Reasonable Accommodations

What is an Accommodation?

Any change in the application process, workplace, or in the way things are normally done, to assist a person with a disability in performing the duties of their position or enjoying the benefits and privileges of their employment.

If there is no accommodation which would enable an employee to perform the essential functions of their position, reassignment to another, vacant position should be explored.

Requesting an Accommodation

An employee should familiarize themselves with their employer’s accommodation policy. It is recommended to make a request for accommodation in writing and to do so as soon as the employee is aware their disability is, or will impact their job. When requesting an accommodation, it is recommended the employee:

• Notify their employer they have a disability;
• Describe the specific work limitation;
• Explain how the work limitation results from their disability; 
• Request a reasonable accommodation which would lessen the limitation; and
• Propose additional ideas for potential accommodations. 

Interactive Process

Following a request for an accommodation, the employer is required to engage the employee in an interactive, cooperative discussion to identify a suitable accommodation. Both parties must put forth a good faith effort to identify an adequate accommodation.