Expert: Lori Greene - 8/27/2011

Question
Hi my question is. In a high rise bldg in San Diego should everyone have access to the stairways? My daughter inlaw has a medical condition that she can not take the elevator because of an inner ear problem.The manager of the bldg said she can come down but not up the stairs.He said even with a medical problem no one goes up. Is that right?

Answer
Hi Stan -

I don't know of a requirement to allow employees to go up the stairs, except that during a fire alarm the doors have to unlock to allow occupants to leave the stair if the exit becomes compromised.  I understand that you're asking about using the stair on a daily basis.  The way I would approach this is to see whether your daughter-in-law's condition would qualify as a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).  In my opinion, her condition would qualify, and in that case the facility needs to make "reasonable accommodations" to allow her to reach her workplace and all of the building amenities.  Allowing your daughter-in-law to use the stairs should be a very easy accommodation.

Good luck to you both!

- Lori