Reasonable Accommodations and Employee Discrimination By Dan Atkerson on March 05, 2021

Pregnant employee at the officeEmployment laws are in place to provide workers with certain protections. Among these are laws that prevent discrimination in the workplace. It is illegal for employees to be discriminated against on the basis of sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

The Americans with Disabilities Act further protects disabled employees by granting them the right to reasonable accommodations, which are changes that make it possible for them to do their job. Those in the Allen, Plano, or Frisco, TX, area who believe they have been victims of discrimination related to reasonable accommodations can work with employment attorney Dan A. Atkerson to file a claim against their employer and pursue compensation for resulting losses.

What Are Reasonable Accommodations?

A reasonable accommodation is either an assistive device that is provided, or a change in workplace positions, duties, and/or practices that are made to enable a disabled employee to do their job. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, unless it would place an undue hardship on them.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations

The specifics of a reasonable accommodation vary based on the situation and are meant to address each employee’s unique needs. Potential examples of reasonable accommodations include:

  • Modifying existing facilities so they are usable by a disabled employee
  • Altering work hours to accommodate necessary medical treatments
  • Providing devices that would allow employees to perform job duties
  • Modifying the way exams and/or training sessions are performed
  • Allowing the use of a service animal
  • Improving accessibility to a work area
  • Providing reserved parking
  • Altering job tasks or assigning the employee to a vacant position

Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. To start the process of negotiating a reasonable accommodation, employees must notify their employer that they have a disability, while also explaining how that disability is interfering with their ability to perform certain job functions.

Once the request has been initiated, there should be a dialogue between the employer and employee to determine what types of accommodations would be effective. It is a good idea for employees to have a list of possible accommodations and how they would be useful. Once the employer and employee agree on a reasonable accommodation, they should create a plan to put it in place.

Document the Process of Requesting Reasonable Accommodations

It is important to document any information pertaining to reasonable accommodation negotiations, such as meeting dates, the reason for the request, recommendations that are made, etc. This documentation is important because it will allow for a thorough review of the process if any disputes should arise.

What If an Accommodation Is Not Granted?

If an employer denies a request for an accommodation they must be prepared to provide the employee with the reason why. Specifically, they must show how the accommodation would place an undue burden or hardship.

If an employee does not believe they have been provided a valid reason for the denial of a reasonable accommodation, they should contact an employment attorney. Attorney Dan A. Atkerson can review the request and advise clients on whether a disability claim should be filed.

Get In Touch with an Employment Law Attorney

If you believe that you have faced employee discrimination, Dan A. Atkerson can review your situation and advise you of your legal options. To schedule a legal consultation, send us a message online or call (214) 383-3606 at your earliest convenience.

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Dan Atkerson

Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson

Dan A. Atkerson has been protecting the rights of North Texas employees for over nearly four decades. He is affiliated with several prestigious legal organizations, including: 

  • The State Bar of Texas
  • The Dallas Bar Association
  • The United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit
  • Texas Supreme Court and all Texas trial and appellate courts
  • Texas federal courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas

Through aggressive, knowledgeable representation, he has helped clients all over the state reach significant verdicts and settlements. To schedule a consultation at our law firm, request an appointment online or call us at (214) 383-3606.

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