Understanding Reasonable Accommodations in Connecticut

The Americans with Disabilities Act bestows upon employees the valuable privilege of requesting "reasonable accommodations" from their employers in order to perform their job duties effectively. However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily guarantee unlimited access to any and all accommodations that may be beneficial. If you have found yourself in the unfortunate situation of being denied a reasonable accommodation, don't hesitate to seek the advice of employee rights lawyers today!

Discovering whether you are eligible for reasonable accommodation and understanding what is entailed can be a complex process. Here is what you should know.

Reasonable Accommodations:

In essence, reasonable accommodations are alterations made to a person's job, surroundings, or customary work methods that enable them to perform work-related tasks more effectively despite any disabilities they may have. The primary goal is to help disabled individuals participate in the workforce and meet their job obligations, regardless of any limitations posed by their condition. It's important to bear in mind that these accommodations must be deemed "reasonable," which means they should not place a significant burden or financial strain on the employer.

Determining Eligibility:

The concept of reasonable accommodations implies that individuals who have significant medical or psychological conditions may request adjustments from their employers. However, the employer is not automatically obliged to provide these accommodations; the decision depends on several factors such as their nature, extent, cost, and impact on the business. The key factors that come into play are whether the accommodations are necessary, the extent to which they would affect the employer's bottom line, and how much they would cost.

Denial of Reasonable Accommodation:

If a person with a physical or psychological disability has made a plea for a reasonable adjustment and faced rejection, their initial step is to reach out to the human resources department (if accessible). In case it's not an option, they can lodge a complaint with the Department of Labor in their state, and if the need arises, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Additionally, it's advisable to seek guidance from a seasoned employment discrimination lawyer who can offer legal support and has handled analogous cases in the past.

Final Thoughts:

In the event that a request for reasonable adjustments is turned down, it's crucial to take proactive measures by getting in touch with the human resources department, lodging a complaint with the Department of Labor, and, if need be, seeking counsel from an employment discrimination attorney.