May 14, 2003

Response to handicapped parking

Q: I'd like to know why the Laboratory is apparently not complying with the federal American with Disabilities Act and not providing an adequate number of handicapped parking spaces throughout the Laboratory. Here at PF-66 (Technical Area 55), there are only two handicapped spaces, which are usually occupied, yet two additional spaces are reserved for United Way supporters. Thank you in advance for your attention to this question.

A: The number of accessible parking spaces at each Laboratory building is determined by two factors: (1) whether the facility provides programs or services to the public; or if not, (2) the number of qualified individuals with disabilities who need access to the facility in order to perform the essential functions of their jobs. For instance, a public-access facility such as the Otowi Building cafeteria might have a larger number of accessible parking spaces than a facility located in a secure area such as PF-66 (TA-55).

The Laboratory is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities access to their work site and public facilities used by them including parking spaces. When requested, the Laboratory also provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities seeking jobs at the Laboratory and to qualified individual workers with a disability to perform the essential functions of their jobs. Individuals with disabilities who feel they require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of their jobs, including additional accessible parking spaces, are encouraged to contact Occupational Medicine (HSR-2) at 5-2667 or the Laboratory's Disabilities Services Program Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) at 7-7040 or 7-8695.

The Laboratory is in the process of identifying facilities that provide programs and services to the public and will continue its efforts to ensure those specific buildings are accessible to workers with disabilities and the public.

In reference to parking in areas that do not provide programs or services to the public such as PF-66 (Technical Area 55), additional accessible parking spaces are determined on an individual basis, as required to enable qualified workers with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs. If HSR-2 determines that a worker needs accessible parking it will coordinate with OEO and make the necessary arrangements with FWO. For additional questions or inquiries, contact HSR-2 or OEO as mentioned above.

--David E. Rudolph, Disabilities Services Program coordinator