How do I ask for accommodations at work?

According to the EEOC, you only have to let your employer know that you need an adjustment or change at work for a reason related to a medical condition. You can use “plain English” to make your request and you do not have to mention the ADA or use the phrase “reasonable accommodation.”

Do you need accommodation for scheduling?

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an employer can’t deny a modified work schedule as a reasonable accommodation unless the employer can demonstrate why the employee is needed on a full-time schedule. The employer can’t merely state that anything less than full-time employment is unreasonable.

How to ask for a reasonable accommodation at work?

Let your supervisor or human resource department know that you need a change at work because of reasons related to your medical condition. Make your request in writing and use the phrase: “I am requesting a reasonable accommodation under the ADA.” Use the Template Letter in this Fact Sheet and keep a copy of your written request.

Do you have to write a request for accommodation?

Requests for reasonable accommodation do not have to be in writing so you can request accommodations in a face-to-face conversation or using any other method of communication.

Can a doctor send an employee a reasonable accommodation letter?

The employee’s doctor sends the employer a letter, stating that the employee is released to return to work, but with certain work restrictions. (Alternatively, the letter may state that the employee is released to return to a light duty position.) The letter constitutes a request for reasonable accommodation.

Which is the Practical Guide to requesting and negotiating reasonable accommodations?

The Employees’ Practical Guide to Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act is a summary of some of the most frequent issues that employees have regarding accommodations and the ADA and JAN’s practical ideas for resolving them.

What do you need to know about reasonable accommodations at work?

Some accommodations involve changing workplace rules, including relaxing uniform requirements or allowing more flexible work schedules. Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations to help a prospective employee apply for the job.

When to ask for an accommodation form from an employer?

Employers that would like to formalize the interactive process and document requests for accommodation can ask employees to complete an accommodation form when a request has not already been documented. The JAN service offers a customizable sample form for documenting an accommodation request.

What to add to request for reasonable accommodation?

You may want to attach a letter from your doctor, briefly describing your condition and limitations. Or, you could offer to provide such documentation on request. Here’s an example of a reasonable accommodation leter, written by an employee who has depression and needs some scheduling changes.

When does an employer need to allow religious accommodation?

If a schedule change would impose an undue hardship, the employer must allow co-workers to voluntarily substitute or swap shifts to accommodate the employee’s religious belief or practice. If an employee cannot be accommodated in his current position, transfer to a vacant position may be possible.