Social Security Chief Must Face Employee’s Disability Bias Suit

Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano failed to beat an employee’s claims that the agency didn’t provide her reasonable accommodations for her mental illness.

Laurie Tate’s refusal of the accommodations offered by her supervisor didn’t doom the interactive process, as she explained how they were inadequate and would actually exacerbate her symptoms, Judge Georgia N. Alexakis of the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois said. Alexakis’ Monday order rejected Bisignano’s bid for summary judgment.

Tate’s request to work from home due to her bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses was denied in April 2020, citing the need ...