Workplace Accommodations
Workplace Accommodations Overview
Workplace accommodation means making changes to a job or work environment so that someone with a disability can do their job. This could mean changing the way a job is done, changing the work environment, or changing the work schedule.
We can assist our clients in coming up with ideas for accommodations and communicating with their employer.
Important Information: Helping individuals navigate workplace accommodations are a Keep or Find Phase activity.
Key Facts about Accommodations
A participant can ask for accommodations when they’re interviewing or after they get the job.
When there is a workplace barrier due to a disability that prevents a participant from enjoying the benefits of a job, applying for a job, or doing it you should ask for accommodation.
A participant doesn’t need to go into detail with your request! A participant can just tell them that a job duty or task needs to be changed due to their disability or medical condition.
A participant doesn’t ever need to mention their disability or medical condition to their employers UNLESS they are requesting accommodation.
You can ask the employer any ways 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 a participant’s employer denies the 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 and your participant 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.
The E1MN Framework
The Employment First Minnesota Framework (E1MN) is designed to help make sure that Great Work helps our participants explore employment, plan for employment, find a job, and keep a job that is a perfect fit for them! Click below to learn more about each phase:
