The Interactive Process
What is The Interactive Process (TIP)?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been around since 1990.
Yet, many employers and employees are unfamiliar with the ADA and what the interactive process means.
An employee with a medical condition and their employer are working together to explore how to restore them to full functioning in the essential functions of their job - with or without accommodation. The interactive process is intended to be a collaborative (and confidential) effort between the two parties.
What happens when medical conditions impact your work?
There are several different laws that come into play and knowing how to navigate them can be bewildering.
The good news is that there is a well-mapped out process available to guide you through the rights and responsibilities for how to look at the impact of limitations on performing essential functions and how to achieve "reasonable" accommodation.
Watch the video and learn more about this!
Why is TIP necessary?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) directs employers with 15 or more employees to accommodate an otherwise qualified employee with a disability unless doing so would pose an undue hardship or direct threat.
Further, under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and other state statutes, it is unlawful to treat a qualified employee or job, applicant, unfavorably because of a disability.
Do you want to understand the process better?
My TRILOGY WEBINAR Series is designed for you, to educate and inform about best practices for employee accommodation, the benefits of early intervention, and managing the interactive process.
"I just want to take this time to express how appreciative I am of your expertise and willingness to assist us. We called you last minute to facilitate an IPM, and I was blown away by how you handled the meeting and how you addressed the employee's questions and concerns. This meeting could have gone in a very different direction, but having you facilitate the meeting made a world of difference. We appreciate you!"
- C. Jimenez-Sanchez, Valley Center-Pauma USD
Want to know more?
The Federal American Disabilities Act (ADA)
Click here for information and technical assistance.
California Dept of Fair Employment and Housing
Click here to get information from California's civil rights agency.
Job Accomodation Network
Click here to get information about workplace accomodations.
Monthly TIP Q&A with Dr. Dupree & Felicia Amenta
Employers are challenged every day in managing employees in today's new normal of workplace conditions
Felicia Amenta, the Senior Manager of Workers' Compensation Program for San Diego County and Imperial County Schools JPA, and Dr. Dupree outline best practices for guiding employers.
Where to begin?
It’s easy to get started.
Click here to download 3 Important Documents to prepare for the process.
Schedule a free 15-minute call prior to the scheduled TIP Meeting.
Use the confidential online scheduler to find a time that works for you.
Click here to schedule your meeting.
Our Pricing Packages
Customized TIP services /
- Completion of DWC Notice of Offer on behalf of Employer | Claims Administrator for work-related medical conditions.
- Correspondence to Medical Providers with Customized Questionnaires to frame issues and secure needed medical input for accommodation purposes.
- Meeting time in excess of 1.25 hours as outlined in Flat Rate.
- Travel rate (inclusive of mileage).
- Other specialized requests such as coordination of Fitness for Duty (FFD) and/or additional meetings as needed.
- *reduced hourly rate available for contracted services
Interactive Process Meeting (TIPM) /
- Pre-IPM Communications & Consultation, Documentation Review & Preparation (up to 1.25 hours)
- IPM Facilitation (up to 1.25 hours)
- IPM Summary Report (up to 1.25 hours)
- The IPM is facilitated virtually (ZOOM or MS Teams) for easy access; in-person IPMs are available upon request; additional travel time applies.
- *reduced flat rate available for contracted services
- *reduced flat rate available for contracted services
Customized Learning /
- Designed for Supervisors, Managers and Administrators
- Best practices for managing employees with medical conditions
- How to use the interactive process most effectively and efficiently
- How to lead and manage when performance and attendance are impacted
- Professional development learning opportunities (delivered via ZOOM or On-Site) also include:
- Dealing with Different, sometimes Difficult, People
- Managing the Hybrid Workforce
- Coaching and Feedback Forward
- Attracting the Right Employee with Behavioral-based Interview Strategies
- Manager in the Middle: Working through Employee Conflict
- Employees at Odds: Managing Conflict at the Lowest Level
- The Culturally Competent Workplace: Going beyond Race & Gender
Schedule an Interactive Process meeting (TIPM)
Listen to What They Have to Say!
Having a specialist who knows a lot about these situations is really important. Allen Williams saw how Relationships at Work set up a nice and caring way of doing things that focuses on what employees really need.
Allen Williams
Executive Director of HR
Bonsall Unified School District
Building a Courageous Culture
Workplace physical safety has come a long way in the last few decades, but psychological issues are still an important part of our daily lives.
It's time to learn how to create healthy work environments with a courageous culture, where everyone is heard, cared for, and valued.
Discover:
Why physical safety at work is no longer enough.
A realistic picture of discrimination in the workplace and why you need to take it seriously.
The difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict, and why it’s everyone's business to build a healthy organization.
Did you have a TIP meeting with us?
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Your input on our services would be greatly appreciated.