Back to Work: Remote Career Opportunities
The remote work environment that proliferated during the pandemic has increasingly become the norm for many employers – and has resulted in flexible work opportunities for those “living with chronic illnesses and disabilities” as well. Virtual job opportunities have increased during the pandemic – and are continuing to emerge as new openings are announced. Hannah Olson, founder of Chronically Capable, cites six companies that are currently offering promising job opportunities in an article in The Mighty: Not Ready to Go Back Into the Office: These 6 Companies Are Hiring Remotely. Positions range from sales to dispatch operations to customer service to community project manager, marketing to financial services and life insurance, to illustrators and photographer – to name a few. The companies are: Voltus (technology related to renewable energy); NexRep (platform for hiring contractors); Spotify (music!); PHP Agency (financial services); Quartet Health (platform for mental health); and Canva (internet design tool). Chronically Capable is “a digital talent marketplace and community that connects chronically ill and disabled jobseekers to inclusive employers.”
What to do When Your Accommodation Request is Denied
If you’ve requested an accommodation at work and it is denied by the employer, you can explore a number of options to follow up on if your company or organization is covered by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offers some guidance for delving into the issue:
“Learn More About Why the Accommodation Was Denied” – Although the ADA does not require employers to explain why a request is denied, you can certainly ask. This will help to determine whether “there’s any recourse for receiving a reasonable accommodation.”
“Consider Appealing the Accommodation Denial” – Some employers provide an appeals process. Check your employee handbook for that information. If there is no appeals process, you still may approach management about reversing the decision. If there is a union, that could be a good resource as well.
“Engage Advocacy or Legal Services for Support” – If you cannot get more information or appeal the decision, you might want to engage advocacy or legal support. State protection and advocacy agencies can be approached for assistance.
“When All Else Fails, Explore Complaint Options” – If your employer’s response and other options do not offer resolution, you can file a formal complaint under the ADA.
For more details, read the full article: Your Accommodation Request Was Denied. What Now?
