How to Ask for Work Accommodations for Your Disability
Asking for Work
Accommodations for a Disability
Being disabled doesn’t
disqualify you from joining the workforce. The Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) prevents employers from discriminating against you based on your
disability. It also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for
qualified individuals who are seeking jobs for people with disabilities. If you need to ask for
accommodations based on your physical, mental, or emotional disability, here
are a few things to consider.
What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?
Under the ADA, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations to
individuals who qualify, as long as the accommodation doesn’t pose an undue
hardship. The most common accommodations made by employers are those that make
the office and other facilities easy for employees to use, such as modifying
desk heights, installing telecommunications for the deaf, and adding
wheelchair-accessible ramps. However, you also have the right to request other
reasonable accommodations, such as:
• A modified schedule
• Job restructuring
•
Additional unpaid leave for medical treatment
• A job
transfer to another location that puts employees within close proximity to
better treatment facilities
•
Access to a qualified interpreter
•
Customized training
When to Make the Request?
If you have a specific need that enables you to do a job to the best of your
ability, you should ask an employer for an accommodation. You can make these
requests during the interview process because it’s illegal for the employer to
discriminate against you based on your disability. Bring the request up early
on to give your employer time to make all necessary adjustments. However, if
you become aware of the need after accepting the position, you can still
negotiate for reasonable accommodations to be made.
Preparing the Request
If your request is made after the interview process, you should speak with your
manager or team leader. He or she can handle the request or refer you to the
human resources department. Express your medical needs when making the request.
For example, when asking for a new work chair, don’t just say your current
chair is uncomfortable. This is too general. Instead, explain that the chair
aggravates your hip or back, causing significant discomfort. If you need
to take time off for treatment, have your doctor provide documentation deeming
the treatment medically necessary and submit it to your manager or human
resources department. If there’s a special needs department within the company,
you can also submit the request and paperwork to that department. Always
be honest when making a request and provide all of the information you think is
necessary. However, you don’t have to share details that make you
uncomfortable.
What if the Request Is Denied?
Employers should respond to an employee’s request expeditiously and make all
reasonable accommodations promptly. Employers cannot deny a request if the
accommodation is deemed medically necessary and doesn’t cause undue hardship.
Denying the request could be ruled a violation of the ADA and you should file a
claim immediately. You can file the claim on the ADA’s website or by contacting
your state’s attorney general.
When looking for the
right job, it’s important to consider if you can reasonably perform your duties
while managing your disability. Sit-down jobs may be ideal for people
with mobility limitations, while those with mental disabilities may prefer work
that requires more physical activity throughout the day. No matter your
disability, there’s a great job out there waiting for you. Begin your search by
checking out the listings provided by disABLEDperson, Inc., and give us a call
at 760-420-1269 if you have any questions.