Reasonable accommodation in the workplace is the necessary adjustments that an organization or company makes to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access and a comfortable environment to work. Essentially, the adjustment an organization makes to accommodate people with disabilities works not only for their comfort but also for their productivity.
The adjustments are essential even by federal rights law stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applied Development can help your company understand and implement reasonable accommodation adjustments for people with disabilities in workplaces.
Assessing Reasonable Accommodation Needs
Your company needs to assess reasonable accommodation needs so that you are relatively prepared to implement them. Conducting a needs assessment can entail directly involving the people with disabilities so that you can implement accommodations specific to their needs.
Your company can use a needs assessment form during the hiring process. You should tailor the form to have particular questions that help you understand the accommodation needs you will have to meet if you onboard the employees with disabilities.
The ADA requires companies with more than 15 employees to provide reasonable accommodation. However, this law also depends on the state and local laws, as some may require reasonable accommodation even with fewer employees.
Types of Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodation goes beyond the physical; it is not just putting a ramp to make your office accessible. The ADA act requires organizations to provide reasonable accommodation through inclusive recruitment, accessible technology, and so much more. Here are some categories and examples of reasonable accommodation:
Special Office Equipment
People with disabilities may not be able to use standard office equipment for work. Special equipment like big computer screens, voice-to-text software for the blind, and braille-making equipment for documents might be helpful.
Flexible Work Periods
A flexible work schedule can also provide reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities. The physical and mental challenges may not allow for the same commitment to working hours as the rest of your employees. You can work on ways they can still be productive while accommodating their particular needs.
Communication Support
Communication support for people with diverse abilities entails providing sign language interpretation within the workplace, close captioning at meetings and events, and making material available in large print. You can also use videophones to facilitate communications with the Deaf team members.
Accessible Office
Making physical adjustments to your office can make access easy for people with physical disabilities. These include installing ramps, providing special parking spaces, modifying the restrooms, or creating washrooms specific to people with disabilities. You can also have special support personnel in your company to help whenever necessary.
Applied Development Offers ADA Compliance Services
Applied Development’s services include sign language interpretating, Communicaton Access Real-Time Translation (CART), Section 508 compliance, and strategic communications. Call us today at (410) 571-4016 or contact us online for more information and to find out how our services can help you meet your organizational goals.