The decision to deny a request for reasonable accommodation rests with management, but this determination must be made only after:
If your decision is to deny an individual’s request for accommodation, follow these steps:
The denial must:
Exhibit 251
Sample Reasonable-Accommodation Denial Letter
[Date]
[Employee Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear [Insert name]:
This letter responds to your request for accommodation. The purpose of reasonable accommodation is to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. You requested [Insert type of accommodation requested].
Your request is denied because [Provide a brief summary, alternative accommodations considered (if any), and the reason for denial. For example: Although you have a disability, you are not a qualified individual with a disability within the meaning of the Rehabilitation Act. The Act requires that an individual with a disability be able to satisfy the requisite skills, experience, and other job-related requirements of the position in issue. Our discussion with you and your medical provider, and with representatives from Safety and Operations, establish that your restrictions do not permit you to meet the job requirements of lifting, reaching, bending, carrying, and walking. Further, no reasonable accommodation would enable you to perform those functions. The accommodation you requested would eliminate an essential function of the job. Despite our efforts in interactive meetings with representatives from the Health Unit, Safety Office, and Human Resources, other alternatives explored were equally unsuccessful. Further, we considered whether you could be reassigned to a vacant funded position; however, we were unable to identify any available positions within your geographic limitations.]
You may appeal this denial within 10 business days by making a written request for reconsideration to the Human Resources Manager, [Insert mailing address]. You may provide additional information to support your request. You will be notified of the appeal decision in writing.
You have the right to challenge this denial by filing a complaint of discrimination under 29 CFR part 1614. In order to do so, you must contact the Postal Service Equal Employment Opportunity Office through the online Postal Service EEO efile application at https://efile.usps.com or by writing to: NEEOISO - EEO Contact Center, PO Box 21979, Tampa FL 33622-1979, within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action, or in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days of the effective date of the notice of denial of reasonable accommodation (See 29 CFR 1614.105). A written request to initiate the pre-complaint process will be considered timely if it is postmarked within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action, or in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days of the effective date of the notice of denial of reasonable accommodation.
[Signature of Decision Maker (Supervisor or Manager)]
[Typed Name of Decision Maker]
[Title]
cc: RAC file
