Chapter VII: Nondiscrimination In Other Employment Practices
7.12 Nondiscrimination in Other Benefits and Privileges of Employment
Nondiscrimination requirements, including the obligation to make reasonable
accommodation, apply to all social or recreational activities provided or
conducted by an employer, to any transportation provided by an employer
for its employees or applicants, and to all other benefits and privileges
of employment.
This means that:
- Employees with disabilities must have an equal opportunity
to attend and participate in any social functions conducted or sponsored
by an employer. Functions such as parties, picnics, shows, and award
ceremonies should be held in accessible locations, and interpreters
or other accommodation should be provided when necessary.
- Employees with disabilities must have equal access to break
rooms, lounges, cafeterias, and any other non- work facilities that are
provided by an employer for use by its employees.
- Employees with disabilities must have equal access to an
exercise room, gymnasium, or health club provided by an employer for
use by its employees. However, an employer would not have to eliminate
facilities provided for employees because a disabled employee cannot
use certain equipment or amenities because of his/her disability.
For example, an employer would not have to remove certain exercise
machines simply because an employee who is a paraplegic could not use
them.
- Employees with disabilities must be given an equal opportunity
to participate in employer-sponsored sports teams, leagues, or recreational
activities such as hiking or biking clubs. However, the employer does
not have to discontinue such activities because a disabled employee
cannot fully participate due to his/her disability. For example, an
employer would not have to discontinue the company biking club simply because
a blind employee is unable to ride a bicycle.
- Any transportation provided by an employer for use by its
employees must be accessible to employees with a disability. This includes
transportation between employer facilities, transportation to or from
mass transit and transportation provided on a occasional basis to employer-sponsored
events.
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