Your employer is legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodation if you have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from performing the essential functions of your job despite being qualified for the role. The term collectively refers to modifications to the workplace, the job or how it is done to ensure fairness and equality for employees with disabilities.
California law requires employers with five or more employees to provide reasonable accommodation to deserving individuals unless doing so would cause undue hardship like significant difficulty or expense or difficulty. Here is more on what you should know if you have a disability that comes in the way of doing your job.
Common examples of reasonable accommodation
As mentioned, reasonable accommodation aims to level the playing field for employees and can manifest in various forms. Some common examples include:
- Installing ramps, widening doorways or adjusting desks and workstations for accessibility
- Providing specialized software, screen readers, voice recognition software or ergonomic tools to aid employees with disabilities
- Modifying job duties or reallocating tasks to accommodate limitations without compromising productivity
- Adjusting work hours or allowing for flexible scheduling to accommodate medical appointments or health-related needs
- Providing communication aids like sign language interpreters, written materials in accessible formats or using alternative communication methods
Reasonable accommodation isn’t limited to the above. It depends on specific individual needs. It’s all about fostering a workplace where you can thrive based on your skills and qualifications rather than being limited by a disability.
Remember, it is well within your legal rights to request reasonable accommodation from your employer. If you feel that your requests for reasonable accommodation have been ignored or denied unfairly, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your options and take appropriate action.