What is a reasonable accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job or work environment that helps you do that job. This includes changes to help you apply for a job. The change must be related to your disability. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• Screen readers or screen magnifiers
• Amplified telephones
• Physical changes to the environment, such as an accessible parking space, a specialized chair, or an ergonomic keyboard
• Modified work schedule

Do I need a reasonable accommodation?

You may need a reasonable accommodation if your disability makes it difficult to perform the essential functions of your job. “Essential functions” are the job duties you must perform in your position.

When should I ask for a reasonable accommodation?

Talk to the employer as soon as you think you need a reasonable accommodation. You can also ask for a reasonable accommodation before you start a job.

How do I ask for a reasonable accommodation?

• Tell the employer that you need a reasonable accommodation, and what that accommodation is.
• You should put your request in writing. That is not required, but it is always helpful to have a written record.
• The employer may ask for a letter or other information from your doctor to explain the changes you need, because of your disability, to do your job. You do not need to sign a release for the employer to see your whole medical record.

Can my employer refuse to provide the reasonable accommodation that I requested?

Your employer may refuse a specific accommodation if it is an “undue burden”. Whether it is an undue burden depends on the employer. It depends on things like:

• the cost of the accommodation to the employer
• the employer’s overall resources and budget
• the size of the company
• how the accommodation would impact the functions of the company and the other employees

If the employer refuses to provide the specific accommodation you requested, it should offer another type of accommodation. If the accommodation the employer is offering would not work for you, you should tell the employer why that accommodation would not work.

The employer cannot take back a job offer it made to you just because you request a reasonable accommodation.

What should I do if the employer refuses to discuss my request or provide a reasonable accommodation?

The employer must talk with you about your request for a reasonable accommodation. If the employer refuses to discuss your request, you may have the right to file a complaint.

The employer may have to follow different federal and state laws. You can contact DRRI or an employment law attorney to learn more about your rights. Depending on the size of the employer and the laws that apply to them, your deadline to file a complaint may be short. So you should try to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

If you have questions about a reasonable accommodation or filing a complaint you can contact Disability Rights Rhode Island at info@drri.org or 401-831-3150.