Is bereavement counseling a disability under ADA? 04-04-2007

Does "bereavement counseling" with a licensed therapist, initially, in and of itself, fall within the parameters of a "psychiatric disability" of the Americans with Disabilities Act? Is an employer bound by the ADA to make accommodation, such as employee working from home as opposed to coming into the office while in bereavement counseling?

Rita Risser replies:

No, ADA only applies to permanent disabilities. However, from a values standpoint it would be nice if you offered the person some slack for a week or two.

Law, policy, values - all three are part of all our programs, including Hiring the Best.

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