What Can I Ask For?
2 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(o)(1)(i-iii) (1997) (emphasis added).
According to a policy paper by the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission,
- "In general, an accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities."(1) There are three categories of "reasonable accommodations:"
- "(i) modifications or adjustments to a job application process that enable a qualified applicant with a disability to be considered for the position such qualified applicant desires; or
- (ii) modifications or adjustments to the work environment, or to the manner or circumstances under which the position held or desired is customarily performed, that enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of that position; or
- (iii) modifications or adjustments that enable a covered entity's employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by its other similarly situated employees without disabilities."(2)
2 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(o)(1)(i-iii) (1997) (emphasis added).
The entire text of this paper can be found at:
http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/accommodation.html
In practical terms, a workplace accommodation is anything that will make it possible for you to do your job. There are as many types of accommodations as there are people, but generally they fall into these categories:
- Communication - Written or verbal exchange of information among all company employees, customers, contractors, and others.
- Information - Methods of receiving, using, and distributing information using computer technology, audio, video, written data, or other means.
- Mobility - Access to all the places you need to be during the work day, including restrooms and work locations other than the main site.
- Scheduling - Arranging the work day so that a person's well-being and maximum productivity are both achieved.
It may be difficult to ask for workplace accommodations, but making the right changes will put you on an even par with your coworkers and give your employer the good worker he or she needs.
Your opinion on the content in this section matters to us and will help us improve the Connect-Ability program and site. Simply select an option and press "Submit." If you would like to tell us how we can improve, provide feedback.