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ADA

Remind bosses: You’re liable for disability discrimination

10/03/2008

Having trouble persuading managers and supervisors to report ADA accommodations requests? Tell them they may be held personally liable for disability discrimination under Ohio state law, a much harsher fate than they would meet under the federal ADA …

Prepare now for changes resulting from ADA Amendments Act

10/03/2008

On Sept. 25, President Bush signed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, providing greater protection to disabled employees under the ADA. The amendments, which passed the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support, dramatically expand the class of people who are entitled to protection under the ADA.

Keep careful track of ADA conversations

10/01/2008

Trying to come up with a reasonable accommodation for a disabled employee? Need more information on her limitations before you can look for possible open positions that may allow her to work? Make sure someone takes charge of coordinating the process so nothing falls through the cracks …

Start new accommodations process if disability worsens

09/26/2008

Some disabilities get worse with time. An accommodation that allows an employee to perform the essential functions of her job today may not work as well in six months or a year. That’s why it’s important for HR to stay on top of the employee’s disabling medical conditions …

Learn all about the ADA Amendments Act of 2008

09/24/2008

HR Specialist will be covering the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 in depth. We’ll catalog all our stories on this page. Consider bookmarking it so you can check back regularly to see what’s new.

Trouble in the air: The legal ailments of sick-building syndrome

09/24/2008

Although it may seem like the far-fetched excuse of an employee hoping to take a few days off from work, a condition known as “sick building syndrome” (SBS) is real. Some employees suffering from SBS have brought claims under the ADA. Others have sought recovery under state workers’ compensation laws …

Court rules sex is a ‘major life activity’

09/23/2008

Alexander Bondarenko, a letter carrier, sued the U.S. Postal Service for constructive discharge and disability discrimination. The Postal Service argued Bondarenko wasn’t disabled because his back bad did not substantially limit a “major life activity,” as the ADA requires. Bondarenko disagreed. He said the back injury left him unable to have recreational sex …

How do we accommodate an employee’s obvious disability tactfully and legally?

09/23/2008

Q. We have an employee who is clearly disabled. The employee has a very difficult time walking and is unable to stand for extended periods of time.  While the employee has never complained or asked for any form of accommodation, it is clearly affecting both him and his performance. We want to help him, but we are afraid to approach him and suggest he needs help. What can we do? …

The New ADA: What It Means for Employers and HR

09/23/2008

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008—signed by President Bush Sept. 25 and taking effect Jan. 1, 2009—will require HR professionals to thoroughly review all policies and practices involving employment of people with disabilities. Here’s a run-down of the major changes under "the new ADA."

Congress OKs bill to expand ADA’s definition of ‘disabled’

09/18/2008

Congress gave final approval on Sept. 17 to legislation that will bring more Americans under the umbrella of “disabled” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). President Bush said he’d sign the bill. The bill reverses several court rulings from recent years that had limited the scope of ADA protections …