Accommodations
A reasonable accommodation is defined as any change or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things usually are done that would allow an individual with a disability to perform job functions. Under the Amercian Disabilites Act (ADA) the District is required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship.
What is the ADA?
The American Disabilities Act is a federal civil rights law that was passed in 1990 and went into effect beginning in 1992. Its purpose is to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in employment, in the programs and activities offered by state and local governments, and in accessing the goods and services offered in places like stores, hotels, restaurants, sports stadiums, doctors’ offices, beauty parlors and most all public spaces. The District acknowledges it's responsibility under ADA. If you are aware of barriers while visiting any of the District's programs, services, or activities, please notify the District's American with Disabilities Act compliance person with your concern.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of workers’ disabilities. The ADA also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations or changes to the workplace or job to allow employees with disabilities to do their jobs. The District's disability accommodation process is intended to be interactive and collaborative, relying on open communication and active participation between the employee and District. The primary goal of this process is to help the employee perform the essential functions of your current position, with or without accommodation.
What is considered an ADA disability?
A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Minor duty adjustments or work space accommodations
For minor workstation adjustments such as desk height modifications or ergonomic enhancements, or minor work place accommodations such as limited lifting, twisting, bending, stopping etc. your supervisor may be able to implement these accommodations, without additional assistance from Human Resources. If you do not feel your request for accommodation falls within the parameters of ADA, please continue to work with your supervisor regarding accommodations or small work work space enhancements such as ergonomic keyboards, headsets, office chairs etc. The District may also provide assistance through our Loss Control Consultant at Puget Sound Workers' Trust for assistance with an ergonomic assessment of your work station. Please contact the Human Resources Leave and Accommodations Analyst for questions regarding this service.
Returning from a medical leave with work restrictions
If your doctor has authorized a return to work after an illness or injury, all restrictions must be clearly documented. The Human Resources Leave and Accommodations Analyst will need to see this information before evaluating safe and reasonable accommodations upon your return. All employees should give Human Resources time to discuss your restrictions with your building supervisor before returning to work. Please provide a Medical Clearance Form and/or an ADA Medical Inquiry Form. This information may be faxed to 253-841-8650. Upon receipt of this information the Human Resources Leave and Accommodations Analyst will notify you of an authorized return to work and/or next steps. If you are not able to get the Medical Clearance Form filled out by your provider, please have your doctor provide a note that outlines all of the same information that is on the form.
Leave of absence
If you are unable to perform the essential functions of your job due to a medical condition, even with a workplace modification, the appropriate accommodation may be a leave of absence from work. A leave of absence may also be necessary while the District evaluates your accommodation request. Please contact the Human Resources Leave and Accommodations Analyst with any questions regarding accommodations.
Please visit the following website for additional information and resources regarding employee rights under the American Disabilities Act: https://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html