What is Reasonable Accommodation?
Reasonable accommodation is a legal term used in the United States to refer to the adjustments or modifications made to the work environment or to the way work is usually done, to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job or to enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment.
Examples of reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to:
- Making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities
- Job restructuring, modifying work schedules, providing special equipment or devices
- Acquiring or modifying equipment or devices
- Providing qualified readers or interpreters
- Making adjustments to the application process or training materials
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees or job applicants with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship for the employer. Employers are also required to engage in an interactive process with employees or job applicants to determine the appropriate accommodation.
What are the Examples of Reasonable Accommodations?
Reasonable accommodations can include a variety of changes made to the work environment or the way work is usually done, to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job or to enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. These changes can include, but are not limited to, installing physical modifications such as ramps, providing flexible work schedules, job restructuring, making adjustments to training materials, reserved parking spots, modifications to equipment or software, allowing service animals, and providing instructions in alternate formats. It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and employers and individuals can refer to resources such as the Job Accommodations Network (JAN) for more information on workplace accommodations.
Who is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations?
Employers are responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to employees or job applicants with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship for the employer. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees or job applicants with disabilities, as long as the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the employer. Employers are also required to engage in an interactive process with employees or job applicants to determine the appropriate accommodation.
