Reasonable Accommodations for employment

[NHU Community Friend]

What are Reasonable Accommodations for employment?

[NHU Community Friend]

A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things usually are done that would allow an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job functions, or enjoy equal access to benefits available to other individuals in the workplace.

The ADA also stipulates that employers are responsible for providing necessary accommodations when an employee declares a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act Handbook defines an accommodation as "any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities".

This may include:
* Providing or modifying equipment (e.g., providing a dictation machine instead of a typewriter)
* Making facilities accessible - removing barriers (e.g., installing ramps or elevators)
* Providing readers or interpreters (e.g., sign language interpreters)

The following are other examples of accommodations employers might provide. Please note that this list is not inclusive, and that the best method of identifying needed accommodations is to ask the individual in question what works best for him/her.
* Interpreters
* Phone Adaptations
* Seating
* Oral Instructions (vs. written)
* Tapes of Meetings
* Accessible Space
* Extra Time for Tests
* Lowered Light Switches
* Tests on Tape
* Large Print Material
* Calculators
* Blocks Under Desk
* Note-takers
* Technical Assistance
* Flexible Scheduling
* Accessibility

[NHU Community Friend]

If you are in need of assistive technology for reasonable accommodations, see a program like the following - WisLoan Assistive Technology Loan Program The WisLoan program offers loans for assistive technology. The loans help people buy equipment such as hearing aids, modified vehicles, wheelchairs and ramps. WisLoan is for Any Wisconsin resident with a disability in need of assistive technology eligible to apply for a loan to help pay for a debt and is stable in residence, job, credit history is considered. Loan applications are completed in person. Verifications of income, amount requested, quotes from vendors and other pertinent information on debt is gathered at this time. For more information about this program contact: Independence First , 600 West Virginia Street, 4th Floor, Milwaukee, WI 53204-1516, Voice/TTY: 414-291-7520 or Toll Free: 1-877-463-3778.