Reasonable Accommodations for Employment: Frequently Asked Questions
Self-advocacy guide for people with disabilities about reasonable accommodations in employment.
This resource is intended as a self-advocacy guide for people with disabilities and is not legal advice. For legal advice specific to your situation, please contact an attorney.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a change to the work environment or the way work is usually done that gives a person with a disability equal access to employment during the hiring process or while on the job.
What are examples of reasonable accommodations?
Accommodations are individualized and should be based on your specific needs. Examples may include:
Physical changes to your workstation.
Access to a sign language interpreter.
Making sure a job interview is held in an accessible location.
An alternative or flexible work schedule.
Job restructuring, such as removing marginal job tasks.
Specialized computer software, such as JAWS.
Additional breaks.
How do I know what accommodations I might need?
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free guidance about workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN provides examples of accommodations for different disabilities, limitations, and workplace needs.
Your doctor or other members of your health care team may also be able to suggest accommodations based on your disability-related needs.
How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
You can request an accommodation verbally or in writing. Making your request in writing can help create a clear record of what you requested and when you requested it.
You may choose to state, "I am requesting a reasonable accommodation under the ADA," and briefly explain what you need because of your disability. If you make your request in person or by phone, consider following up in writing and keeping a copy for your records.
What happens after I make my request?
After you make a request, you and your employer may engage in an interactive process to determine what accommodation would effectively meet your disability-related needs.
During this process:
Your employer may request limited medical documentation when appropriate to support your accommodation request.
Your employer may ask questions about your disability-related limitations and needs to help identify an effective accommodation.
Your employer may consult with other people who are knowledgeable about your job and possible accommodations.
When should I request a reasonable accommodation?
You can request a reasonable accommodation when you need one during the application process or employment. When possible, consider requesting an accommodation before a disability-related barrier begins affecting your work.
Does my employer have to provide the accommodation I request?
Not necessarily. Some important things to keep in mind include:
Your employer may offer a different accommodation from the one you requested if the alternative is effective. If the alternative will not meet your disability-related needs, explain why and continue discussing other options.
An employer may not be required to provide an accommodation that would create an undue hardship.
An employer generally does not have to remove an essential function of your job as an accommodation. Restructuring marginal or nonessential duties may be considered.
What can I do if my employer denies my request?
Ask why your accommodation request was denied and consider asking for the response in writing. Depending on the reason, you may be able to continue the interactive process and explore other accommodations.
For example, if your employer says the accommodation you requested would create an undue hardship, consider whether another accommodation could effectively meet your needs.
You may also be able to raise the issue with another person within your organization, such as Human Resources, or use your employer's internal complaint process.
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division.
Reasonable Accommodation Resources
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - Free guidance about workplace accommodations, disability employment issues, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and accommodation solutions. Phone: (800) 526-7234.
A to Z of Disabilities and Accommodations - Information organized by disability, limitation, and topic, including possible workplace accommodation ideas and ADA information.
Employees' Practical Guide to Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act - Guidance for employees about requesting and negotiating reasonable accommodations and addressing common issues that may arise during the process.
Practical Guidance for Medical Professionals - Information for medical professionals who are providing documentation to support an accommodation request.
Sample Accommodation Letters
How to Request an Accommodation: Accommodation Form Letter - An example of information an employee can include when making a written accommodation request.
Employee Accommodation Inquiry Letter - A sample letter for following up when an employer has not responded to an accommodation request in a timely manner.
How to Inform an Employer That an Accommodation Is Not Effective and a Sample Letter - Guidance and sample language for explaining that an accommodation provided by an employer is not effectively meeting your disability-related needs.
