Job One Training: What is a Job Accommodation?

what is a job accommodation?

The following information as well as additional resources can be found at:  Accommodations | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov) 

What is a Job Accommodation? 

Under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process.  

The ADA requires reasonable accommodations as they relate to three aspects of employment:  

1) Ensuring equal opportunity in the application process.  
2) Enabling a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job. 
3) Making it possible for an employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. 

Many job accommodations cost very little and often involve minor changes to a work environment, schedule or work-related technologies. 
*A Job Accommodation should not be viewed as “special treatment” 

What are Job Accommodations for? 

These modifications enable an individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity not only to get a job, but successfully perform their job tasks to the same extent as people without disabilities. 

Modifications made in the workplace will more than likely benefit all employees. 

A Few Examples of Job Accommodations:  

Facility enhancements  

  • Ramps 
  • Accessible restrooms 
  • Ergonomic workstations  

Making existing facilities accessible 

  • Job restructuring 
  • Part-time or modified work schedules 
  • Acquiring or modifying equipment  
  • Changing tests, training materials, or policies 
  • Providing qualified readers or interpreters  

Physical changes 

  • Installing a ramp or modifying a rest room 
  • Modifying the layout of a workspace 
  • Accessible and assistive technologies 
  • Ensuring computer software is accessible
  • Providing screen reader software 

Accessible communications 

  • Using videophones to facilitate communications with colleagues who are deaf 
  • Providing sign language interpreters or closed captioning at meetings and events 
  • Making materials available in Braille or large print 

Policy enhancements 

  • Modifying a policy to allow a service animal in a business setting 
  • Adjusting work schedules so employees with chronic medical conditions can go to medical appointments and complete their work at alternate times or locations 

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)  

Contact the  Job Accommodation Network (JAN), an ODEP-funded technical assistance center, providing free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations. 

(800)526-7234 (V) in the United States 
(800)ADA-WORK [(800)232-9675] (V) in the United States 
(877)781-9403 (TTY) in the United States 
(304)293-7186 (V) locally and outside the United States 
(304)216-8189 via Text 
Janconsultants via Skype 

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