Today we\u00a0share\u00a0how\u00a0reasonable accommodation in employment and housing enables people with\u00a0disabilities to have equal opportunity in enjoying community life. Additionally, we’ll provide\u00a0tips on how to make a reasonable accommodation request.<\/p>\n
What are Reasonable Accommodation Requests?<\/h2>\n\n![\"An](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIn Employment<\/h3>\n
The ADA\u00a0National Network<\/a> describes reasonable accommodations as changes that allow a qualified individual to perform essential functions of the job, which results in\u00a0equal employment opportunities. This applies to the following:<\/p>\n\n- Application process<\/li>\n
- Hiring process<\/li>\n
- Job itself<\/li>\n
- Work environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Here are some examples of workplace accommodations:<\/p>\n
\n- Receiving a job application in an alternative format (such as Braille for those with visual impairments).<\/li>\n
- Flexible work schedules for healthcare appointments or complex transportation arrangements.<\/li>\n
- Structural changes, such as wheelchair ramps.<\/li>\n
- Assistive technology that supports hands-free word processing.<\/li>\n
- Quieter work areas for individuals who function better in a low-noise\u00a0environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace<\/a><\/p>\nIn Housing<\/h3>\n
The Fair Housing Act <\/a>(FHA),\u00a0which falls under the federal agency of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), protects people with disabilities from discrimination in matters of housing. This includes having equal access to common areas, such as the lobby or courtyard.<\/p>\nThese laws cover not only home seekers with disabilities, but also buyers and renters who are associated with or live with them.\u00a0<\/i><\/em><\/p>\nA few examples of reasonable accommodations in housing include the following:<\/p>\n
\n- Designated handicapped parking spaces and related signage.<\/li>\n
- Permitting service animals even if they aren’t normally allowed.<\/li>\n
- Allowing visiting and live-in care providers to park in lots normally reserved only for residents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A reasonable modification is a specific type of\u00a0reasonable accommodation request. These\u00a0are structural changes such as sidewalk ramps, and the widening of hallways and doorways.<\/p>\n
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:<\/p>\n
\n- Fair Housing for People with Mental Health, Intellectual, and Developmental Disabilities<\/a><\/li>\n
- How the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 applies to employment in federal agencies<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Useful Tips for Success in Requesting Reasonable Accommodations<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
1. Get Support<\/h3>\n
Whether you have a disability yourself or you are supporting someone who does, know that the reasonable accommodation process can be complicated. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the answers! Perhaps you know someone with a disability who has received reasonable accommodation\u2014 they are often a great resource. Other resources include:<\/p>\n
\n- Case workers that have\u00a0experience with an individual’s disability.<\/li>\n
- Service providers with knowledge of the functional limitations and (if needed), specific medical condition.<\/li>\n
- Trusted friends\/family members.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Put it in Writing<\/h3>\n
Although it’s not required to put the requested accommodation in writing, it’s always a good idea. This makes the request crystal clear. For communications that aren’t in writing, try to document them and the dates on which they occur.<\/p>\n
3. Honesty and Clarity<\/h3>\n
The initial request should be as clear as possible, so that the housing provider and employer can understand the important details of specific accommodations. It’s totally ok to be honest!\u00a0\u00a0Keep in mind that you are giving the employer and housing provider the tools they need for success. Remember that you don’t need to give detailed medical information. It’s the functional limitations that are more important (eg. quieter work area, flexible work schedule).<\/p>\n
4. It’s an Interactive Process<\/h3>\n
You, housing providers, and employers are all afforded rights in the process. They aren’t required to provide accommodations that cause undue hardship or administrative burdens, but they must engage with you to come to an agreement together. The best solutions are made on a case-by-case basis. Alternative accommodation is always possible. For example, maybe a small apartment house owner can’t provide an elevator for someone who uses a wheelchair. However, maybe the dwelling can be located on the first floor.<\/p>\n
5. Be Confident!<\/h3>\n
Lastly, be confident! Those of us with disabilities can be superbly qualified employees and great neighbors. We have many talents and personality traits to share in our living and working communities. When speaking\u00a0with others, be open about those\u00a0many strengths.<\/p>\n
Disability Support Services from ALSO<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/employment-header-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIn Employment<\/h3>\n
The ADA\u00a0National Network<\/a> describes reasonable accommodations as changes that allow a qualified individual to perform essential functions of the job, which results in\u00a0equal employment opportunities. This applies to the following:<\/p>\n Here are some examples of workplace accommodations:<\/p>\n ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace<\/a><\/p>\n The Fair Housing Act <\/a>(FHA),\u00a0which falls under the federal agency of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), protects people with disabilities from discrimination in matters of housing. This includes having equal access to common areas, such as the lobby or courtyard.<\/p>\n These laws cover not only home seekers with disabilities, but also buyers and renters who are associated with or live with them.\u00a0<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n A few examples of reasonable accommodations in housing include the following:<\/p>\n A reasonable modification is a specific type of\u00a0reasonable accommodation request. These\u00a0are structural changes such as sidewalk ramps, and the widening of hallways and doorways.<\/p>\n ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:<\/p>\n Whether you have a disability yourself or you are supporting someone who does, know that the reasonable accommodation process can be complicated. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the answers! Perhaps you know someone with a disability who has received reasonable accommodation\u2014 they are often a great resource. Other resources include:<\/p>\n Although it’s not required to put the requested accommodation in writing, it’s always a good idea. This makes the request crystal clear. For communications that aren’t in writing, try to document them and the dates on which they occur.<\/p>\n The initial request should be as clear as possible, so that the housing provider and employer can understand the important details of specific accommodations. It’s totally ok to be honest!\u00a0\u00a0Keep in mind that you are giving the employer and housing provider the tools they need for success. Remember that you don’t need to give detailed medical information. It’s the functional limitations that are more important (eg. quieter work area, flexible work schedule).<\/p>\n You, housing providers, and employers are all afforded rights in the process. They aren’t required to provide accommodations that cause undue hardship or administrative burdens, but they must engage with you to come to an agreement together. The best solutions are made on a case-by-case basis. Alternative accommodation is always possible. For example, maybe a small apartment house owner can’t provide an elevator for someone who uses a wheelchair. However, maybe the dwelling can be located on the first floor.<\/p>\n Lastly, be confident! Those of us with disabilities can be superbly qualified employees and great neighbors. We have many talents and personality traits to share in our living and working communities. When speaking\u00a0with others, be open about those\u00a0many strengths.<\/p>\n\n
\n
In Housing<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Useful Tips for Success in Requesting Reasonable Accommodations<\/h2>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/oakspark2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n1. Get Support<\/h3>\n
\n
2. Put it in Writing<\/h3>\n
3. Honesty and Clarity<\/h3>\n
4. It’s an Interactive Process<\/h3>\n
5. Be Confident!<\/h3>\n
Disability Support Services from ALSO<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/heart-work-at-also-oregon.gif\")
<\/p>\n