South Carolina Jury Instruction — 1.5.2 Reasonable Accommodation Claim refers to the legal guidelines provided to the jury regarding cases involving claims of reasonable accommodation under the South Carolina Human Affairs Law. This instruction is crucial when determining the outcome of such cases and ensuring that individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination. The concept of reasonable accommodation arises from the principle that employers must make necessary adjustments to their policies, practices, or physical environments to allow persons with disabilities to access employment opportunities and perform essential job functions. Here are some essential points covered in South Carolina Jury Instruction — 1.5.2 Reasonable Accommodation Claim: 1. Definition of Reasonable Accommodation: This instruction explains that reasonable accommodation refers to modifications or adjustments that enable a qualified individual with a disability to equally enjoy the benefits of employment. 2. Elements of a Reasonable Accommodation Claim: The instruction details the elements necessary for a plaintiff to establish a valid claim. These typically include demonstrating the existence of a disability, providing notice to the employer regarding the need for accommodation, and establishing that the proposed accommodation is reasonable and would not cause undue hardship for the employer. 3. Required Interactive Process: The instruction emphasizes the importance of the interactive process between the employer and the employee with a disability when exploring reasonable accommodation options. Both parties are required to engage in good faith dialogue to identify effective accommodation solutions. 4. Types of Reasonable Accommodations: The instruction may also briefly mention different types of accommodations that could be deemed reasonable, such as modifications to work schedules, providing specialized equipment, restructuring job responsibilities, making physical changes to the workplace, or allowing telecommuting. 5. Burden of Proof: The instruction clarifies the burden of proof for both the plaintiff and defendant in a reasonable accommodation claim. The plaintiff bears the initial burden of proving the existence of a disability and the need for accommodation, while the defendant must justify any alleged undue hardship generated by implementing the requested accommodation. Some variations of South Carolina Jury Instruction — 1.5.2 Reasonable Accommodation Claim may exist based on specific cases, but the underlying principles remain consistent throughout. These instructions serve as vital tools for the jury in understanding their roles and responsibilities in determining the outcome of reasonable accommodation claims.