Disabled:
A person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, learning, caring for oneself, and working. Also defined as a person with a record of such an impairment, or one who is regarded as having such an impairment.
Qualified Individuals with a Disability:
People who meet legitimate skills, experience, education or other requirements of employment, and can perform the "essential functions" of the with or without reasonable accommodation.
Reasonable Accommodation:
Any modification or adjustment to a job, work environment, or service area that enables a qualified applicant, employee, or patron with a disability to participate in the application process, perform essential job functions, or have access to a service area. Some examples include: 1 ) altering when or how an essential job function is performed; 2) obtaining or modifying equipment or devices; 3) providing qualified readers, sign language interpreters; or 4) providing a menu in braille, or a menu on audiotape.
Auxiliary Aids and Services:
Appropriate auxiliary aids and services may include services and devices such as qualified sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, notetakers, and written materials for individuals with hearing impairments; and qualified readers, taped texts, and Braille or large print materials for individuals with vision impairments; ramp or stairway lifts.
Readily Achievable:
Easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. Examples include the simple ramping of a few steps, the installation of grab bars where only routine reinforcement of the wall is required, the lowering of telephones, and similar modest adjustments.
Undue Hardship:
An action that is excessively costly, extensive, substantial or disruptive, or would fundamentally alter the nature or operation of the business. Some factors that determine undue hardship are the cost of the accommodation, the employer's size, financial resources, and the nature and structure of its operation.
Telecommunication Device For The Deaf (TDD):
Also known as "text telephone", this device enables persons with hearing or speech impairments to send and receive typed messages via telephone.
Telecommunication Relay Service:
Telephone transmission service that gives people with a learning, speech, or hearing impairment the ability to talk to virtually anyone by telephone. People with these impairments call a relay service. The relay service operator then calls the desired party and translates the message. The desired party then talks to the relay service operator, who translates the message back to the person with the impairment to complete the communication.
Essential Functions of a Job:
Functions that are critical to preforming a job. For example, a person hired to proofread documents must have the ability to proofread accurately, because this is the reason the position exists. The ability to proofread accurately is an essential function of a job.
