JAN Newsletter - Fall 2022

Question

We are planning to have a return-to-the-workplace party this fall. How can we help ensure that our employees with food allergies and fragrance sensitivities can safely enjoy the party?

Answer

As long as disclosure is voluntary, you can let employees know what you are planning and ask whether anyone has any issues with the food you are serving. Regarding fragrances, you can develop a fragrance policy if you do not already have one or if you do have one, it may be a good time to send a reminder notice to all employees. For more information, see A Scent-Filled Season — Allergy Reminder for the End of Year and Isn’t Charlie Allergic to Peanuts? Scenarios to Consider When Planning Employer-Sponsored Events.

When an employee has a service animal, but a coworker is allergic, employers should not automatically ban the service animal. There may be ways to accommodate both employees. For ideas to explore, see Service Animals and Allergies in the Workplace.

• Accommodation and Compliance: Allergies
• Accommodation and Compliance: Fragrance Sensitivity
• Accommodation and Compliance: Latex Allergy
• Accommodation and Compliance: Respiratory Impairments
• April Showers Bring May Flowers . . . and Seasonal Allergies, Too
• Breaking the Mold with Workplace Accommodations

"31 Days of NDEAM" Offers Disability Inclusion Strategies

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed in October to celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and to showcase supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. Demonstrate your organization’s commitment to fostering a disability inclusive work culture by implementing strategies offered by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). "31 Days of NDEAM" includes actionable ideas for celebrating NDEAM and educating the workforce on disability employment issues.

September 2022 JAN Webcast Available, "Accommodation Solutions for Sleep Disorders"

Employees and employers alike contact JAN for assistance combating sleep disorders – whether the issue is too much sleep and the inability to wake-up, falling asleep uncontrollably, sleeping on the job, or the total lack of sleep that compounds cognitive difficulties. "Accommodation Solutions for Sleep Disorders" includes practical accommodation solutions and ADA best practices that may help.

2022 JAN Webcast Series Ends with "Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with Disabilities"

The 2022 JAN Accommodation and Compliance Webcast Series will wrap up with a timely and informative training about veterans with cognitive and mental health conditions and common accommodations that may be needed for success at work. Register to attend "Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with Disabilities" on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

Topics and registration for the 2023 JAN Accommodation and Compliance Webcast Series will be released by the end of November 2022. Follow JAN on Facebook and Twitter for announcements!