43 Competitive Selection and Placement of Individuals With Disabilities

Many applicants with disabilities are qualified to perform the essential functions of jobs without the need for accommodation. However, if an applicant with a disability who is otherwise qualified cannot perform one or more essential job functions because of his or her disability, the Postal Service must consider whether modifications or adjustment are available that would enable the person to perform these functions.

Employers must engage in an interactive process (see 22) to do the following:

• Determine whether the individual, in fact, has a disability.
• Identify the following:
• Essential functions of the job;
• The applicant’s abilities and limitations;
• Possible accommodations; and
• The reasonableness of accommodations proposed.

Example: The score of a compensable veteran with a service-connected disability was reached on a hiring worksheet for the job of city carrier. His preemployment eligibility and suitability reviews were favorable. During his interview, he identified a need for accommodation. His left arm had been amputated below the shoulder, but he was very proficient in using an artificial arm and hand.

A site visit was arranged where the essential functions and requirements of the job were explained and demonstrated to him. He was encouraged to discuss how he would perform the tasks associated with the job. He then demonstrated that he could perform the essential functions and requirements although with some difficulty. The Postal Service extended him a conditional job offer and scheduled him for a medical assessment.

The medical assessment indicated that an accommodation would be required for his missing left arm and hand. Another meeting was scheduled with the applicant, his prospective supervisor, and a counselor from the local VA Rehabilitation Center to assist in the accommodation efforts.

He again demonstrated his ability to perform job functions and recommended a modification to his prosthetic appliance that would enable him to handle and manipulate the mail for sorting with the required speed, accuracy, and proficiency. The VA counselor agreed to assist in the VA developing the recommended retrofit to the prosthetic device. When the modification to the prosthesis developed and provided by the VA was complete and its safety and effectiveness demonstrated, the applicant received a career appointment as a city carrier.