Reasonable Accommodations for Employees with Disabilities: Ensuring Workplace Equality

At Gruzen Moussly Law, we are committed to advocating for the rights of employees with disabilities and ensuring they receive the reasonable accommodations they need to perform their jobs effectively. Despite legal requirements, many employees with disabilities still face challenges in obtaining appropriate accommodations in the workplace. Our firm is dedicated to helping these employees assert their rights and create more inclusive work environments.

Both federal and California state laws protect employees with disabilities from discrimination and require employers to provide reasonable accommodations. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) mandate that employers engage in an interactive process with employees to identify and implement appropriate accommodations. These laws apply to a wide range of physical and mental disabilities and medical conditions.

Reasonable accommodations can take many forms, depending on the individual’s needs and the nature of their job. Examples include modified work schedules, ergonomic office equipment, assistive technology, reassignment to a vacant position, or changes in workplace policies. The key is that these accommodations should enable the employee to perform the essential functions of their job without causing undue hardship to the employer.

If you are an employee with a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, it’s important to understand your rights and the process for requesting accommodations. Start by informing your employer of your disability and the need for accommodation. Be prepared to provide medical documentation if requested. Your employer should then engage in a good faith interactive process with you to identify appropriate accommodations.

Unfortunately, some employers fail to provide necessary accommodations or engage in discrimination against employees with disabilities. This can manifest as refusal to provide accommodations, failure to engage in the interactive process, or adverse employment actions based on an employee’s disability or accommodation request. Such actions are illegal and can be grounds for legal action.

At Gruzen Moussly Law, our experienced employment attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex landscape of disability rights in the workplace. We can assist you in understanding your rights, guide you through the accommodation request process, and represent you if your employer fails to meet their legal obligations. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the accommodations you need to succeed in your job and are protected from discrimination.

If you’ve faced challenges in obtaining reasonable accommodations or have experienced discrimination due to your disability, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact Gruzen Moussly Law today to learn how we can assist you in asserting your rights and creating a more accessible and inclusive workplace. Together, we can work towards ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all employees with disabilities in California.