Workplace Accommodations:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA requires that employers make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, unless the accommodation results in undue hardship. In order to be protected by the ADA, an individual with a disability must also be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Reasonable Accommodations
Employers must provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. The ADA defines reasonable accommodations as modifications to a job, work environment, or the way a business is usually conducted that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations are required in three aspects of employment:
- the application and interview process,
- the essential functions of the job, and
- the opportunity to obtain equal benefits, rights, privileges of employment equal to those of employees without disabilities.
The only time an employer is not required to provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a disability is in the case of undue hardship. An employer can claim undue hardship if making the necessary accommodation would compromise their business (i.e. unaffordable expense or if the accommodation would change the nature of the business).
Examples of Accommodations in the Workplace:
- modification of work schedules
- altering a workspace
- job coaching
- service animals
- job restructuring
- attendant services (Download a Finding a Workplace Personal Assistant Fact Sheet pdf)
- acquiring or modifying equipment
- providing qualified readers or interpreters
- modifying examinations. or training, or other programs
How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation
While there are no specific requirements or guidelines for requesting accommodations from an employer, it is a good idea to request a reasonable accommodation in writing. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides ideas for writing an accommodation request letter as well as an outline of a sample letter.
Employment Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides the following helpful fact pages:
- The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability.
- Work At Home/Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation.
- Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Resources
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: For local EEOC information you can contact them at the following:
201 East Washington Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
608-266–6860 (State)
414–297–1111 (Federal)
- Milwaukee Area EEOC
Office (serves all of Wisconsin). A complaint can be filed in person,
by mail, or by telephone.
- Milwaukee Area EEOC Office
Reuss Federal Plaza
310 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800
Milwaukee, WI 53203-2292
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: 414-297-4133
TTY: 1-800-669-6820
- Milwaukee Area EEOC Office
- Great Lakes ADA: Provides information and consultation plus a question and answer section.
- Job Accommodation Network: A free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities by providing individualized worksite accommodations solutions, technical assistance regarding the ADA and other disability related legislation, and educating callers about self-employment options.
- U.S. Department of Justice ADA Home Page: Offers ADA background and an ADA information line for both general and specific information about ADA. ADA Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment from the U.S. Dept. of Justice.
- Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports and Job Retention
- A Guide to Personal Assistance in the Workplace.
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