Fundamentals of Disability Accommodations for Library Workers
Description
The process established under the Americans with Disabilities Act is designed to provide equal access to employment for disabled people. However, there remains persistent barriers to requesting and receiving accommodations throughout the library profession. This webinar will explain the federally mandated process, detailing how it should work for a library employee. The presenter will walk attendees through how to request an accommodation, including how to know if you have an eligible disability and if accommodations could be right for you, what documentation is required, and what federally mandated resources are available. This includes the limitations of “reasonable” accommodations and how to navigate the barriers or discrimination library workers may encounter. It will end with a question-and-answer session to address attendees’ issues or concerns related to the process generally or specifically at their institution.
Learning Objectives
After participating in or viewing this event, you will:
- Understand the basics of your rights to reasonable accommodations
- Know how to navigate the legal process and identify potential barriers within your workplace
- Know where to access resources to support requests
About the Presenter
Katelyn Quirin Manwiller is the Education Librarian and Assistant Professor at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She received her MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently pursuing an MS in Transformative Education and Social Change from West Chester University. Katie is chronically ill and dynamically disabled. Katie’s scholarship focuses on improving disability inclusion in libraries and higher education by building disability community, addressing disability misconceptions, and creating accessible work environments. She serves in her union as a member support representative for the accommodations process.
This event will be hosted in Zoom. Automatic captions will be enabled for this event. This event will be recorded, and registrants will receive access to the recording within a day after the event ends.
If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.