CA law clarifies meaning of disability and reasonable accommodation
Regulations implementing the disability provisions of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act are in effect. The new rules clarify the protections provided by state and federal law that (1) prohibit disability discrimination and (2) require affirmative steps to accommodate and integrate persons with disabilities. This update to disability regulations is the first in more than 20 years.
The new regulations clarify that individuals with a broad range of disabilities are covered, and that the law requires employers to communicate with their disabled employees about possible reasonable accommodations. The regulations also give examples of accommodations that may be required, such as assistive technology, a leave of absence, a part-time schedule, telecommuting, and preferential reassignment to a vacant position. The regulations are available here: http://www.dfeh.ca.gov/res/docs/FEHC%20Disability%20Regs/FEHC%20FINAL_DISABILITy_REGS_12-18-12%20_2_.pdf
For more information, contact your labor law counsel.