244 Interim and Trial Accommodations

Keep in mind that if there is a reasonable likelihood that an individual will be entitled to an accommodation, but the accommodation cannot be provided immediately, an interim reasonable accommodation must be granted that allows the individual to perform some or all of the job’s essential functions without creating an undue hardship. For example, an employee with a visual impairment could be provided assignments in large-font hardcopy until a computer screen magnifier is provided.

The Postal Service also has the option to use a trial period if the effectiveness of an accommodation is in doubt. In such cases, the employee is informed as follows:

• The Postal Service will implement the accommodation for a trial period only.
• If it does not work, the RAC will discuss the next step, which could include a different accommodation or denying accommodation.