NASA Headquarters Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals
with Disabilities
Sometimes it is necessary for employers to make a workplace
accommodation for a qualified individual with a disability,
if requested and appropriate. Reasonable accommodations can
apply to the duties of the job, and/or where and how job tasks
are performed and should make it easier for the employee to
successfully perform the duties of the position. In order
to implement the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended, NASA Headquarters provides reasonable accommodations
to qualified employees and applicants with disabilities, unless
to do so would create an undue hardship on the Agency. NASA
Headquarters may provide reasonable accommodation for individuals
with a temporary disability, who may not meet the requirements
of a qualified individual with a disability on an 'as needed'
basis. A temporary disability may result, for example, from
surgery or an injury that is not expected to be permanent.
This type of accommodation is at the discretion of the agency
and is not legally required.
At NASA Headquarters, an individual can orally request a
reasonable accommodation but they must follow it up by submitting
a NASA Form 1699 to their immediate supervisor. Generally,
an individual who requires a reasonable accommodation is responsible
for making their needs known to their supervisor. The supervisor
and the individual should engage in an interactive process
to clarify what the individual's needs are and identify the
most effective accommodation in accordance with NASA Procedures
for Providing Accommodations to Persons with Disabilities
w/Change 1 (04/08/04), NPD 3713.1A. A completed copy of NASA Form 1699 should be forwarded to the
Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management Division, addressed
to the attention of the NASA Headquarters Equal Opportunity
and Diversity Management Disability Program Manager.
Who is an Individual with a Disability?
An individual with a Disability is one who:
- Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits one or more major life activities;
- Has a record of such an impairment; or
- Is generally regarded as having such an impairment.
Who is a Qualified Individual with a Disability?
A qualified individual with a disability is a person who,
with or without a reasonable accommodation, can perform the
essential functions of the job in question.
What is a Reasonable Accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment
to a job, an employment practice, or the work environment
that makes it possible for a qualified individual with a disability
to enjoy equal employment opportunities.
There are three categories of reasonable accommodations:
- Modifications or adjustments to a job application process
to permit an individual with a disability to be considered
for a job (such as providing application forms in alternative
formats like large print or Braille);
- Modifications or adjustments necessary to enable a qualified
individual with a disability to perform the essential functions
of the job (such as providing sign language interpreters);
and
- Modifications or adjustments that enable employees with
disabilities to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment
(such as removing physical barriers in an office cafeteria).
For more information about and assistance with the Reasonable
Accommodation process please contact:
LaShawn McDuffie
NASA Headquarters
Disability Program Manager
(202) 358-1098
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