Workplace Accommodation Tips
Key Facts about Accommodations
You can ask for accommodations when you’re interviewing or after you get the job.
When there is a workplace barrier due to a disability that prevents you from enjoying the benefits of a job, applying for a job, or doing it you should ask for accomodations.
You don’t need to go into detail with your request! You can just tell them that a job duty or task needs to be changed due to your disability or medical condition.
You don’t ever need to mention your disability or medical condition to your employers UNLESS you are requesting accommodation.
If you are unsure about what kind of accommodation to request, don’t worry! You have a couple of options as listed below.
You can enroll in Great Work services, and we can help you navigate the accommodation process and communicate with employers!
You can ask the employer anyways and they can work with you to help you find accommodations.
You can use https://askjan.org/index.cfm to search for accommodations.
You can contact JAN for a recommendation about an accommodation that could work for you. JAN’s contact page is https://askjan.org/contact-us.cfm
If your employer denies your request, more information can be found here:
https://askjan.org/publications/individuals/employee-guide.cfmAn example between an employer and an individual requesting an accommodation can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-AdnNcoU3kMore information for employees can be found here:
https://askjan.org/info-by-role.cfm#for-individuals:employeesMore information for job seekers can be found here:
https://askjan.org/info-by-role.cfm#for-individuals:job-seekersMore information for job seekers can be found here:
https://askjan.org/info-by-role.cfm#for-individuals:entrepreneurshipFor more information general about requesting accommodations, follow this link below:
https://askjan.org/publications/individuals/employee-guide.cfm
Accommodation Request Email Template:
You can do it face-to-face or by phone. It doesn’t need to be written. If it is necessary, attach or provide documentation:
”Hello!
I’ve enjoyed working here a lot and hope I can continue to in the future! I am writing to let you know that I need an accommodation under the ADA.
I need an accommodation because I am unable to
[ WRITE THE PARTS OF THE JOB THAT YOU ARE UNABLE TO PERFORM WITHOUT AN ACCOMMODATION ]
because
[ WRITE YOUR MEDICAL CONDITION OR DISABILITY THAT RELATES TO WHY YOU CAN’T DO THAT JOB DUTY ].
My idea for an accommodation is [ WRITE IDEA FOR AN ACCOMMODATION].
May you please let me know your ideas for an accommodation? Can you please reply by the end of the week?
Thank you so much,
[ WRITE YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME ]
Workplace Accommodation Resources:
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JAN (Job Accommodation Network)
JAN is a one-stop shop for accommodation needs. There is a live chat and a call feature. Use the drop-down menu to search for accommodations.
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DB101: Americans with Disabilities Act
DB101 has an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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DB101: Disclosing your disability
DB101 has an overview of how to disclose a disability.
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DB101: Reasonable Accommodations
DB101 has an overview of reasonable accommodations.
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DB101: Requesting an Accommidation
DB101 has an overview of requesting accommodations.
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DB101: The Interactive Process
DB101 has an overview of the interactive process of requesting accommodations.
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DB101: Assistive Technology
DB101 has an overview of assistive technology.
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DB101: Common Questions
DB101 lists common questions about the accommodation process.
How can Great Work help you through the accommodation process?
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We can provide additional or customized services fit to your needs.
What E1MN service would be the right fit to help me in the accomodation proccess?
If you want to learn about working in the community, want help figuring out what to do for work, or want help addressing barriers, Engage Phase Services may be right for you!
If you want help clarifying your job goal, want help planning for it, and resume & cover letter help, our EDS- Plan Phase Services may be right for you!
If you want help looking for a job, applying to jobs, or interview help, our Find Phase Services may be right for you.
If you already have a job and would like some workplace guidance, support reaching your employment goals, or help to navigate the accommodation process our Keep Phase Services may be right for you.
The E1MN Framework
The Employment First Minnesota Framework (E1MN) is designed to help make sure that we help you find a job and keep a job that is a perfect fit for you! Click below to learn more about each phase:
