DMEC News: September 2021

Tasha Patterson@Work

ADA Accommodation Process Microcredential Course Now Available

The acceleration of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation requests — combined with the increase in complexity — has created significant challenges for employers as they work to manage compliant leave and disability programs. According to the 2021 DMEC ADA Accommodations Pulse Survey, 46% of respondents saw an increase from their pre-pandemic accommodation request levels during the early months of the pandemic. A further 36% continue to see increases in 2021.

However, 42% of respondents have not seen changes to staffing or investment in technology solutions to help manage the increasing numbers. To ensure compliance with rising caseloads, it is crucial to train existing staff on the fundamentals of the accommodation process.

New ADA Course

DMEC is pleased to offer our first microcredential course to address this key industry topic. The ADA Accommodation Process Microcredential Course is an interactive, self-paced training — featuring real-life scenarios and knowledge checks — focused on how to navigate employee accommodation requests effectively and confidently. The course covers the following topics:

  • Conducting the interactive process
  • Making accommodations
  • Communication and documentation
  • Tracking, managing, and monitoring accommodations

Designed as a two and a half hour deep-dive learning experience, individuals will discover how to conduct the full accommodation process — from identifying key stakeholders to uncovering potential accommodations to tracking and monitoring effectiveness. The course is $199 for DMEC members and $250 for nonmembers, and registration is now open.

Digital Badges & Certificates

DMEC is partnering with BadgeCert, a third-party badging company, to issue a digital badge as well as a certificate for individuals who complete a DMEC microcredential course.

“Credentials matter,” said Dr. Ginger Malin, Founder of BadgeCert. “To move their careers forward, professionals need ways to differentiate themselves from their competition and ultimately stand out in a crowd. They also need others to understand the time, effort, and rigor devoted to developing their professional expertise.”

To assist individuals with highlighting their microcredentials, badges can be shared electronically via email or through social media networks as well as displayed on resumes, email signatures, or job boards. DMEC’s digital badges are also embedded with qualifying information and can be easily verified by others when they access the badge link. This cutting-edge technology allows badge earners to securely share their credentials as they choose.

What’s Ahead

Additional microcredential courses on FMLA medical certifications, the return-to-work process, and state leave laws will launch in 2022. Stay tuned for more details.

Full content is available to DMEC members only.

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