Monday, April 21 – 12-1 pm CST
In this CLE session panelists will discuss their lived experiences with disabilities, as well as the interactive processes they have navigated individually, or with employees they supervise, in seeking workplace accommodations. Throughout the discussion, panelists will address the following topics: defining the “interactive process”, how and when an individual can disclose disability, how to effectively communicate accommodation needs to employers, the types of accommodations an employee might request, and what steps an employee should take if their request for accommodation is denied. Allie Quinn, Director of Disability & Student Services, will serve as the moderator for the 1-hour Zoom session.
While this panel is a CLE event, it is open to students. All four panelists are members of the Minnesota Disability Bar Association (MDisBA).
Minnesota Disability Bar Association – Panelist Bios
Danny Bihrle
Danny Bihrle is Senior Associate at Fredrikson & Byron in Minneapolis who practices primarily employment law. In his employment law practice, Danny provides clients with comprehensive legal guidance to help navigate the increasingly complex landscape of federal, state and local employment laws. Danny also maintains a practice advising tribal governments and tribal-owned businesses on litigation, employment and governance issues. In his personal life, Danny has been through the reasonable accommodations process at two large law firms and uses this experience to support not only his regular practice, but to support others in the broader community, especially through his role as a member of the Volunteer Lawyers Network’s Employment Law Clinic.
Prateek Viswanathan
Prateek Viswanathan is an intellectual property trial lawyer at Robins Kaplan and a former federal judicial law clerk. He has severe hearing loss and has worn hearing aids since childhood. Currently he chairs the Judicial Endorsements Committee of the Minnesota Disability Bar Association.
Sierra Grandy
Sierra Grandy (she/her) is an attorney and business owner specializing in neurodiversity, mental health, and disability topics. She lives with multiple disabilities ranging from autism to fibromyalgia. She is an active community volunteer with positions in the National Alliance on Mental Health, the State Advisory Council on Mental Health, and as the Chair of the Education Committee of the Minnesota Disability Bar Association.
Chad Wilson
Chad Wilson is a supervising attorney with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid at the Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC). He supervises MDLC’s voting rights, outreach, and community services integration work. Chad has a physical disability and is a wheelchair user. He is a member of the Minnesota Disability Bar Association.
What should I do if I would like to attend?
Please register using the CLE registration form here.