The American Bar Association sponsored a webinar this week on the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was noteworthy for its inclusion of EEOC commissioners Chai Feldblum (Democrat) and Victoria Lipnic (Republican).
I'm usually such a doom-and-gloomer when it comes to the amended version of the ADA.
But 'tis the season to be jolly, so I have decided to be more positive (just this once, anyway). The EEOC commissioners raised a number of points that work in favor of employers.
Feldblum and Lipnic said that the EEOC is drafting new guidance on reasonable accommodation. The guidance may include what an employer can say to resentful co-workers who don't realize that the employee has a disability. Some realistic, practical advice in this area would be most welcome -- as it is now, confidentiality rules prohibit employers from saying anything, even if it might help co-workers understand and be more tolerant.
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