JAN Newsletter - Winter 2023

Question

We are in a part of the country that gets a lot of snow and now that employees have returned to the workplace, we are anticipating that some employees with disabilities may have difficulty commuting to work. What are some accommodations we can explore with our employees?

Answer

Allowing an employee to come to work later in the day, after the roads and sidewalks are clear, can sometimes be an effective accommodation. Another solution is allowing telework as needed, assuming an employee can work from home. In some situations, the only option may be to allow an employee to take leave and if possible, make up the time later. For more ideas, see Winter Weather Woes? Accommodations Can Help!

Winter has its own excitement with the holidays and many traditions; however, at times it tends to bring with it feelings of dread. Winter means snow, ice, and for those of us in daylight savings time, shorter days. It’s easy to feel unready and sad as the warm days leave us. For some people, these feelings can be more intense than others. If you feel "down" and "not quite yourself" during the winter months, you may be experiencing the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is a form of depression that comes and goes with the change in seasons. SAD is most common in the winter months starting in the beginning of fall and peaking in December, January, and February. Some people experiencing SAD may need accommodations to perform their jobs. For more information and accommodation ideas, see Accommodation and Compliance Series: Seasonal Affective Disorder.

• A Scent-Filled Season — Allergy Reminder for the End of Year
• Accommodation and Compliance Series: Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Baby It’s Cold…Inside
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — More than Gray Skies in Winter
• The Wonders of Winter – Accommodation Options for Cold Weather
• Winter Weather Woes? Accommodations Can Help!

JAN 2024 Accommodation and Compliance Webcast Series Released

Registration for the JAN 2024 Accommodation and Compliance Webcast Series is now open! This free virtual training series, led by JAN experts and esteemed guest speakers, explores innovative and inclusive approaches for navigating the job accommodation process and complying with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related laws. Webcasts will cover a range of disability employment topics including:     

• ADA and Beyond Compliance Considerations: Medical Documentation;
• Accommodating Employees with Diverse Cognitive and Neurological Needs;
• Navigating Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Accommodation Requests and Exploring the Interplay of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Portable, Wearable, Totable: Accommodating with Technologies that Go With You; and
• Four interactive “Ask JAN! Q&A” webcasts in which the JAN Sensory, Cognitive / Neurological, Motor, and ADA teams will field questions about trending job accommodation and ADA topics.

Attend the JAN Webcast Series to elevate your understanding of workplace accommodation issues and gain practical insights on the ADA and related laws. Secure your spot for this free training by registering today!

Register for the 2024 JAN Webcast Series

NEW JAN Resource – A to Z: Disability Inclusion

Disability-inclusive workplaces welcome disabled people and ensure they have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of employment. Employers can demonstrate a commitment to inclusion by creating an environment where employees are comfortable disclosing their disabilities and asking for the adjustments and supports needed to do their best work. JAN has a new A to Z by topic page that defines disability inclusion and offers links to related resources from the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN).

View A to Z: Disability Inclusion

JAN Webcast on Respiratory Accommodation Solutions Now Available

Did you miss the November JAN webcast "Accommodation Solutions: Respiratory Conditions, Allergies, and Fragrance Sensitivity"? JAN's Sensory Team shared a three-pronged approach for exploring accommodations to help employees breathe easier this winter and beyond.

View Respiratory Accommodation Solutions Webcast

Facilitate Discussions Using ODEP’s Federal Mental Health Video and Guide

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy released "Mental Health and the Federal Workplace: What Can I Do?"—a training video that outlines ways federal employees at all levels can help promote a mental health-friendly workplace, for the benefit of themselves and their colleagues. Agency leaders, employee resource groups (ERGs) and others are encouraged to use the video, along with its accompanying workplace guide, to raise awareness about this important topic and/or facilitate discussions about collaborative approaches to workplace mental health.

View Mental Health and the Federal Workplace Video and Guide