#ADA33: 3 Examples of Reasonable Accommodations and 3 Resources That Can Guide You to Them

It's the 33^rd anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. It ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to businesses, employment, transportation, government programs and services, and telecommunications.

The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities. Examples of some common reasonable accommodations include:

1. Working from home
   Working from home part time or full time is a reasonable accommodation for many job fields.
2. Modified schedule/break schedule
   If you need to take more breaks than the regular break schedule allows or to modify your schedule, you can work with your employer to identify when you need to take your breaks or adjust your work hours.
3. Assistive technology
   Sometimes a reasonable accommodation may be technology hardware or software that helps you perform your job function, such as using an alternative keyboard, voice recognition or screen reader at your desk.

Who can help you request reasonable accommodations?

Generally, disclosure of your disability is totally voluntary. However, if you wish to receive a reasonable accommodation because of your disability, you will need to disclose the nature of the disability and how it affects your ability to perform the job. Once you decide that you may need an accommodation, and are willing to disclose your disability, who do you go to? Below are three resources to help you get started.

1. Talk to Human Resources (HR)
   If you are currently working and realize you may need an accommodation, talk to the HR department at your job. They will work with you to determine how to meet your work needs.
2. If you think you may need some advice about how to talk with HR, JAN offers free, confidential guidance from experts on workplace accommodations. They can help you through the disclosure process and help you find accommodations not only for on the job but during job interviews as well. Visit askjan.org to learn more.
3. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Centers
   There are 10 ADA centers distributed in regions throughout the United States to provide local assistance and provide more information about the ADA. They can also talk to you about assistive technology and the disclosure process. For more information, visit adata.org.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce. You can discuss reasonable accommodations with your Ticket to Work service provider. They can help you with the disclosure process and requesting job accommodations.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit https://choosework.ssa.gov. You can also call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.