Disability Studies: Potential Accommodations and Duty to Accommodate Legislation

Running head: DISABILITY STUDIES 1
Disability Studies
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Introduction
This paper aims to use the disabling condition/mental health label and personal profile
accompanying the case study person (Riley Thomas) in the identification of potential supports
and accommodations in the workplace. The paper includes a thorough analysis of the disabling
condition of Thomas, as well as the information from his profile regarding the possible
workplace accommodations. It also uses various resources in identifying all the potential
accommodations which would help Thomas in his workplace. Besides, the paper seeks to
identify duty to accommodate legislation which would suitably apply to the workplace.
Furthermore, it includes a proposal to a potential employer to support the needs of the case
study person (Riley Thomas) on the job while also seeking to identify the benefits that the
employer would enjoy.
Thorough Description of Thomas’s Disabling Condition/Mental Health Concern
and Relevant Information
Riley Thomas is a skilled computer individual with twenty-two years of age. He has a
developmental disability and impaired vision. However, Thomas does not experience any
feelings of disability in any way since he can make good friendships and take the pursuit of his
life interests and passions. Besides, Thomas has no significant mental disability.
Developmental disability encompasses various conditions which affect the individuals’
process of learning and skill acquisition. The conditions mainly develop at birth or in childhood.
Developmental disabilities are usually severe and long-term health problems which affect
individuals (Jon A. Sanford, 2012). The disabilities include a collection of health conditions that
result from physical impairment, language, behavior or learning areas. They also include limited
functioning that results from the disorders of the nervous system development. The common

DISABILITY STUDIES 3
types of developmental disabilities are motor disabilities, cognitive disabilities, behavioral
disorders, and disabilities in hearing, speech and vision (Jones, 2013). The conditions often
commence during the developmental period (infancy), and they significantly affect the day-to-
day functioning of an individual. Thomas suffers from these conditions as a result of his
developmental disability, although he does not recognize them in his daily life (Harder, 2016).
Vision impairment, also known as visual loss or vision disability, is one of the health
problem outcomes of developmental disability. Thomas suffers from impaired vision. The
condition refers to a significant decrease in an individual’s ability to see to the extent that results
in challenges which common means such as medication or glasses cannot remedy (Jones, 2013).
Trauma, developmental disabilities, and disease are common causes of vision impairment.
Disorders in nerves and brain can also cause visual impairment. Visual impairment can make
Thomas experience significant difficulties in his daily life activities such as socializing, driving,
walking and even reading. Although Riley Thomas does not currently face these challenges, he
may experience them shortly (Bruyère & Barrington, 2012).
Potential Workplace Accommodations about the Case Study
Thomas suffers mainly from visual impairment. There are some workplace
accommodations that potential employers can initiate to eliminate or minimize the workplace
barriers for Thomas. The accommodations would help Thomas in the accomplishment of his
essential job duties and functions. For instance, potential employers may seek to implement
accommodations about blindness. The accommodations would help to eliminate or decrease the
physical exertion during work. Such blindness-related accommodations may include scheduled
rest breaks, help with the lifting of heavy objects, and aids of mobility (Braveman &
Page, 2011).