Handout D

During the Interview:

  1. Q: Should you discuss the nature of the company?

    A: Yes. Individuals with disabilities are just as interested in the company and its policies as anyone else.

  2. Q: Should you discuss and describe the content of the specific position for which you are interviewing?

    A: Yes. You must give a precise description of the functions to be performed, the outputs expected, and the physical working environment. Only then can accommodations be discussed, should they be necessary.

  3. Q: Should you ask if the individual has a car and means of getting to work?

    A: No. This is not your concern. If your company offers some form of vanpool or other transportation services to all employees, you should ensure that it is accessible to individuals with disabilities and discuss it as you would with any other applicant. You may, however, ask the applicant if he or she has a valid driver's license only if driving a vehicle is included in the job description.

  4. Q: If you notice a disabling condition (individual uses a wheelchair, guide dog, hearing aid, etc.) should you ask what caused the disability?

    A: No. This is, frankly, none of your business and illegal.

  5. Q: If you notice an obvious disability, can you ask about accommodations?

    A: No. It is only appropriate to ask if the individual can perform the functions of the job as they are stated in the job description. Emphasis on how the job functions would be performed may be elicited from the interviewee. This should lead to discussion about what, if any, accommodations he/she may need.

  6. Q: Should you send an individual with a disability for a pre-employment medical examination?

    A: No. You can require a medical exam after a conditional offer of employment, but only if you require it of all individuals applying for the same type of position.

Note: Drug testing is not considered a pre-employment medical examination for purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, and therefore is permissible before a conditional offer of employment if required of ALL applicants, and not only those with a disability.


Interview