AN ADA QUESTION OF THE MONTH!

The New England ADA Center posed an interesting ADA question of the month.

QUESTION:

As a manager of a retail employee with an intellectual disability who has difficulty with tasks involving complex instructions, what accommodations or solutions can be offered to assist them?

Answer: People with intellectual disabilities are protected by the ADA and have the right to reasonable accommodations.

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to participate in the application process, to perform the essential functions (or fundamental duties) of a job, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment that are available to individuals without disabilities. Accommodations help agencies not only hire new workers with disabilities, but also keep workers who may become disabled.

Employers can mention performance concerns and explore accommodations that may help the employee succeed. For example, providing a job coach can assist with training, focusing on simpler, repetitive tasks like stocking shelves. Breaking down instructions into smaller steps and using visual aids can also support the employee’s learning, allowing them to thrive in their role while meeting the business’s needs.

If you have questions about the reasonable accommodations process contact ADA Center.

Dana Gover, MPA, and ACTCP Certification, ADA Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator 

For more information about ADA Technical Assistance visit the NW ADA Center Idaho website: nwadacenter.org/idaho

Email:dananwadacenteridaho@gmail.com
Phone: Voice and Text 208-841-9422
Idaho Relay Service: 7