The Americans with Disabilities Act provides a host of rights for employees with disabilities. One thing that employers must do is make reasonable accommodations when these are requested. Reasonable accommodations can vary, but they essentially amount to adjustments that make the workplace more accessible.
However, compliance in this area can be tricky and certain accommodations aren’t always feasible. What are some of the more common examples of reasonable accommodations in the workplace?
Building accommodations
Nowadays, accessibility for workers is taken very seriously, and most employers try their best to ensure that buildings are physically accessible to all workers. If a worker is struggling in this area, they can request reasonable accommodations. This could mean fitting wider doors that open automatically or making the employee car park more accessible.
In general, an employer must make these types of accommodations, as long as they would not cause undue hardship to the business.
Technological accommodations
Advancing technology has made computer systems more accessible to workers, particularly those with hearing and visual impairments. Employers should utilize technology that helps both visually impaired employees and workers who are hard of hearing carry out their daily tasks. These types of accommodations are usually achieved without undue hardship to the company.
It is important to remember that reasonable accommodation requests aren’t always so straightforward. An employer and employee may find themselves in conflict. It’s important that all parties are heard in such a situation and that a reasonable solution is reached. If you feel like your rights have been violated, then it may be time to seek further legal guidance.