BARGAINING FOR DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION AND ACCESS

WHEREAS, individuals with physical or psychological disabilities or those with chronic health issues or those with qualifying health issues face unique challenges in accessing and working in the professional environment; and

WHEREAS, individuals' requests for basic accessibility and accommodations are both necessary and protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act; and

WHEREAS, the need for accommodations come at the recommendation of medical and psychological care professionals; and

WHEREAS, implementations and accommodations do not always meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act or adequately address the needs of those individuals; and

WHEREAS, our workplaces should strive for universal access and reasonable accommodations:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will support locals in their advocacy and bargaining for accessibility and accommodation rights, protections, and the development of inclusive policy; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will support locals in taking steps (such as focus groups and online surveys) to identify needs for, usage of, and gaps in accessibility and accommodations to advise bargaining on these issues; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will endeavor to combat the marginalization of the disabled community by supporting the visibility and voices of the disabled community; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will include disability access and accommodation support as a stable necessity for member unions across the country.