Costly Job Accommodations Pose Dilemma in Pandemic Economy (1)

Struggling businesses that consider ending costly on-the-job disability accommodations during the pandemic face a choice between financial solvency and the risk of discrimination liability.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities, unless the accommodations cause an “undue hardship” on a business. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has said the pandemic’s financial impact on companies is “relevant” when considering whether an accommodation can be denied because it poses “significant” difficulties or expenses.

Expensive accommodations, such as hiring an interpreter for workers with hearing impairments or a personal assistant for an employee who requires that level of ...