Question: What ADA accommodation is required under the ADA for back problems involving a degenerative disc?
Answer: Although the ADA does not have a specific list of medical conditions, there is a general definition of disability that involves an impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities, which would clearly apply to her work situation.
As is well known, if there is such a disability, there must be a reasonable accommodation as long as there is not significant difficulty or expense. Here are some possibilities: a) preventing heavy lifting or strain upon the back muscles, b) longer breaks (for example, 5 minutes as opposed to 10 minutes), c) allow some work from home, d) an ergonomic chair or back brace, e) height adjustable desk, f) desktop organizers for easy access to files or g) a sit/stand computer workstation.
There is no such thing as leaving early and resting at home as a reasonable accommodation. If there is a reasonable accommodation, it should be at the premises.
You can offer the employee work at home under a telework program, but only if he/she is actually working exclusively for company business during those periods and she can accomplish her work duties.
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