What are the legal obligations for Ohio businesses regarding providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities?
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As a lawyer, I can provide advice on the legal obligations for Ohio businesses regarding providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Ohio businesses with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship to the employer. The definition of disability under the ADA is broad and includes physical or mental impairments that substantially limit a major life activity or a record of such an impairment.
Examples of reasonable accommodations include:
- Modifying work schedules or duties
- Installing accessible technology or equipment
- Allowing a service animal in the workplace
- Modifying the physical work environment
To determine if an accommodation would cause an undue hardship, an employer must consider the cost, nature, and impact of the accommodation on the operation of their business. An employer should engage in an interactive process with the employee to determine what accommodations are necessary.
If an employer cannot provide a reasonable accommodation without causing an undue hardship, the employer may be required to offer an alternate accommodation or may consider reassigning the employee to a vacant position for which they are qualified.
It is important for employers to maintain confidentiality regarding an employee's disability and accommodations. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidance for employers regarding reasonable accommodation requests under the ADA.
If an employee believes their employer has violated the ADA by failing to provide a reasonable accommodation, they may file a complaint with the EEOC. The EEOC may investigate and take legal action against the employer if the investigation reveals a violation of the ADA.
In summary, Ohio businesses with 15 or more employees are obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship to the employer. Employers should engage in an interactive process with employees to determine necessary accommodations and maintain confidentiality. If an employee believes the employer has violated the ADA, they may file a complaint with the EEOC.
