Upcoming Events

Disability Discrimination Issues - A Road Map for the “Interactive Process"

You have an employee who is unable to come to work regularly or perform at the level required. Can’t you just terminate the employee? Not so fast. What if the employee has a disability under federal and/or state law?

Employers are required to engage in an “interactive process” with an employee or applicant with a disability (or “perceived disability”) to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any.

This session will provide attendees with a road map to follow through the interactive process including:

• When is the employer on notice that an employee has a disability?
• What constitutes a request for accommodation?
• How does the employer determine if accommodation is necessary?
• What input does the employer need/want from the employee?
• What are reasonable accommodations?
• How does the employer decide what accommodation, if any, can be made?

Ms. Flaherty received her B.A. in Economics from Indiana University; completed graduate courses at the University of Illinois Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations; received her J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin; and her MBA from Pepperdine University. She is admitted to practice in California, Nevada and Texas. She has worked as a field attorney for the National Labor Relations Board; in-house employment counsel for a nationwide health care provider; and as retained legal counsel for a trade organization of employers throughout California and Arizona.

She has served as the President of a service organization providing legal, training and compliance assistance to employers in all areas of labor and employment-related activities. The organization focused on preventative measures such as drafting policies, reviewing hiring/firing decisions, providing informational bulletins and conducting educational seminars. Additionally she was responsible for developing and implementing Employment Practices Compliance Reviews to help employers determine whether there were gaps or problems relating to employment issues. These measures have resulted in minimal litigation for these employers.

In 2002 she established Employer’s Legal Advisor in Ventura County, a law firm advising and representing employers. The firm provides “Practical Legal Solutions for HR Management” working with employers to assist them in dealing with the myriad of laws and regulations that affect the workplace. The firm conducts employment compliance reviews; answers day-to-day questions – including such questions as whether and how to terminate an employee and handling intricate matters relating to leaves of absence; works with HR representatives to draft and implement appropriate policies; conducts workplace investigations; and, when necessary, represents employers before government agencies and in other legal actions.

Ms. Flaherty regularly conducts educational seminars providing employers and their supervisors and managers with information and training on new laws, regulations and court interpretations; how to take appropriate actions to implement changes; and how to direct the workforce in order to maximize productivity and organizational effectiveness.

The East Ventura County Employer Advisory Council (EAC) is composed of employer volunteers representing a cross-section of business and industry. The EAC was developed to promote a stronger partnership between the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and the business community. Its commitment is to assist employers in conducting their business more effectively and efficiently, to provide information on employment-related issues, and to enhance the communication between EDD and the private sector. This presentation is provided for educational and informational purposes only; it does not constitute an endorsement of the curriculum or speakers by the State of California EDD or by the East Ventura County EAC. Aside from staff designated to represent EDD, we assume no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the materials provided during this event.

EDD, an equal opportunity employer/program, is a partner in this event. Special requests for accommodation need to be made two weeks prior to the event by calling (805) 382-8618.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION:
Registration and payment received by Friday, September 12, 2008 -- $30.00

WALK-IN REGISTRATION:
Register and pay at the door -- $40.00

Space is limited. Substitutions welcome. No Refunds after Friday, September 12, 2008.