Understanding Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are changes or modifications to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job and enjoy equal employment opportunities.
Examples of reasonable accommodations under the ADA include:
- Providing a qualified interpreter or reader for a person who is deaf or blind
- Making modifications to a worksite, such as installing ramps or lowering counters, for a person who uses a wheelchair
- Adjusting the schedule or work hours for a person with a medical condition
- Providing assistive technology, such as screen-reading software or speech-recognition software, for a person who has difficulty seeing or speaking
- Allowing a service animal to accompany a person with a disability
What is the process for requesting a reasonable accommodation?
An employee with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation should request one from their employer. The request should be made in writing and should explain the employee’s disability and the accommodation that is needed.
What is the employer’s obligation to provide a reasonable accommodation?
Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the employer. Undue hardship means that the accommodation would result in significant difficulty or expense for the employer.
What can I do if I believe that I have been denied a reasonable accommodation?
If you believe that you have been denied a reasonable accommodation, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC will investigate your complaint and, if it finds that discrimination has occurred, will take action to remedy the situation. This may include requiring the employer to provide the reasonable accommodation or to pay damages to the employee.
Here are some resources for more information about reasonable accommodations:
- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc-disability-related-resources/reasonable-accommodation
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN): https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/resources/jan
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.