What is a Reasonable Accommodation?
// Dallas, Texas, United States // Attorney Keith Clouse // Keith Clouse
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires an employer to offer an employee with a disability a “reasonable accommodation.” But, what is a reasonable accommodation? Dallas employment lawyer Keith Clouse explains.
A reasonable accommodation is an accommodation that an employer can make without suffering undue hardship. The analysis depends on specific facts. For example, a large employer may be able to offer more accommodations than a small employer and an office worker may be accommodated in different ways than a construction worker. Common reasonable accommodations may include:
- Providing ergonomic desk furniture;
- Offering frequent breaks;
- Modifying a work schedule;
- Offering telecommuting;
- Switching to nontoxic cleaning supplies;
- Reassigning nonessential job tasks;
- Relocating closer to restroom facilities;
- Providing a private office;
- Allowing exceptions to food and beverage rules;
- Providing a space heater or fan;
- Relocating to a quieter location;
- Providing alternative lighting or blinds;
- Providing a magnifying computer screen;
- Allowing the use of recording devices at meetings;
- Implementing “fragrance-free” office policies;
- Providing access to a closer parking lot; and
- Allowing the use of a refrigerator.
This article is presented by the Dallas employment attorneys at Clouse Dunn LLP. To speak to an employment law attorney about disability discrimination, send an email to debra@clousedunn.com or call (214) 239-2705.
Contact Keith Clouse
KEITH A. CLOUSE
Clouse Dunn LLP
214.220.2722 214.220.3833 ( fax) keith@clousedunn.com
