What counts as a reasonable accommodation?
The purpose of a reasonable accommodation is to help an employee with a disability perform the essential functions of their job. A reasonable accommodation typically refers to a change in job duties or work environment.
Accommodations can take many different forms depending on the nature of the employee’s disability and their job requirements. There is no limit on what accommodations an employer can provide, as long as they are within reason. The following are some examples of reasonable accommodations:
- Providing leave for medical care, including extended medical leave even if the employee’s FMLA is used up
- Making a worksite wheelchair accessible
- Allowing time off to attend doctor appointments
- Purchasing special equipment
- Restructuring job duties
- Modifying work schedules
- Providing aids such as wheelchair ramps or special software
Many California employees with disabilities have the legal right to request reasonable accommodations that allow them to continue working. Employers are required to provide accommodations unless doing so would result in undue hardship such as excessive costs or disruption. Whether an accommodation is reasonable or not depends on many factors including the size and resources of the employer.
If your employer has refused your request for reasonable accommodations for your disability, contact an experienced San Francisco employment law attorney. You may have a legal claim for disability discrimination.
Other Discrimination & Harassment FAQs:
- Am I entitled to leave for a serious family matter?
- Can My Employer Fire Me for Requesting Medical Leave under FMLA or CFRA?
- Do I qualify for a medical leave from work under FMLA or CFRA?
- I was recently injured and need to request an accommodation. Can my employer fire me if I make the request?
- In California, can my employer fire me because of my disability?
- Is my boss allowed to fire me while I am on leave?
- Is my employer required to accommodate my disability?
- Is there a medical exemption to vaccine work requirements?
- Is there a religious exemption to vaccine work requirements?
- My employer denied me the reasonable accommodation I requested due to “undue hardship.” What is undue hardship?
- What counts as a reasonable accommodation?
- What disabilities and conditions are protected?
- What disabilities are covered under California employment discrimination laws?
- What is a “reasonable accommodation” for disability under California employment law?
Practice Areas
Schedule your free consultation today: 415.925.5161
SEEN ON




