What is a Reasonable Accommodation for my Disability?

Federal and state laws offer special protections to employees with disabilities. Qualified employees with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to assist them in the performance of their job duties. You can read more about qualifying disabilities here.

A reasonable accommodation is anything that will enable an individual with a disability to have equal employment opportunities. Whether it’s a modification to the job, the work environment, or the way things are done, reasonable accommodations exist so that employees with disabilities are able to participate in the processes and perform their essential roles. There are many types of accommodations and reasonable accommodation requests must be evaluated individually on a case-by-case basis.

Reasonable accommodations could include:

• providing assistive technology
• modifying workstations
• allowing for flexible working hours
• adjusting the physical environment of the workplace
• providing special equipment
• changing job duties
• allowing for medical leave

Reasonable accommodations can be discussed during the interactive process. The interactive process is an open communication between the employer and the employee in which the discussion of the disability and the limitations thereof take place. Accommodations should be tailored to the individual’s needs, and not create an undue burden for the employer. You can read more about the interactive process here.

A request for accommodation does not need to be in writing, but it may be necessary to provide disability documentation at the employer’s request. Knowing your rights will help you avoid disability discrimination and/or address any misconceptions an employer may have. You can read more about disability discrimination here.

At TONG LAW, we represent employees in reasonable accommodations disputes.