Navigating Alcohol and Drug Addiction Protections Under the ADA

Join us for a comprehensive 90-minute webinar that delves into managing alcohol and drug addiction under the ADA, tailored for professionals addressing workplace addiction challenges. Gain a solid understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how addiction to alcohol and substance use disorders are recognized as disabilities. Through expert insights and real-life case studies, you'll discover the legal protections and rights afforded to individuals under the ADA, including employment, state and local government protections, and public accommodations.
This session will provide practical strategies for creating an inclusive workplace, navigating legal challenges, and understanding state-specific considerations. Learn about the duty to accommodate addictions, the implications of medical marijuana, and the benefits of last chance agreements. Whether you're an employer, HR professional, or legal advisor, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and best practices needed to support employees with addiction while ensuring compliance with the ADA.

• Understand the key provisions and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning addiction.
• Recognize how addiction to alcohol and substance use disorders is considered a disability under the ADA.
• Identify reasonable accommodations for employees with addiction and understand employer responsibilities and employee rights.
• Develop strategies for supporting employees with addiction and creating an inclusive workplace, including drug and alcohol policies.
• Navigate common legal challenges and understand best practices for compliance, including the use of last chance agreements and the duty to accommodate addictions.
• Analyze state-specific differences and additional protections.

• HR Professionals, all levels
• Employee Relations Managers
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinators
• Occupational Health and Safety Managers
• Disability Program Managers

Melveen Stevenson is the CEO and founder of M.S. Elemental, LLC, a human resources and business advisory firm. As a certified HR professional with a background in accounting and finance, she helps companies to navigate the human resources “jungle” of compliance, human capital, and leadership challenges. In doing so, she empowers companies to strengthen their infrastructure from the inside out, specifically through leadership development, operations, training, employee engagement, and executive coaching.

Melveen speaks on key topics to empower companies with the latest research and best practices for increasing engagement, enhancing leadership presence, and optimizing diverse workforce groups.

Over the last 20 years, Melveen has held leadership positions in human resources operations, supply chain, and talent management at international companies in food manufacturing, medical devices, and consumer products. She has spent most of her career in California, and has expertise in the state’s complicated employment regulations.

Melveen is certified through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and the Human Resources Certification Institute (SPHR).  She is also a faculty member at California State University-Dominguez Hills.