D I S A B I L I T Y A W A R E N E S S I S S U E S : Reasonable Accommodations USDA-NRCS Missouri Sharon Small, Disability Emphasis Program Manager

1.Accommodating the Public - Building requirements - Communication requirements - AgrAbility 2. Accommodating Yourself - What is a disability? What is NOT a disability? - NRCS Policies - How do I request assistance? - Tips and resources Reasonable Accommodations

Accommodating the Public Building Requirements

1.Parking Spaces Clearly marked, reserved space(s) located closest to accessible entrance and at least 96” wide Access aisle next to space 60” wide Non-slip, firm, stable, and relatively flat surface ACCOMMODATING THE PUBLIC Building Requirements

2.Accessible routes At least one accessible route to all facilities with no interruptions of steps or elevations more than ½” 36” clearance width (except at doors) 80” clear headroom Doors open relatively easily ACCOMMODATING THE PUBLIC Building Requirements

3.Ramps Slope is the least possible and no more than 1:12 At least 36” wide and rises no more than 30” Handrails on both sides, between 30-34” high, solidly anchored ACCOMMODATING THE PUBLIC Building Requirements

Accommodating the Public Communication Requirements

All agency publications, events, ceremonies, meetings, training, parties or special programs are required to be accessible to people with disabilities. Managers and employees who organize events must provide people with disabilities a means to request reasonable accommodations. ACCOMMODATING THE PUBLIC Communication Requirements

Accessibility includes: Sign-language interpreting services Close seating to displays or speakers Material in alternative formats Accommodation for guide dogs Facilities that are physically accessible ACCOMMODATING THE PUBLIC Communication Requirements

Printed Materials: Text must be legible! Text contrast and color, type size and font, spacing, margins and paper type. Alternative formats are available. Be prepared to describe charts and graphics for those who have vision trouble. All publications must have USDA’s Nondiscrimination Statement!All publications must have USDA’s Nondiscrimination Statement! ACCOMMODATING THE PUBLIC Communication Requirements

Accommodating the Public AgrAbility

The AgrAbility Project The AgrAbility Project was created to assist people with disabilities employed in agriculture. The Project assists people involved in production agriculture who work both on small and large operations. ACCOMMODATING THE PUBLIC AgrAbility

Disabilities that AgrAbility assists with are not limited to traumatic injuries. Disabilities that AgrAbility assists with are not limited to traumatic injuries. AgrAbility assists farmers with all types of disabilities and limitations. Examples include: including chronic health conditions or pain, such as arthritis, heart conditions, visual impairments, hearing impairments, respiratory diseases, and traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. ACCOMMODATING THE PUBLIC AgrAbility

Contact information: Call: ACCOMMODATING THE PUBLIC AgrAbility

Accommodating Yourself What is a Disability? What is NOT a Disability?

Physical or mental impairment Physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual A record A record of such an impairment Being regarded Being regarded as having such an impairment. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF What is A Disability?

Physical impairment Physical impairment is any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genito-urinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin or endocrine. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF What is A Disability?

Mental impairment Mental impairment is any psychological or mental disorder. Examples include: mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, specific learning disabilities. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF What is A Disability?

Homosexuality or bisexuality; Transvestitism, transsexuals, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments, or other sexual behavior disorders; Compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; Psychoactive substance use disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF What is NOT a Disability?

Temporary Temporary physical or mental impairments, or medical conditions that may have short-term impact on an employee’s performance. Example: a broken leg ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF What is NOT a Disability?

reasonable accommodations It is USDA-NRCS policy to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified applicants or employees with disabilities, except when such an accommodation would cause an undue hardship to the agency. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF NRCS Policy on Disabilities

Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable Accommodations are defined as a change in the work environment or the application process that would enable a person with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF NRCS Policy on Disabilities

1.Evaluate your work space. 1.Evaluate your work space. Call the TARGET Center for a work station assessment (see handout). 2.Submit a request 2.Submit a request for reasonable accommodations. Either written or oral request to immediate supervisor ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF How Do I Request Assistance?

Who Can Request an Accommodation? Who Can Request an Accommodation? Any employee can make a request A family member Medical provider Co-worker Basically, anyone the employee wishes ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF How Do I Request Assistance?

When Should I Make a Request? When Should I Make a Request? Anytime 30 days from time of request accommodation should be in place unless there are extenuating circumstances. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF How Do I Request Assistance?

Employee Responsibilities: 1.Advise 1.Advise appropriate officials that they have a disability that requires an accommodation. 2.Provide 2.Provide requested supporting documentation. 3.Participate 3.Participate in interactive process. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF How Do I Request Assistance?

Manager Responsibilities: 1.Actively pursue 1.Actively pursue possibilities for reasonable accommodations. 2.Work 2.Work with NRCS employees to identify needs and plans for reasonable accommodations. 3.Record 3.Record requests and decisions. 4.Participate 4.Participate in interactive process. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF How Do I Request Assistance?

Remember: Anyone can request an accommodation at anytime. Additional accommodations may be needed in the future. Confidentiality is maintained at all times. Confidentiality is maintained at all times. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF How Do I Request Assistance?

Every situation is unique. Every situation is unique. All decisions are based on each individual case; nor generalizations, perceptions or stereotypes about a disability. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF How Do I Request Assistance?

Considerations for Request Approval: The nature of the disability and resulting limitations as they relate to job requirements. Essential job functions. Work environment. How the accommodation will impact program of business operations. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF How Do I Request Assistance?

Undue Hardship Criteria: The accommodation will incur significant difficulty or expense. Nature and cost of accommodation. Impact on the program’s ability to conduct business. Composition, size and situation of office. Location of worksite and type of facility. ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF How Do I Request Assistance?

TARGET Center and Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Job Accommodation Network (JAN) EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodations and Undue Hardship EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodations and Undue Hardship Federal Relay Service ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF Tips and Resources

Missouri Civil Rights Committee Disability Emphasis Program Manager Sharon Small, Missouri NRCS Human Resources - (573) Current Nondiscrimination Statement (bottom of front page) ACCOMMODATING YOURSELF Tips and Resources

Thank you. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C or call (800) (voice) or (202) (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.