Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which accommodation would most likely be considered reasonable for a construction office worker with mobility limitations?
Correct Answer
B) Providing an adjustable-height desk
An adjustable-height desk is a reasonable accommodation that is relatively inexpensive and allows the employee to perform essential job functions. The other options are either unnecessary, excessive, or fundamentally alter the job.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
An adjustable-height desk is a reasonable accommodation under the ADA because it is cost-effective, readily achievable, and directly addresses the mobility limitation without fundamentally altering the job. It allows the employee to perform essential office functions while accommodating their specific needs. The accommodation is proportionate to the limitation and maintains the employee's independence and productivity in their role.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Hiring an assistant to perform all physical tasks
Hiring an assistant to perform all physical tasks would be considered an unreasonable accommodation as it creates an undue burden on the employer. The ADA requires reasonable accommodations, not fundamental alterations to job duties or excessive costs that would constitute undue hardship for the business.
Option C: Installing an elevator in a single-story building
Installing an elevator in a single-story building is unnecessary and would constitute an undue burden. Since the building is already single-story, there are no accessibility barriers that require vertical transportation. This accommodation would be excessive and disproportionate to the actual need.
Option D: Eliminating all job requirements involving movement
Eliminating all job requirements involving movement would fundamentally alter the essential functions of the position. The ADA does not require employers to eliminate essential job functions, only to provide reasonable accommodations that allow employees to perform those functions with their disability.
Memory Technique
Remember 'REASONABLE = Readily achievable, Effective, Affordable, Specific to need, Ordinary modification, No undue burden, Allows essential functions, Basic solution, Low-cost, Efficient'
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