242 Other Timing Considerations

242.1 Expedited Processing

Expedited processing may be necessary in the following:

• The reasonable accommodation process is needed to enable an individual to apply for a job. For example, an applicant with a permanent disability resulting from a back injury requests a special chair with back support for a scheduled typing-performance test.
• The accommodation is needed for a special activity that is scheduled to occur shortly. For example, you select an employee who is deaf or hard of hearing to participate in a focus group, and the employee requests an onsite American Sign Language interpreter.
• An employee with a known disability has a recurring, predictable need for accommodation. For example, you supply large print for an employee whom you have granted this accommodation previously.

242.2 Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating circumstances are limited situations in which unforeseen or unavoidable events prevent promptly processing a request or an accommodation. The following are examples of extenuating circumstances:

• Purchasing equipment may take a month or longer.
• The employee with a disability needs to try working with equipment to ensure that it is effective before the Postal Service buys it.
• A medical expert is evaluating medical information provided by the individual.
• Additional medical information is necessary to determine whether a disability exists or if an accommodation is feasible (including, where appropriate, situations in which a specialist must review the documentation).

When extenuating circumstances exist, you may extend the time for processing a request, as necessary. Notify the requesting individual of the following:

• The reason for the delay.
• The approximate date on which a decision is expected.
• Whether you can take temporary measures to assist him or her.
• Further developments or changes.