. Upon receipt of the completed Form DHR EO 014, Authorization for Release of Medical Information, the ARM shall request medical information from the individual's medical professional by submitting a Confidential Request for Medical Information Letter, Form DHR EO 14A (employee) or DHR EO 14B (job applicant) to the individual's medical professional. The ARM shall refer to the Guidelines Re: Writing a Request for Medical Information Letter and Tips for Requesting Medical Information provided in the enclosures to these procedures. 8. When additional medical information is needed to process an accommodation request, the 15-day period is suspended. If the ARM determines that medical information is not needed because the individual's disability is obvious or has already been established by a prior request for accommodation, the 15-day period will resume as soon as the ARM notifies the decision maker of this. When the ARM receives medical information that sufficiently supports the request for accommodation, the 15-day period shall resume. 9. When assistive technology, the cost of which cannot be covered in the department/agency's budget, is needed to facilitate a reasonable accommodation, the decision maker will notify the ARM. up 10. The ARM will notify the Department/Agency Head of the need for assistive technology. In the event the department/agency does not have monies available to fund the accommodation, the department/agency must seek out other sources of funding to pay for the accommodation. 11. When extenuating circumstances exist that will cause a delay in deciding on a reasonable accommodation request, the decision maker must notify the individual of the reason for the delay and the approximate date on which provision of the reasonable accommodation is expected. 12. If there is a delay in providing an approved accommodation, the decision maker shall notify the ARM. In such a circumstance, the decision maker shall determine if temporary measures may be implemented to assist the individual who requested the accommodation and consult with the ARM. For example, if the purchase of assistive technology to assist an individual with a visual impairment is delayed, the decision maker may assign employees to read documents and other materials to the individual with the visual impairment until the assistive technology is received. The decision maker shall note the provision of temporary accommodation on Form DHR EO 015, Documentation of Temporary Accommodation. 13. Form DHR EO 016A, Reasonable Accommodation Work Sheet is completed by the decision maker to document the process resulting in approval or denial of a request for reasonable accommodation. The completed original form shall be placed in the accommodation file with a copy to the Equal Opportunity Officer/ADA Coordinator. 14. The decision maker shall communicate the outcome of the reasonable accommodation request to the requestor (individual and/or individual's representative) by filling out Form DHR EO 016, Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Employee. The completed original form is provided to the requestor, a completed copy of the form shall be placed in the accommodation file and a copy is provided to the employee if she/he was not the requestor. The explanation for any denial shall be written in plain language, clearly stating the specific reasons for the denial, i.e., why the decision maker believes that the accommodation would not enable the individual to perform the essential duties of the position or why the accommodation would result in an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the individual who requested the accommodation or others. Un APPEAL If the request for accommodation is denied, an individual may file a complaint under the Anti -Discrimination and Harassment Procedure within the involved department. Individuals may also file a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Officer under the Anti -Discrimination and Harassment Procedure. 2. Individuals who are dissatisfied with the County's decision regarding a reasonable accommodation may also file complaints with the Hawai'i Civil Rights Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Individuals are responsible to contact those agencies for information regarding their criteria for filing complaints. ENCLOSURES- FOR -DEPARTMENTAL AND EMPLOYEE USE 1. DHR EO 009, Acknowledgment of Receipt of Procedures for Providing Reasonable Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities 2. DHR EO 010, Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Job Application Process 3. DHR EO 013, Employee Request for Reasonable Accommodation ENCLOSURES - FOR DEPARTMENTAL USE 1. DHR EO 011, Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Job Application Process 2. Sample Statements Sheet 3. DHR EO 012, Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Training, Special Event, etc. 4. DHR EO 014, Authorization for Release of Medical Information 5. DHR EO 014A, Confidential Request for Medical Information - Employee 6. DHR EO 014B, Confidential Request for Medical Information - Job Applicant 7. Tips for Requesting Medical Information 8. DHR EO 015, Documentation of Temporary Accommodation 9. DHR EO 016, Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Employee 10. DHR EO O16A, Reasonable Accommodation Work Sheet 11. DHR EO 016B, Reasonable Accommodation Checklist HM. Endnotes Departments/Agencies may permit the ARM to also function as the decision maker when appropriate. 2 When determining whether an individual's impairment rises to the level of disability under the ADA, the determination should be made without considering the benefits of any steps taken to mitigate or lessen the effects of the impairment, except for ordinary eyeglasses and contact lenses. 3 Individuals meet the requirements for being "regarded as" having a disability if they are discriminated against because of an actual or perceived impairment, whether or not the impairment limits or is perceived to limit a major life activity. An individual cannot be regarded as having an impairment if the impairment is transitory and minor. A transitory impairment is an impairment with an actual or expected duration of three months or less. Individuals only "regarded as" disabled are not entitled to reasonable accommodations. 4 A job function may be considered essential for any number of reasons, including, but not limited to, the following: • the function may be essential because the reason the position exists is to perform the function, e.g., a bus driver's position exists to operate the bus; • the function may be essential because of the limited number of employees available among whom the performance of the job function can be distributed; • the function may be so highly specialized that the incumbent in the position is hired for his or her expertise or ability to perform the particular function; and • sometimes, an essential function is performed infrequently but the consequence of not performing it would be severe. For example, firefighters do not routinely carry people out of burning buildings, but the consequence of a firefighter not being able to carry a person out of a burning building would be severe in that it could result in that person's death. 5 In many instances, the appropriate reasonable accommodation may be so obvious to the employer and the qualified individual with a disability that it may not be necessary to proceed by following this step-by-step procedure. For example, if an employee who uses a wheelchair requests her desk to be placed on blocks to elevate the top of the desk above the arms of the wheelchair and the decision maker complies, an appropriate accommodation has been requested, identified, and provided without the employee or employer engaging in the step-by-step interactive process. 6 The request does not have to be in writing nor does it have to use legal language. An employee who tells a supervisor that she/he is having difficulty performing a job function because of a medical condition has made a request for reasonable accommodation, and the supervisor must take the request for W accommodation seriously by considering it and engaging in the interactive process. 7 The ADA Amendments Act states that the term "substantially" should not be interpreted strictly. In addition, the question of whether a major life activity is substantially limited "should not demand extensive analysis." 8 The ARM's responsibilities relate to employment. We, therefore, suggest appointing the departmental human resources representative. 9 Forms and other documents mentioned in these procedures are provided as Enclosures for Employee Use and Enclosures for Departmental Use, as applicable, at the end of this document. 10 Requests for medical information are permissible only when a disability or the need for a reasonable accommodation is not obvious. Requests for medical information must be limited in scope to documentation that substantiates the disability or functional limitations, their impact on the individual's ability to work, and the need for accommodation. Whenever applicable, all requests for medical information shall include a copy of the Position Description which highlights the essential duties which the employee is expected to perform. I If during a disciplinary procedure an employee discloses for the first time that a disability is the reason for the misconduct or poor performance under scrutiny and requests an accommodation, the supervisor may proceed to impose the appropriate discipline for the misconduct or poor performance. However, the supervisor has also now received notice that the employee may have a disability and may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. The supervisor must engage in the interactive process to determine if the employee has a disability and is entitled to a reasonable accommodation with respect to any future performance or conduct issues. For detailed guidance on this subject, please go to the website of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at www.eeoc.aov and see the publication, "The Americans with Disabilities Act: Applying Performance and Conduct Standards to Employees with Disabilities." 20 DHR EO 009 (Re -issued: July 2018) County of Hawaii Acknowledgment of Receipt of Procedures for Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities I certify that I have received a copy of the County of Hawaii Procedures for Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities. Date: Print Name: Signature: Position Title: Department: DHR EO O10 (Re -issued: July 2018) CONFIDENTIAL County of Hawaii Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Job Application Process, up to and Including Interview Please complete this form and submit it to the staff person identified to receive accommodation requests for the job application process. Name: Address or other contact information: Position applied for: Department: Accommodation requested for: (Please check all that apply) ❑ Application process ❑ Testing/examination ❑ Interview ❑ Accessibility to facility Type of accommodation requested: Telephone No. Accommodation needed for (specify date, time, and location): Reasonable Accommodation Request Form - DHR EO O10 CONFIDENTIAL Job Application Process Page 2 of 2 Reason for the accommodation request What limitations) is/are interfering with your ability to apply for a position? Documentation provided:] ❑ Yes ❑ No Signature For County use only: Received by: Name Date Date The requirement for documentation of applicant's limitation(s) is only permissible when the need for accommodation is not obvious. DHR EO 013 (Re -issued: July 2018) CONFIDENTIAL County of Hawaii Employee Request for Reasonable Accommodation Please complete this form and submit it to your supervisor to request a reasonable accommodation to better access your workplace, perform your job duties, or to enjoy a benefit of employment. Name: Telephone No.: Other contact information: Job Title/Department/Location: Accommodation Requested for: (Please check all that apply and identify the specific element of your employment for which you are requesting the accommodation) ❑ Access to workplace: What feature of your workplace is giving you difficulty? ❑ Performance of job duties: What job duty (or duties) is giving you difficulty? ❑ Benefit of employment: What benefit of employment is giving you difficulty? F Other (please specify) Request for Reasonable Accommodation - DHR EO 013 Employee Page 2 of 3 Type of Accommodation Requested: Is your request time sensitive? ❑ Yes CONFIDENTIAL ❑ No If yes, please explain and provide date accommodation is needed. Do you have any suggestions for options we can explore? ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, please explain: Reason for the Accommodation Request Why are you requesting this accommodation? Signature Date Request for Reasonable Accommodation - DHR EO 013 CONFIDENTIAL Employee Page 3 of 3 FOR COUNTY USE ONLY: Received by: Name Date DHR EO 011 (Re -issued: July 2018) WeIZ119110"'Lli I Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Job Application Process Name of Requestor: Position applied for: Department: Type(s) of Accommodation Requested: Request for Accommodation Granted: Name of Decision Maker Note Specifics: Date: Signature of Decision Maker If the request for accommodation was denied, please check all that apply below: ❑ Accommodation Ineffective ❑ Accommodation Would Cause Undue Hardship ❑ Medical Documentation Not Provided ❑ Medical Documentation Inadequate ❑ Other (Please identify) Documentation - Reasonable Accommodation - DHR EO 011 CONFIDENTIAL Job Application Process Page 2 of 2 Detailed reason(s) for the denial of reasonable accommodation (be specific, e.g., explain why the accommodation is ineffective and/or causes undue hardship, what production standard is reduced or lowered, what essential job function the accommodation would eliminate, etc.). If the individual rejected an offer of a reasonable accommodation, give the reason(s) why the individual rejected the offered accommodation. State why you believe the rejected accommodation would be effective. Name of Decision Maker Signature of Decision Maker Date Accommodation Denied (Re -issued: July 2018) Sample Statements Sheet Sample statements for inclusion in: Job Application Process (Open Competitive Recruitments/ Internal Recruitments► Individuals with disabilities who wish to request use of an auxiliary aid or other type of reasonable accommodation during the job application process, please telephone (name) at (telephone number) to make your request. You may be asked to provide medical documentation to support your request. Announcements of Training or Special Events Individuals with disabilities who wish to request use of an auxiliary aid or other type of reasonable accommodation to access this program may do so by contacting (name) . at (telephone number) at the time of registration or at least 5 days prior to the date of the class or the event to make their request. DHR EO 012 (Re -issued: July 2018) CONFIDENTIAL Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Trainina, Special Event, etc. Name of Requestor: Accommodation Requested for: Date Needed: Department: Type(s) of Accommodation Requested: Request for Accommodation Granted: Date: Name of Decision Maker Signature of Decision Maker Note Specifics: Request for Accommodation Denied because (check all that apply): ❑ Accommodation Would Cause Undue Hardship ❑ Other (Please identify) Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation - DHR EO 012 CONFIDENTIAL Training, Special Event, etc. Page 2 of 2 Detailed reason(s) for the denial of reasonable accommodation (be specific, e.g., explain why the accommodation is ineffective and/or causes undue hardship, what production standard is reduced or lowered, what essential job function the accommodation would eliminate, etc.). If the individual rejected an offer of a reasonable accommodation, give the reason(s) why the individual rejected the offered accommodation. State why you believe the rejected accommodation would be effective. Name of Decision Maker Signature of Decision Maker Date Accommodation Denied DHR EO 014 (Re -issued: July 2018) County of Hawaii (Department/Agency) AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION I hereby request and authorize (Medical Professional's Name) (Medical Professional's Address) (Medical Professional's Telephone No.) to release and send to Name, Job Title Department Address Telephone E-mail the following information about me: Note to Physician: I understand this information is to help determine the extent of and severity of my impairment(s), and the effect of the impairment(s) on the activities noted below: o Access to facilities o Performance of job duties, o Adjustment(s) to the workplace, o and/or modifications) to enable me to perform my job duties. Important Note: The Genetic Information Non -Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) prohibits employers and other entities covered by GINA Title II from requesting or requiring genetic information of an individual or family member of the individual, except as specifically allowed by GINA. To comply with GINA, we are asking that you do not provide any genetic information when responding to this request for medical information. 'Genetic information' includes an individual's family medical history, the results of an individual's or family member's genetic tests, the fact that an individual or family member sought or received genetic services, and genetic information of a fetus carried by an individual or an individual's family member or an embryo lawfully held by an individual or family member receiving assistive reproductive services. I have read the above and fully understand its contents in their entirety; I am satisfied with the reason and purpose for which my permission is given. My consent is valid for 180 days or shall terminate on whichever comes first, and may be revoked by me at any time except for action already taken. Employee's Name (print) Date Employee's Signature Telephone No. DHR EO 14A (July 2018) County of Hawaii Department of Confidential Request for Medical Information - Employee (Date) Medical Professional Name Street Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Medical Professional Name: Re: Request for Accommodation Employee Name I recently received information that the individual named above has a medical condition which may impact her/his ability to perform essential job functions. I am requesting additional information to assist me in determining whether this employee needs an accommodation to perform essential job functions. Please complete this form and return to me by . If you have any (date) questions about this inquiry, please contact me. My telephone number is Enclosed please find a signed copy of an Authorization to Release Medical Information and job description with essential functions highlighted. Sincerely, (Name) (Title) Confidential Request for Medical Information - Employee - DHR EO 14A Page 2 of 4 Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual has a disability if the individual has an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Does (name) o Yes have a physical or mental impairment? What is the impairment? o No Is the impairment long-term or permanent? c) Yes o No If it is not permanent, how long will the impairment last? Is the impairment chronic or episodic? (Please circle the word that applies). Does the impairment limit a major life activity? o Yes o No Please review the list of major life activities on the next page and check all that are limited: Major Life Activities oCaring for oneself oSitting oWalking olnteracting oReaching oConcentrating oPerforming Manual oThinking oReading oTasks oSleeping oReproduction oLearning oEating oSpeaking oHearing oWorking oSeeing oLifting oStanding oOther: oBreathing (specify) Please indicate if the impairment substantially limits any of the following bodily systems: olmmune oDigestive oBladder oHemic oBowel oEndocrine oNeurological o Normal Cell Growth oMusculoskeletal Does the impairment substantially limit one or more major life activities? o Yes 0 No Confidential Request for Medical Information - Employee - DHR EO 14A Page 3 of 4 If the impairment is episodic in nature, does it substantially limit a major life activity or bodily function when it occurs? o Yes o No Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the work environment or to the manner or circumstances under which the position held is customarily performed that enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, an employee with a disability is entitled to an accommodation only when the accommodation is needed because of a disability and the accommodation does not create an undue hardship. The employee is currently working in the position of The essential job functions of this position are: (List all essential job functions). The employee is having trouble performing the following essential job functions because of the limitation(s) the employee is experiencing: How does the employee's limitation interfere with his/her ability to perform the job function(s)? Do you have any suggestions regarding possible accommodations to improve job performance? If yes, what are they? How would your suggestions improve the employee's job performance? Confidential Request for Medical Information - Employee - DHR EO 14A Page 4 of 4 [GrOT1,7112, =-I a Medical Professional's Signature Date DHR EO 014B (July 2018) County of Hawai'i Department of Confidential Re ...................... . ..... . --­ . ....... .. .................. quest for Medical Information - Job Applicant (Date) Medical Professional Name Street Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Medical Professional Name: Re: Job Applicant quest for Accommodation I recently received information that the individual named above has a medical condition which may impact her/his ability to o apply for a position with the County of Hawaii. I am requesting additional information to assist me in determining whether this individual needs an accommodation to better access our job application process. Please complete this form and return to me by -. If you have any (date) questions about this inquiry, please contact me. My telephone number is Enclosed please find a signed copy of an Authorization to Release Medical Information and a brief description of our job application process. Sincerely, (Name) (Title) Confidential Request for Medical Information - Job Applicant - DHR EO Ol 4B Page 2 of 4 Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual has a disability if the individual has an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Does (name) o Yes have a physical or mental impairment? What is the impairment? o No Is the impairment long-term or permanent? o Yes If it is not permanent, how long will the impairment last? Is the impairment chronic or episodic? (Please circle the word that applies). Does the impairment limit a major life activity? o Yes o No If the impairment is episodic in nature, does it substantially limit a major life activity or bodily function when it occurs? o Yes o No Please review the list of major life activities on the next page and check all that are limited: Major Life Activities oCaring for oneself oSitting oWalking olnteracting oReaching oConcentrating oPerforming Manual oThinking oReading oTasks oSleeping oReproduction oLearning oEating oSpeaking oHearing oWorking oSeeing oLifting oStanding oBreathing Please indicate if the impairment substantially limits any of the following bodily systems: olmmune oDigestive oBladder oHemic oBowel oEndocrine oNeurological oMusculoskeletal Confidential Request for Medical Information - Job Applicant - DHR EO Ol 4B Page 3 of 4 Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual with a disability is entitled to an accommodation in the job application process only when the accommodation is needed because of a disability. is applying for the position of (Name of the individual) The application process involves (check all that apply) o completing an application o taking a test to determine knowledge o taking a skills test o participating in a job interview. What limitation(s) would interfere with any of the activities noted above? Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the job application process that would enable an individual with a disability to apply for the position. If the individual has a disability and needs an accommodation to apply for a job because of the disability, the employer must provide a reasonable accommodation, unless the accommodation poses an undue hardship. Do you have any suggestions regarding possible accommodations to assist —..................................... .........._..._.........._ in the job application process? (name of individual) If yes, what are they? How would your suggestions assist (name) in applying for a job? Confidential Request for Medical Information - Job Applicant - DHR EO 01 4B Page 4 of 4 Comments: Medical Professional's Signature Date (Re -issued: July 2018) TIPS FOR REQUESTING MEDICAL INFORMATION ✓ Seeking medical information is an option, not a requirement. In some cases, you may be able to provide an adjustment (see bulleted point below) for an employee without making any medical inquiries. You may decide that a request is an undue hardship, if it requires removal of an essential job duty, violation of a collective bargaining agreement or lowering a production standard, without needing to access an individual's medical information. ✓ If your department/agency routinely makes adjustments for employees, e.g., granting flex time to those who request it, do not consider a request for such an adjustment as a reasonable accommodation under ADA or seek medical information when you get such a request. ✓ Only ask for proof of disability if the disability is not obvious. ✓ If the individual's disability status has already been established by a previous request for accommodation, there is no need to seek more proof of disability. ✓ Only ask questions about the employee's ability to do the job, not the individual's whole medical history. ✓ Only ask questions about the medical condition the individual disclosed or gave you permission to inquire about, even if you suspect the individual may have another condition. ✓ The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Final Rule on the Genetic Information Non -Discrimination Act recommends employers include the following language in all requests for medica information: The Genetic Information Non -Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) prohibits employers and other entities covered by GINA Title II from requesting or requiring genetic information of an individual or family member of the individual, except as specifically allowed by GINA. To comply with GINA, we are asking that you do not provide any genetic information when responding to this request for medical information. 'Genetic Information' includes an individual's family medical history, the results of an Tips for Requesting Medical Information individual's or family member's genetic tests, the fact that an individual or family member sought or received genetic services, and genetic information of a fetus carried by an individual or an individual's family member or an embryo lawfully held by an individual or family member receiving assistive reproductive services. This language creates a safe harbor for employers and must be included in all requests for employee medical information. ✓ Don't ask questions about prognosis because the individual's medical condition or situation may change. ✓ Your letter to the Medical Professional should be a maximum of two pages. ✓ If the medical professional does not provide the information you requested, do not punish the individual who made the request. Consider other available sources such as a physical therapist or rehabilitation counselor to get information about the employee's functional abilities. ✓ It's the employer's responsibility to decide what is reasonable accommodation, undue hardship, etc., not the medical professional's. This information is derived from a presentation entitled "Medical Documentation for Reasonable Accommodation Requests" by the Disability and Communication Access Board, State of Hawai'i, Department of Health, Honolulu, Hawai'i. DHR EO 015 (Re -issued: July 2018) CONFIDENTIAL County of Hawaii Department of Human Resources Documentation of Temporary Accommodation To: From: (Employee) (Supervisor) Department/Agency On you requested a reasonable accommodation: (date) . ... ,.__.w.... requested)._��.....����.........�. ......... ........... (name the accommodation We are in the process of considering your request for reasonable accommodation on a permanent basis. In the interim, while we consider your request, we will provide you with the following temporary accommodation: until (date) Please be advised that this accommodation is being made on a temporary basis until we have thoroughly considered your request, and no promise or guarantee that this accommodation will be provided on a regular or permanent basis is being made to you. Please sign below to indicate that you understand this accommodation is being provided on a temporary basis. I understand this accommodation is being provided on a temporary basis only until a decision about my request for accommodation is made and communicated to me. Employee Date DHR EO O16 (Re -issued: July 2018) CONFIDENTIAL Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Employee Name of Requestor: Position: Department: Type(s) of Accommodation Requested: Request for Accommodation Granted: Name of Decision Maker Date Note Specifics: Request for Accommodation Denied Because (check all that apply): ❑ Accommodation Ineffective ❑ Accommodation Would Cost Undue Hardship ❑ Medical Documentation Inadequate ❑ Accommodation Would Require Removal of an Essential Function ❑ Accommodation Would Require Lowering of Performance or Production Standard ❑ Other (please identify) Detailed reason(s) for the denial of accommodation (be specific, e.g., explain why the accommodation is ineffective and/or causes undue hardship, what production standard is reduced or lowered, what essential job function the accommodation would eliminate, etc.). Documentation - Reasonable Accommodation - DHR EO Ol 6 CONFIDENTIAL Employee Page 2 of 2 If the individual rejected an offer of a reasonable accommodation, give the reasons) why the individual rejected the offered accommodation. State why you believe the rejected accommodation would be effective. Request for Accommodation Denied: Name of Decision Maker Copy: Accommodation File Employee: Date (Name of employee) DHR Form EO 016A Reasonable Accommodation Work Sheet Date of Review: Review By: Date of Accommodations) Request: Accommodations) Requested for (Name): Work Schedule: Supervisor/Manager: Position: Department: Work Location: (July 2018) CONFIDENTIAL 1. Does the individual requesting the accommodations) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity? If yes, answer #2 below. 2. What mental or physical limitations is the individual experiencing either described by the healthcare provider or the individual? (Attach additional pages if needed.) 3. List the essential duties of the position, and attach position description with essential duties highlighted: Reasonable Accommodation Work Sheet - Confidential - DHR EO 016A Page 2 of 5 4. What accommodations) has the employee or the employee's representative requested? 5. Would the requested accommodations) enable the individual to perform the essential duties of the job? Please explain. Reasonable Accommodation Work Sheet - Confidential - DHR EO Ol 6A Page 3 of 5 6. What forms of accommodations) were considered? 7. Would the considered accommodations) enable the individual to perform the essential duties of the position? Please explain. 8. List the dates and times accommodations) were discussed with the individual who requested them. Also note when additional information, if any, was requested and when it was received. Reasonable Accommodation Work Sheet - Confidential - DHR EO 016A Page 4 of 5 9. Can the considered accommodations) be implemented without undue hardship? if no, please complete # 11. Was the accommodations) accepted? 10. If yes, when will the accommodations) be implemented? 11. If the considered accommodations) would create an undue hardship, document all aspects of undue hardship below: Reasonable Accommodation Work Sheet - Confidential - DHR EO 01 6A Page 5 of 5 12. If the considered accommodation (s) would create an undue hardship, this must be confirmed by Department Head. I confirm that, as noted in #11, the requested accommodation (s) would create an undue hardship to the department. Department Head Signature: Date: 13. If the considered accommodation (s) would create an undue hardship, is there another accommodation (s) available? If yes, please explain. Comments: 14. Follow-up Date: Equal Opportunity Officer/ADA Coordinator DHR Form EO 16B (July 2018) CONFIDENTIAL Reasonable Accommodation Checklist To Be Used by Decision Maker Check all that apply 1. The Reasonable Accommodation procedure was initiated by o job applicant request; o employee request; o employee or job applicant representative request; o employee's medical professional; o employee's supervisor; 0 other: (specify) 2. The job applicant or employee has o an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, o an impairment that does not substantially limit a major life activity. If the job applicant or employee does not have an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, whether chronically or episodically, there is no duty to provide a reasonable accommodation and the rest of this checklist need not be completed. JOB APPLICATION PROCESS 3. If the Reasonable Accommodation Request pertained to the Job Application Process, the job applicant requested an accommodation for (check all that apply and continue to #4 and #5) o the job application process; o examination; o performance test; o interview; 0 other: (specify) 4. The individual (or representative) who made the request completed and submitted DHR Form EO 010 Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Job Application Process to the decision maker: Yes No Reasonable Accommodation Checklist Page 2 of 5 5. If the job applicant requested an accommodation, the need for which was not obvious, the decision maker requested medical supporting information. Yes No 6. The job applicant provided medical documentation and/or additional medical information was obtained by medical professional. Yes No 7. The decision maker engaged in the interactive process by speaking with the job applicant to discuss the accommodation needed. Yes No 8. If yes, the decision maker engaged in the interactive process by speaking with the job applicant to discuss the accommodation needed to o apply for a position, o take an examination o participate in an interview o other (specify) 9. The decision maker completed DHR Form EO 011 Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Job Application Process. Yes No EMPLOYMENT 10.If procedure was initiated by supervisor, the reason for this is o the need for accommodation was obvious; o based upon objective evidence, the supervisor believed that the employee was unable to perform essential job functions because of a disability, and/or; o the employee posed a direct threat because of a medical condition. Reasonable Accommodation Checklist Page 3 of 5 1 1.The major life activities that are substantially limited are N N 12.There was no need to request additional medical information because o the need for accommodation was obvious; o the need for accommodation was established by a previous accommodation request; o sufficient medical information was provided by the employee or the employee's medical professional. 13.If additional medical information was required, o the ARM was notified, o the ARM processed the request for additional medical information. 14.If additional medical information was required, the ARM used DHR Form EO 014 Employee Authorization for Release of Medical Information. Yes No 15.If additional medical information was required, the ARM referred to Form DHR EO 14A or 14B, Confidential Request for Medical Information and TIPS FOR REQUESTING MEDICAL INFORMATION: Yes No 16.If additional medical information was required, the fifteen day period for considering the reasonable accommodation request was suspended until sufficient medical information was received. Yes No 17.If the individual who requested an accommodation was an employee, the decision maker engaged in the interactive process by o meeting/speaking with the employee to identify the essential functions of the employee's position, o determining the precise job -related limitations imposed by the disability, o identifying potential accommodations, o assessing the effectiveness of each potential accommodation in enabling the individual to perform essential functions of the position, o considering the preference of the individual with a disability, o selecting and implementing the most appropriate accommodation for the employee and the employer. Reasonable Accommodation Checklist Page 4 of 5 18.The individual who requested the accommodation did not engage in the interactive process by not: o cooperating with requests for medical information o discussing his/her limitations and their impact on the performance of essential job functions. 19.The individual who requested the accommodation engaged in the interactive process by o discussing his/her limitations and their impact on the performance of essential job functions, o cooperating with requests for medical information, if needed, o suggesting alternate ways of performing job duties, o suggesting purchase of assistive equipment, o informing the decision maker what accommodations would work, o informing the decision maker what accommodations would not work. 20.If the provision of reasonable accommodation required the purchase of equipment or service the cost of which had not been budgeted, o the decision maker notified the ARM, o the ARM notified the Department Head. 21. The equipment/service was purchased. Yes No 22. If the answer is no, please explain why: 23. If the decision maker was not able to accommodate the employee in his/her regular position: o the ARM was notified; o the ARM conducted a job search within the department. 24.If the employee who requested an accommodation was referred to the Department of Human Resources for priority placement, o there were no vacant positions within the department the essential functions of which the employee could perform with or without a reasonable accommodation; o the employee posed a direct threat which could not be eliminated by a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable Accommodation Checklist Page 5 of 5 25.The decision maker completed, provided a copy to EEO/ADA Coordinate and filed Form DHR EO 016A, Reasonable Accommodation Work Sheet in the Accommodation file. 26.The decision maker noted approval or denial of the accommodation on DHR Form EO O16 Documentation of Reasonable Accommodation for Employee: a. Yes No 27.This information is retained in the Accommodation file: a. Yes No