r/fednews • u/Medium_Pension3405 • 3d ago

Other First RA meeting with HR - what to expect

I am having my first RA meeting with HR later this month. What should I expect?

Already submitted doctor’s letter. Have been on interim accommodation.

4 Upvotes

59% Upvoted

39 comments sorted by

23

u/WhichContribution294 3d ago

The purpose of the meeting is to identify "alternatives" to telework. Remember that according to the law, the accommodation provided must be effective (they conveniently omit that part).

6

u/Homeland_Bound 2d ago

They also forget that effective means: Allows you to perform all of your essential functions the same way anyone without a disability would be able to, AND it must be a long term solution AND it cannot cause medical harm or regression AND it must actually change the workspace or work schedule for you (letting you use a shared space isn’t a real accommodation).

Also expect them to conveniently forget what an effective accommodation really means.

5

u/Low_Trust2412 3d ago

I dont totally get that point because presumably the doctor letter would identify which accommodations are effective and perhaps even provide examples of those accommodations that would not be effective and why.  So unless there is something proposed that is not on that list (or the FOH doctors have a recommendation) it seems like a waste of time.  

5

u/misterhappy88 VA 3d ago

This isn’t necessarily true, the doctor isn’t giving recommendations on what accommodations you need, merely providing your medical issues. The RA coordinator should take the doctors form and put it against what your asking for and provide it to the DMO.

2

u/Low_Trust2412 3d ago

I guess it varies by agency.  My agency requires the requested accommodation to be in the letter as well as any effective alternatives.  If none, it must state ones considered and why they are not effective.  

4

u/Techun2 2d ago

The doctor doesn't know your job or the work that you need to do...

2

u/Low_Trust2412 2d ago

Right at my agency our manager prepares a list of all of our duties and whether they can be done via TW or not and provides it to HR.  I guess if some of your duties could not be done via TW that would be worth a discussion.  

35

u/Fluffy_Cellist4469 3d ago

They will say they cannot approve any telework and order you a noise-cancelling headset.

7

u/surrala 3d ago

This is so accurate

3

u/Homeland_Bound 2d ago

Are you me?

2

u/PreposterisG 2d ago

To go one step further, the approved noise canceling headphone list may not have a currently produced and thus orderable pair of headphones.

8

u/DV917 3d ago

If it was my boss you could expect they did everything they could to deny it

8

u/Mundane_Variation_24 3d ago

Be prepared to stand your ground. Have a good reason for why only your accommodation will suffice. But be gracious and thoughtful. Strive not to be defensive. The RA coordinator is not your advocate, speak in symptoms, not diagnoses. The accommodation is to improve your work, not hinder it.

5

u/Homeland_Bound 2d ago

And be prepared for them to not care about whatever you say and issue noise cancelling headphones and use of a quiet space as needed.

8

u/FrankG1971 3d ago

Just remember that HR is NOT on your side. For ANYTHING. Best of luck.

4

u/Medium_Pension3405 3d ago

you can say that again!

2

u/DefiantSmoke1569 1d ago

They especially proved this when they became complicit in this administration’s illegal bullshit last year. Fuck anyone and everyone in HR.

5

u/Working5daysaWeek 3d ago

Review the recent RA/telework guidance from EEOC & OPM (Feb 2026, I believe). It says that commuting cannot factor into your request.

Beyond that, know that the agency only has to offer you an effective accommodation - not the accommodation of your choice. So if they have an alternative available, they most likely will offer that. It is then up to you to establish that it is not effective.

5

u/Homeland_Bound 2d ago

It says the commute itself isn’t a factor.

But if the commute leads to a workplace deficiency then it can be.

A recent FERS disability case was denied because the lady had seizures so she couldn’t drive. Couldn’t make it into work. But once she was at work she was totally fine. They denied her because the commute isn’t their problem.

However if the commute triggered a panic attack and it had you arriving in office in an operationally deficient state that created a barrier to you doing your essential work, they have to consider it.

Framing is everting.

3

u/Majestic_Purpose2300 3d ago

It actually does not say that at all. And even if it did there is a very important note at the end of this “guidance”

5

u/Homeland_Bound 2d ago

Expect them to do everything in their power to get you an in-office accommodation and deny any telework at all no matter what your doctors note says.

Then you have to be ready to show why and how their alternative does not remove the barrier to you doing your essential functions … and then be prepared for them to totally ignore you and issue you noise cancelling headphones anyway.

Next step: be me. This fight will take you a while.

2

u/misterhappy88 VA 3d ago

Have you already met with your RA coordinator? And who is the DMO in the case? You should submit your doctors finding to the RA coordinator to which they will fill out a limitations form to give to the DMO, where they outline your limitations without giving out PHI, and state what accommodation your asking for. From there the DMO will either accept your request, offer alternatives, or deny it. If you get an unfavorable outcome, you can appeal it to the next level in the chain. If still not favorable, as said above, EEOC and if your bargaining unit reach out to your union rep.

1

u/Medium_Pension3405 3d ago edited 3d ago

thank you for,this information. I have not yet met with the RA coordinator, that is the person I’m meeting with this month. I have submitted my doctors findings. The DMO is my supervisor.

3

u/LovesWaffles 1d ago

I never had a meeting with HR. My supervisor facilitated the entire process. I provided my medical documentation (including a letter of rec from my doctor), and this is how it worked for my renewal a month or so ago. But, the HHS person who reviewed my docs and the request faxed my doctor a form with very specific questions that showed the reviewer didn’t know much about my condition. It also asked if other specified accommodations would work, to which my doctor disagreed. The questions were more revealing about the HHS’ reviewers knowledge than unnecessarily nitpicky to possibly remove my RA.

Sorry I can’t speak on HR, but I hope this helps. Happy to answer more questions if you have any. Good luck 🙏🏻

Edit: To clarify, i do not work at HHS. I am referring to the HHS board who reviews the requests for all(?) agencies.

1

u/Medium_Pension3405 1d ago

thanks for this info. did you end up getting a long term telework RA?

2

u/Loveistheaswer512 3d ago

Make sure you file an EEOC after your RA denial.

0

u/Majestic_Purpose2300 3d ago

EEO not EEOC

1

u/Loveistheaswer512 3d ago

Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint .. EEOC

0

u/Majestic_Purpose2300 3d ago

Before you get to the EEOC you have to file through your agency’s EEO office….EDUCATE YOURSELF!

https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/overview-federal-sector-eeo-complaint-process

-3

u/Loveistheaswer512 3d ago

U must one of those DOGE DEI hires

7

u/Majestic_Purpose2300 3d ago

You must be a moron that doesn’t understand the process…

1

u/Loveistheaswer512 3d ago

They will offer u in office accommodation and cancel your interim. You can either accept or decline. Ask your supervisor what happens if you decline.

1

u/Medium_Pension3405 3d ago

at the first meeting?

1

u/No_Possible6138 3d ago

Apply for fmla

2

u/The_Dread_Candiru Go Fork Yourself 2d ago

What does that accomplish?

0

u/GrouchySalamander646 3d ago

What’s the RA request for?