Massachusetts Jury Instruction — 1.5.2 Reasonable Accommodation Claim refers to a set of guidelines provided to the jury during a trial involving a reasonable accommodation claim in Massachusetts. In these cases, the claimant alleges that they were discriminated against because their employer failed to provide reasonable accommodation for their disability or other protected characteristics. The reasonable accommodation claim falls under the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act (FPA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which aim to protect individuals from discrimination in the workplace. The law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the employer. The Massachusetts jury instruction instructs the jury to carefully consider the evidence presented and evaluate whether the plaintiff has met their burden of proof by demonstrating the following elements: 1. Disability: The plaintiff must establish that they have a recognized disability as defined under the FPA and ADA. The disability can be physical, mental, sensory, or any other impairment. 2. Requested accommodation: The plaintiff needs to show that they made a request for reasonable accommodation to the employer. This request can be formal or informal, and it should be timely and specific. 3. Reasonable accommodation: The jury must determine whether the requested accommodation is reasonable and feasible for the employer. Factors to consider include the nature of the job, the employer's resources, and whether the accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the job. 4. Employer's failure to accommodate: The plaintiff must prove that the employer failed to provide a reasonable accommodation or denied their request. Evidence can include documentation of the request, communication with the employer, and any actions taken by the employer in response. 5. Causation: It is necessary for the plaintiff to establish that the employer's failure to accommodate was the direct cause of harm or disadvantage to the plaintiff. Different types of Massachusetts Jury Instruction — 1.5.2 Reasonable Accommodation Claim may include variations specific to certain disabilities or protected characteristics, such as accommodation requests related to pregnancy, religious beliefs, or gender identity. These different types can have specific considerations related to the nature of the accommodation, the impact on the job, and the employer's obligations in those particular circumstances. In conclusion, Massachusetts Jury Instruction — 1.5.2 Reasonable Accommodation Claim is a crucial guideline that assists juries in understanding the elements involved in determining whether an employer has violated the law by failing to provide reasonable accommodation to an employee with a disability or protected characteristic. By considering the relevant evidence and applying these instructions, the jury can determine the outcome of such cases in a fair and just manner.