WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, led a group of her colleagues in urging the Department of Labor to better support workers who experience disabilities and who may be at particular risk as a result of COVID-19. The letter also was signed by U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Bob Casey, D-Pa., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Tim Kaine D-Va., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Chris Murphy D-Conn.

“We write to request more information about how the Department of Labor is preparing for and responding to the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States and how it impacts workers who experience disabilities, including those who are immunocompromised,” the senators wrote. “During this time, federal agencies must make evidence-based decisions and clearly communicate with the public in a timely way to protect Americans, especially those who may face unique risks and challenges as a result of this virus.”

The senators made clear in their letter that individuals who experience disabilities can be at higher risk for complications stemming from COVID-19, and that these workers have rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act to access reasonable accommodations that can help protect their health and the right tools to work remotely if needed. The senators ask the Department of Labor for details on what it is doing to ensure that individuals who experience disabilities know their rights as it pertains to the Americans with Disabilities Act so that they can receive proper medical attention and support without worrying that it will impact their employment. The letter also asks for details on the Department of Labor’s communication with employers to ensure that they are following the requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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