The following situations and accommodation solutions are based on sample job descriptions provided below:

Situations and Accommodation Solutions

Situation 1: An applicant is interviewing for a Computer Programmer position. Although not required to disclose, the applicant decides to tell the employer she has diabetes due to questions about a particular job requirement for which she may need an accommodation.

Job Task: "Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines or to access the computer to perform program tests."

Limitation: Person needs to eat at specific time each day. May need to test blood sugar and take insulin while at work. Prospective employee is happy to work adjusted hours provided that she can take the steps necessary to regulate her diabetes.

Accommodation Solution: Employer accommodates the employee by allowing her to adjust her lunch hour to 11-12 a.m. rather than the typical 12-1 p.m. lunch break and permits flexible break times. The employee was allowed to bring a small refrigerator to store food and medication in her office. When working evening hours, the employee could set her own dinner breaks accordingly.

Situation 2: The new Food Service Manager is a person who has multiple sclerosis. She uses a cane for mobility assistance.

Job Task: "2% of time: Assists in production area during absence of primary kitchen staff."

Limitation: Employee has difficulty standing for long periods of time.

Accommodation Solution: The employer and employee agree to use a sit/stand work stool and an anti-fatigue mat to accommodate rare occasions when she will need to assist in the kitchen.

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