California residents who have disabilities are entitled to the same treatment and benefits as anyone else in the workplace. They are also entitled to reasonable accommodations by their employers. It’s important to understand this aspect of the law and how it works.
What are reasonable accommodations?
Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, discrimination against current or prospective employees with disabilities is illegal. The ADA also states that employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are necessary changes that make it possible for disabled employees to perform their regular job duties. Employers are also required to make such changes during the application and hiring processes. Without these changes, it could be impossible for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.
Who is eligible for reasonable accommodations?
Employers that have at least 15 employees are required to adhere to the ADA laws. Certain people are eligible for reasonable accommodations. Anyone who has a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major activities in their life qualifies as a person with a disability. The disability must be on record, and the person must be considered as having that impairment.
What actions are considered reasonable accommodations?
Reasonable accommodations can take place in various ways. A worker with a disability might need a modification to their regular job duties or require a flexible work schedule. They might need special equipment, software or furniture to assist them in doing their work. For example, an employee who is blind could require special speech software, and an employee who uses a wheelchair may need a modified desk to accommodate the chair.
Discrimination against a disabled employee or applicant could occur in a few ways. One way is through refusing to provide reasonable accommodations. The only way an employer is allowed to not provide reasonable accommodations is if it would create an undue hardship.
If you have a disability and believe that your employer has discriminated against you, it’s your right to fight for protection under the ADA. The law may help you hold your employer accountable.