Reasonable Accommodations
Assistive Technology

Reasonable Accommodations

The Americans with Disability Act requires that reasonable accommodations be made in the workplace for employees with disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is a modification to a job or workplace so that a qualified employee with a disability can do the job. Employers must also make sure that people with disabilities can participate in the job application process, and have the same benefits and privileges as other employees. These changes must be made unless it would be an undue hardship for the employer.

A reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to: " Making existing facilities accessible to employees with disabilities. " Job restructuring, modifying work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position. " Acquiring or modifying equipment or devices, adjusting or modifying examinations, training materials, or policies, and providing qualified readers or interpreters, and other similar accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

An employer does not have to lower quality or production standards to make an accommodation. Also, an employer is not required to provide personal use items such as glasses or hearing aides.

A March 2003 survey of employers found that the cost of accommodations was only $500 or less. Approximately 73% of employers report that their employees with disabilities did not require accommodations at all (Dixon, Kruse, & Van Horn, 2003).

Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship
Check out this website for information concerning reasonable accommodations and for a definition of what an undue hardship would be for the employer.

WorkSupport.com
Learn more about what and types of reasonable accommodations according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Small Employers and Reasonable Accommodation
This website provides information regarding reasonable accommodations in regards to small business owners.

Procedures for Providing Reasonable Accommodation
For a list of procedures for providing reasonable accommodations go to this website.

Job Accommodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network is a free consulting service that offers employers accommodation options and practical solutions.

Department of Labor
The Department of Labor has described different types of accommodations that can be used in the workplace for employees with disabilities.

Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR)
To search for examples of accommodations according to an impairment go to the Job Accommodation Network's website.

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Assistive Technology

Tools used in the workplace, school, at home and play that make tasks easier to complete are forms of Assistive Technology (AT). As an employer, if you have an employee who has acquired a disability and is returning to work or you are hiring a qualified person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation then it is important to know what you need to do.

National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education
The National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education provides increased access to information technology through education for individuals with disabilities.

ABLEDATA
ABLEDATA is a website sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research which is a part of the U.S. Department of Education. On their site you will find information about Assistive Technology.

Job Accommodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network offers a free service to employers on assistive technology options and practical solutions for their disabled employees.

RESNA Technical Assistance Project
RESNA provides a list of Assistive Technology Projects by state.

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