Workplace Accommodations Under the Americans With Disabilities Act

See your doctorIn order to have your rights protected under the ADA, a doctor must diagnose you with a disability. Many of us may not feel completely comfortable with the term "disabled," but the official use of the term does give you legal rights that can make your life a lot easier. When you request a workplace accommodation, your employer is allowed to request documentation of your disability – so make sure your medical records can prove your diagnosis.Know your rightsAlthough you don’t need to refer to the ADA or even use the term "reasonable accommodation" when you make your request, it is still important to know your rights in the workplace. Remember that your employer is legally obligated to provide accommodations if you work in a company with 15 or more employees (or you work for state or local government).Be preparedThe ADA places the initial burden on the worker to inform his or her employer about the need for accommodation. This means that you will need to initiate the conversation with your boss and suggest plausible accommodations that will suit your needs. Before talking with your employer, you may want to contact the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), which is a free, confidential, and personalized service provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. JAN can help you brainstorm about which type of accommodations would be best to request for your situation.Make your caseStart by putting your request in writing and asking to discuss the issue with your direct supervisor. Your requests will be examined on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they will constitute "undue hardship" to your employer. Undue hardship refers not only to the potential financial burden but also to whether or not the accommodation would be disruptive or fundamentally alter the nature of the business. Luckily, a study conducted by JAN showed that the majority of effective accommodations cost less than $500, and most employers surveyed indicated that their company had benefited overall as a result. So when you make your case, try to focus on the reasonableness of your requests and emphasize how the accommodations will increase your productivity.Be persistentIf you encounter resistance, you may want to consider speaking with your human resources department. If your employer denies your request and you suspect discrimination, contact JAN or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which can act on your behalf so you don’t have to face a discriminatory employer on your own.