504 plan accommodations for fainting series#

10 Finally, an individual is covered under the third ('regarded as') prong of the definition of disability if an employer takes a prohibited action (for example, refuses to hire or terminates the individual) because of diabetes or because the employer believes the individual has diabetes. An individual with a past history of diabetes (for example, gestational diabetes) also has a disability within the meaning of the ADA. 9 Additionally, because the determination of whether an impairment is a disability is made without regard to the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures, diabetes is a disability even if insulin, medication, or diet controls a person's blood glucose levels. 8Īs a result of changes made by the ADAAA, individuals who have diabetes should easily be found to have a disability within the meaning of the first part of the ADA's definition of disability because they are substantially limited in the major life activity of endocrine function. 7 Today, an estimated 18.8 million adults in the United States have diabetes. With nearly two million new cases diagnosed each year, diabetes is becoming more prevalent in the United States and is the most common endocrine disease. Many individuals, however, must take oral medication and/or administer insulin injections to manage their diabetes. Some people are able to control their diabetes by eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and exercising regularly. 5Īlthough diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in the blood. Some women develop a type of diabetes called gestational diabetes during pregnancy when their bodies are not able to make and use all the insulin it needs, but may not have diabetes after giving birth. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, the body does not make or use insulin well. With Type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin. 4 Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose enter the body's cells to give them energy. how an employer can ensure that no employee is harassed because of diabetes or any other disability.ĭiabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose or sugar levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin.how an employer should handle safety concerns about applicants and employees with diabetes and.what types of reasonable accommodations employees with diabetes may need.when an employer may ask an applicant or employee questions about her diabetes and how it should treat voluntary disclosures.

504 plan accommodations for fainting series#

This document, which is one of a series of question-and-answer documents addressing particular disabilities in the workplace, 3 explains how the ADA applies to job applicants and employees who have or had diabetes. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the employment provisions of the ADA.

Some of these state laws may apply to smaller employers and may provide protections in addition to those available under the ADA. In addition, most states have their own laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of disability. Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act provides similar protections related to federal employment. Title I of the ADA covers employment by private employers with 15 or more employees as well as state and local government employers. Individuals with disabilities include those who have impairments that substantially limit a major life activity, have a record (or history) of a substantially limiting impairment, or are regarded as having a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 ('Amendments Act' or 'ADAAA'), is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.