Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine fair evaluations and the role of the decision-makers in the reasonable accommodation process. In many instances, fair evaluations in the reasonable accommodation process which disabled employees experienced, were challenging and looked upon as perceived discrimination in decision-making process. A review of the literature identified further clarification and insight into educating decision-makers about the disability laws, and then altering their behavior in granting reasonable accommodations. The literature progressed with discussions surrounding why every qualified disabled employee should be accommodated as long as the reasonable accommodation is not an undue hardship to the agency. Finally, the review identified how federal agencies could best support disabled employees by reassigning the role of the decision-maker into a support role and allowing an independent agency to decide the reasonable accommodations request for a fair evaluation. Through semi-structured interviews with the decision-makers and advisors, who were all experts in the field on Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Chamusco, 2017), the data was collected, analyzed and then coded to reveal significant themes representing the best strategies for disabled employees to receive reasonable accommodations. In addition to themes, the researcher provided a model for educating and training employers to implement the strategy and tactics suggested by removing the challenges disabled employees face in the reasonable accommodation requests and decision-making process as the starting point in eliminating discrimination.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

People with disabilities--Employment; People with disabilities--Services for; Decision making

Date of Award

2023

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Farzin Madjidi

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