All employees deserve the chance to perform their jobs effectively. For individuals with disabilities, this often means having access to reasonable accommodations that remove barriers in the workplace. Understanding your rights is the first step toward ensuring you receive the support you need to succeed. If you believe you have been unfairly denied accommodations or are unsure how to request them, you are not alone. Navigating employment law can be complex, but an attorney can help you recognize your options. The Law Offices of Jeannette A. Vaccaro PC is prepared to guide you through this process.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to the work environment or the way things are usually done that enables an employee with a disability to receive equal employment opportunities. The goal is to allow a qualified employee to perform the essential functions of their job and enjoy the same benefits as their colleagues without disabilities.
These adjustments are crucial for creating an inclusive workplace where every employee can contribute their skills and talents without being hindered by physical or procedural obstacles.
Several key laws protect your right to reasonable accommodation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which applies to employers with 15 or more employees. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) offers broader protections and applies to employers with five or more employees. Under these laws, if you are a qualified individual with a disability, your employer is legally required to provide accommodations unless doing so would cause them “undue hardship.”
To receive an accommodation, you must inform your employer of your needs. This initiates what is known as the interactive process, a dialogue between you and your employer to determine an effective accommodation.
While you have the right to a reasonable accommodation, your employer can choose among effective options and may deny a request if it fundamentally alters the job or poses a significant difficulty or expense.
Accommodations are tailored to individual needs and can vary widely. Common examples include:
It is important to know the limits of what an employer must provide. An employer is not required to:
Once an employer is aware of an employee’s need for an accommodation, they must engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process. This involves an individualized assessment of the job and the employee’s specific limitations to find a workable solution.
Understanding your right to reasonable accommodations is essential for ensuring you have an equal opportunity to thrive professionally. These laws are in place to dismantle barriers and promote fairness, allowing you to perform your job to the best of your ability.
Should your employer neglect to participate in the interactive process, or has wrongfully denied your request for accommodation, it may be time to seek legal advice. Reach out to the Law Offices of Jeannette A. Vaccaro PC today to discuss your options.
Jeannette is passionate about employee rights. She fights to shed light on injustices and to help her clients move beyond troubling times. Contact Jeannette today for a free case evaluation.
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