[blindlaw] Federal law and working in large restaurant kitchens?

[Kirt Manwaring]

Hello list,
  My name is Kirt Manwaring.  Up until now, I've had no real need to
post to this list (even though I've thoroughly enjoyed watching the
discussion that's taken place here), but I have a question that's
recently come up regarding the legality of a totally blind person
working in the kitchen of a large fast-food restaurant.  There is a
good chance I'll be hired by a local Macdonalds that is owned by a
close family friend; all things considered, he's fairly willing to
give me a fair shot, as far as I can tell.  However, he just informed
me that, due to federal law, I would be unable to do things in the
industrial kitchen that would conceivably threaten my safety or the
safety of those around me.  As an example, he said I would be unable
to make a salad, because I would be using a knife and, acording to
federal law, me using a knife in a kitchen of a large restaurant poses
a safety risk.  I probably won't fight it, because this is only a
temporary job and I doubt I would make any progress, but I'm just
curious if my family friend is correct, or if Macdonalds is simply
misinterpreting the direct threat portion of the ADA.  Any thoughts
would be very much appreciated.
  Cordially submitted,
Kirt Manwaring