Studies show employees with disabilities can be 70 percent more productive with reasonable workplace accommodations.¹ While many workplaces have accommodation policies, external resources empower you to confidently request them, advocate for changing needs, and navigate situations where accommodations are denied.
If you’re a person with a disability who’s looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, this guide equips you with the knowledge and best practices for requesting accommodation that meets your specific needs.
What are Workplace Accommodations?
They are modifications or adjustments to the work environment that enables individuals with disabilities to perform their job duties effectively. These accommodations can vary widely depending on the disability and the job’s requirements. This can include:
- Assistive technology such as screen readers, speech recognition software, and ergonomic keyboards
- Physical modifications such as wheelchair ramps, adjustable desks, and accessible restrooms
- Flexible work schedules or telecommunication options
- Modification of job duties or restructuring of tasks
- Accessible formats for written materials, such as braille or large print
In addition, accommodation could be provided as adjustments like a modified work schedule to allow for doctor’s appointments and much more.
What to Know About Accommodations Before Employment
Before you start a new job, or even begin your job search, it’s a good idea to be well-versed in what exactly a job accommodation entails if you require it.
1. Explore Available Resources
There are several resources and support services that can help you navigate the world of workplace accommodations, including:
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN is a free resource funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and available nationwide, that offers a wealth of information and support on job accommodations.² You can browse through over 300 disability-specific publications covering various accommodations and legal aspects. Their interactive tool, ‘Searchable Online Accommodation Resource’ (SOAR), allows you to search for accommodation ideas based on your specific disability and job type.
JAN offers free consultations with qualified accommodation specialists. You can reach them by phone or connect with them through their online service, “JAN on Demand.” This service provides personalized email responses to your specific accommodation inquiries.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The EEOC is a federal agency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).³ They play a crucial role in ensuring equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Their page is a treasure trove of information on your rights under the ADA. You can find detailed guidance on reasonable accommodations in the workplace, including explanations of different types of accommodations, employer obligations, and the interactive process for finding solutions.
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)
DREDF is a national organization that provides legal support and representation to individuals facing discrimination, particularly in employment cases involving denied or inadequate accommodations.⁴
They also work actively to influence policy changes that promote disability rights and offer valuable resources and information on current legal issues surrounding disability accommodations in the workplace.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor.⁵ Unlike the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) which enforces legal rights, ODEP focuses on promoting policies and practices that boost employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
ODEP offers a wealth of informative resources, including guides, toolkits, and best practices for implementing effective accommodations. These resources cater to a wide range of disabilities and job types, providing practical solutions for a smooth and successful employment experience.
2. Know Your Rights
Understanding your rights under disability laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), can help you better advocate for the accommodations you need. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment. This means employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would impose undue hardship on the business.
3. Prepare for Negotiations
Many companies have internal programs or departments dedicated to accommodating employees with disabilities. Researching and understanding these policies can provide insight into how supportive and inclusive the workplace culture is likely to be.
If you anticipate needing accommodation that is not readily available, be prepared to discuss it with your employer. Approach the conversation with a clear understanding of your rights, the accommodations you require, and how they will benefit both you and the employer. Emphasize your qualifications and readiness to contribute to the organization with the necessary support in place.
What to Know Before Asking for a Workplace Accommodation
If you need to ask your employer for workplace accommodation, it can be challenging to know exactly where to start. For basic tips on how to ask for reasonable accommodation, check out the ADA National Network’s helpful guide. For more information on requesting and negotiating accommodation, check out JAN’s resource.
You may also want to consider the work environment itself when choosing a new job. Remote work (also known as telework) is desirable for many employees with disabilities, as it offers the ability to work at home, where many accessibility measures have already been taken. Even if your employer isn’t fully remote, they may still be able to provide this option if requested as accommodation, and the nature of the job allows it.
The law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that employers with 15 people or more must provide reasonable accommodations. So, how do you navigate the accommodation process if you work for a small company? The EEOC provides insight with their resource, Small Employers and Reasonable Accommodation.
What to Know if You’ve Been Refused an Accommodation Request
If you’re refused workplace accommodation, it’s important to find out the reasons why. It could be due to something as simple as a lack of information, proper documentation or a miscommunication. When employers do not provide a valid reason to deny the accommodation, or if they will not provide a reason for the refusal, you can appeal the decision internally or by filing a complaint with the EEOC or other state enforcement agency.
Although this is less common, a workplace accommodation refusal could be part of a wider issue of discrimination at that place of employment. As an employee with a disability, it’s a good idea to know what to do if you’re being discriminated against at work – and what constitutes discrimination. Read the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Disability Discrimination page for more information.
LET GALT HELP
Not sure how to navigate the aspects of employment? We’re here to help. Galt is one of the world’s largest temporary staffing organizations for individuals with disabilities. With over 20 years of experience, we’ll support you through the employment process and match you with the right job opportunity.
If you’re currently searching for a new job, check out our latest employment opportunities. Feel free to get in touch with our expert team. You can reach out to us or call us at 1-877-361-1277.
References
1. Dong, Shengli, et al. “Examining Psychosocial Factors Associated with Receiving Workplace Accommodations Among People with Disabilities.” National Library of Medicine, 11 Jul. 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10357200/.
2. Job Accommodation Network. Accessed 7 April 2024, https://askjan.org/.
3. “Selected EEOC Forms.” U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Accessed 7 April 2024, https://www.eeoc.gov/selected-eeoc-forms.
4. Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund. Accessed 7 April 2024, https://dredf.org/.
5. “Office of Disability Employment Policy” U.S. Department of Labor, Accessed 7 April 2024, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep.
