Archived Minutes

General Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 23, 2011
at the Local Government Center

Members Present:  Charles (Chuck) Stuart (Chairman),  Carol Sideris,  (Vice Chair),  Larry Budreau, Judy Perry, Gloria LaCasse - Secretary/ Treasurer

Member(s) Absent:  Carol Kilmister, and Kimberly Dogherty

This meeting was held at The Local Government Center, Training Room and was called to order at 9:05 am.

Chuck Stuart, Chairman, welcomed all members and asked them to introduce themselves. 
Carol Sideris introduced our guest speaker Joni N. Esperian, Esq., Executive Director, of the NH Commission for Human Rights.

Joni N. Esperian, provided a Power Point presentation on the changes to the ADA regulations.  The new presentation was not available as a hand out (although handouts were provided based upon the 2008 presentation). 

The Human Rights Commission stressed several main points during the presentation that employers should follow.  Employers should be proactive with reasonable accommodations to individuals who have disabilities.  A reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment from hiring to firing (and everything in between).   The Amendment to ADA that took effect on May 24, 2011, was to broaden the range of disabilities, and to shift the burden of proof from employees to employers.  The final regulations include specific language that says the term "disability" should be broadly construed to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of ADA.
As indicated by Joni Esperian, Executive Director, of the NH Commission for Human Rights, fear, lack of understanding, miscommunication, and no communication causes most employment related disability disputes, charges of discrimination and lawsuits.  The purpose of the law is to help individuals with disabilities work.  Work helps people feel good about themselves, because they are contributing, are earning money, are independent, providing for families using their talents.  If a reasonable accommodation allows that individual to perform the essential function of their job, employers need to engage in a discussion with employees about what can be worked out.  It is highly recommended that employers talk about solutions and not problems. Employers need to be positive.

Although the employer is not required to make accommodations is it recommended that employers consider such accommodations (depending upon the circumstances):

• Offer part time or modified work schedules
• Modify exams, training material
• Make facilities accessible
• Modify policies
• Offer Leave – paid or unpaid to the individual
• Reassignment to vacant or lateral or lower position.

ANHPEHRA recommends reading & viewing the handout provided by the Human Rights Commission. 

Employers are allowed to ask for documentation from the employee before providing any accommodations.  And above anything keep the situation confidential. 

A door prize complements of ANHPEHRA was awarded to one of the attendees.  Angela Linke of the NHDOT Department was the lucky winner.

Next Meeting will be held at on September 22, at Primex. 

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am

Respectfully Submitted,