If you have a disability and need accommodations to perform your job, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protection. Under the ADA, you have the right to request adjustments in the workplace to help you work effectively. Here’s how you can request accommodations and ensure your rights are upheld, especially in California.
Understand what qualifies as an accommodation
An accommodation under the ADA is any change that allows you to perform essential job functions. This could include modifications to your work environment, a change in job responsibilities, or flexible scheduling. Accommodations could include things like:
- Assistive technology or equipment
- Flexible work hours or telecommuting
- Changes to work tasks
- Modifications to the physical workspace
California law, like the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), expands on the ADA by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship.
Notify your employer of your need for accommodations
To start the process, you must inform your employer of your disability and the accommodations you need. You do not need to disclose specific details about your condition, just that it limits your ability to perform certain job functions. Make your request in writing or through formal channels, but it’s also a good idea to follow up with a conversation to clarify your needs.
California law requires employers to engage in a “good faith interactive process” with you to explore possible accommodations. This means your employer must discuss your needs and the potential solutions with you, ensuring both sides understand how to meet those needs without causing hardship.
Provide supporting medical documentation if needed
Your employer may ask for documentation from your doctor or another healthcare provider to verify your disability and the need for accommodations. This documentation doesn’t need to go into specific details about your diagnosis but should focus on how the disability affects your ability to work and what accommodations would help.
What happens if your request is denied?
If your request for accommodation is denied or your employer does not respond appropriately, you have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Both agencies will investigate your case to determine if discrimination has occurred.