Optis is very pleased and excited to announce the launch of our new solution, ADAInteract! ADAInteract provides Human Resources with an end-to-end cloud-based solution to help manage employee accommodation requests and the interactive process.
According to the [United States Census Bureau](https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/miscellaneous/cb12-134.html), about 56.7 million people, or 19 percent of the population have a disability.
How to Centralize Your Employee Accommodations Program: Announcing ADAInteract™!
Top 10 Challenges in Managing Employee Accommodations
Here at Optis, we know that Human Resource teams are typically the first to jump in and help their employees. When it comes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADAAA, HR are the key project leads in finding and coordinating the implementation of employee accommodations.
Managing FMLA and Employee Leave in Washington? Here's What You Need to Know
Take a look at the diverse landscape of less-noticed leave with our new [eBook](http://optis.com/thought-leadership-download?nid=279), or start a free trial of [LeaveXpert](https://www.leavexpert.com/) today.
Be Cautious if Ignoring Absence Management Discrepancies
This post is brought to you by Optis’ Business Analyst, [David Spring](http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspringoptis).
Have you ever experienced a situation in which your HRIS system indicated an employee was being paid for a disability but you weren’t sure that his or her disability was approved by your third party administrator (TPA)? Most of us have probably all been there at some point and had that uneasy feeling that something isn’t right.
Managing Leave in Connecticut? Here's What You Need to Know
Take a look at the diverse landscape of less-noticed leave with our new [eBook](http://optis.com/thought-leadership-download?nid=279), or start a free trial of [LeaveXpert](https://www.leavexpert.com/) today.
Managing FMLA and Employee Leave in Illinois? Here's What You Need to Know
Take a look at the diverse landscape of less-noticed leave with our new [eBook](http://optis.com/thought-leadership-download?nid=279), or start a free trial of [LeaveXpert](https://www.leavexpert.com/) today.
Employers Beware: Don’t Discourage FMLA Usage
It’s always good to be reminded about behaviors or policies that could lead to legal trouble. One such reminder comes from section 105 of the FMLA, which indicates that interfering, restraining or improperly denying the benefits of the FMLA also includes not discouraging in any way usage of the FMLA. If this message was clear and obvious to all employers, then it would seem violations of this nature wouldn’t still occur, but unfortunately, they do.
4 Tips on the 24th Anniversary of the ADA
This week’s post is brought to you by [*David Spring, Business Analyst*](http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspringoptis).
This week marks the 24 year anniversary of when the ADA was signed into law, occurring on July 26, 1990. With over two decades past, ADA coordinators may be feeling tired and overwhelmed with surmounting responsibilities related to complying with the ADA and properly fulfilling reasonable accommodation requests. We understand, the journey sometimes feels more like a cyclone than a walk in the park.
Don’t Get Bit by the FMLA Litigation Bug
On Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled that a former city worker from Hot Springs, Arkansas is entitled to liquidated damages nearing $56,000 under the FMLA. You can read the full story [here](http://www.bna.com/city-welder-not-n17179890451/).
The employee went on FMLA leave to recover from surgery, but wasn’t able to return to work after his leave expired.
Volunteer Firefighters Leave: What HR Should Know
The 2014 wildfire season has already started, so what better time to honor all firefighters in conjunction with May 4th, International Firefighters Day. Many inspirational quotes exist honoring the world’s heroes, but the following Maya Angelou quote is good because of its inclusive nature:
*"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"*
While states like Colorado may have a better wildland fire potential outlook for 2014; other states like New Mexico, Arizona and California do not, according to the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook.