Re: Color vision for network techs

[JC Dill <jcdill.lists () gmail com>]

On 31/08/12 7:54 AM, Scott Morris wrote:
> The ADA act does not allow people to have access to every single job
> regardless of their handicap.  So, if something requires the ability to
> see certain colors, then that's a requirement.

Be careful about those "requirements".  The ADA requires employers to 
make "reasonable accommodations" to people with a handicap or 
disability.  There are solutions such as using colored lenses to view 
LEDs or shining colored lights on objects (see the post about using a 
red flashlight to help with CAT5 wiring) that can aid those with color 
blindness issues.  These solutions are not practical for certain jobs 
such as an airline pilot or train conductor where they can legally 
refuse to hire people who don't pass color vision tests.  But the 
work-around solutions are likely to be considered "reasonable 
accommodations" for most jobs in the IT/Networking field.

So if you DO decide to test for color vision, make sure you know your 
rights and responsibilities for handling any employee or applicant who 
fails the test.

IANAL - if you have any questions be sure to get advice from an attorney 
- preferably one who specializes in employment law.

jc