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If you have a legal disability, then you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation in the workplace, whether your condition is visible or invisible.

It’s tough to live with a health issue that impacts your life in some way, and it can be even tougher to keep working, but for a lot of people, it’s worth the challenge.

If you are a chronic illness warrior and you’re committed to continuing your career, then you may want to request a reasonable accommodation from your employer. That reasonable accommodation might even be just the thing keeping you in the workforce, and if so, you should strongly consider making the request.

In this article, I’m going to provide you with 10 tips to help you request a reasonable accommodation from your employer, plus I’ll provide a few examples of requests you may want to consider making.

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change to the workplace that allows you to perform your job duties. Employers are legally obligated to consider reasonable requests and cannot discriminate against employees because of disability.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace. This includes the right to request a reasonable accommodation.

10 Tips for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation

Here are 10 tips to help you request a reasonable accommodation from your existing employer:

1. Do your research. 

Before you request an accommodation, make sure you understand your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of employment, including job application, hiring, firing, compensation, training, and advancement.

Do your research before you have a discussion with your employer, and you’ll be prepared to provide information to your employer if it’s needed. 

And remember, while your employer is obligated to follow ADA laws, they may not be well informed about them. Be a helpful (but compassionate) resource if your employer asks you for more information.

Psst… if you need a tool to help you keep track of the progress you’re making on your research (or any other related goals), I recommend using ClickUp.

2. Be prepared to discuss your disability. 

When you request an accommodation, you’ll need to be prepared to discuss your disability with your employer. This includes explaining the nature of your disability, how it affects your ability to do your job, and what accommodations you’re requesting.

3. Be specific. 

Be as specific as possible about what you need. For example, if you need more time to complete your work, don’t just say that you need “more time.” Instead, specify how much more time you need and why.

If you need more bathroom breaks, be clear about that. If you need alternative parking requirements due to vision problems, explain that’s what you need.

You’ll need to be able to tell your employer exactly what you need and why, so be prepared to explain how fulfilling the request will make you a more effective employee.

4. Be flexible. 

It’s important to be flexible when you’re requesting an accommodation. Your employer may not be able to give you exactly what you want, but they may be able to offer you something that’s close enough.

5. Be willing to compromise and negotiate. 

Your employer may not be able to give you exactly what you want, so be prepared to negotiate. Be willing to compromise if your employer can’t give you the exact accommodation you’re requesting.

For example, if you’re requesting a flexible work schedule, but your employer can’t give you complete flexibility, you may be able to work out a schedule that’s flexible during certain times of the year.

6. Document everything about your request. 

It’s important to document everything related to your request. This includes keeping a copy of your original request, any correspondence with your employer, and any agreements you reach.

Ideally, you’ll be able to come to an agreement with your employer, but if for some reason you need to get legal support, then you’ll be well prepared if you can document everything ahead of time.

7. Be professional and patient. 

When you approach your employer, be professional and respectful. Remember that they are not always obligated to grant your request, so it’s important to make a good impression. 

It may take some time for your employer to process your request. Be patient and understanding, and continue to communicate with your employer throughout the process.

8. Don’t give up. 

If your employer denies your request for a reasonable accommodation, you don’t have to give up. You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or consider making an alternative request.

9. Get help. 

If you’re having trouble requesting a reasonable accommodation, there are resources available to help you. The EEOC has guidance to help you request a reasonable accommodation, and there are also many disability advocacy organizations that can provide help.

10. Remember, you have rights. 

The ADA gives you the right to request a reasonable accommodation from your employer. If you’re denied a reasonable accommodation, you have the legal right to file a complaint with the EEOC.

Follow these tips to successfully request a reasonable accommodation from your existing employer. By being prepared, specific, and flexible, you can increase your chances of getting the accommodation you need to continue working.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help increase your chances of being granted your request:

• Be clear about the impact of your disability on your work.
• Be willing to provide documentation from your doctor or other health care provider about your chronic illness or health condition.
• Be open to discussing different options for accommodations.
• Be persistent and don’t give up if your first request is denied.
• Communicate your needs clearly and concisely.
• Be willing to compromise and work with your employer to find a solution that works for both of you.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to employees with chronic illnesses, including your employer’s human resources department, your doctor, and disability advocacy groups.

Remember, you have the right to a workplace that is free from discrimination. If you need a reasonable accommodation to do your job, your employer is legally obligated to provide you with the support you need to be an effective employee.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations

Here are some examples of reasonable accommodations that may be helpful for you to consider:

• Flexible work hours (i.e. alternate start or end times)
• Modification of job duties (i.e. eliminating or limiting your need to lift a heavy burden)
• Assistive technology (i.e. technology that helps you read small print)
• Break time for medical appointments (i.e. alternate work schedule that accommodates appointments)
• Access to a quiet room (i.e. eliminating loud noises from your work space)
• On-site parking (i.e. limiting your need to cross long distances)

Conclusion

If you think you might need a reasonable accommodation, talk to your employer as soon as possible. The sooner you start the conversation, the sooner you can find a solution that works for everyone.

You deserve a workplace that supports you and your health needs. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and speak up if your reasonable accommodation will make you a more effective employee!

Recommended Reading:

How to Navigate a Career with a Chronic Illness: 10 Tips for Career Success

Top 10 Best Side Hustles for the Chronic Illness Warrior

Additional Resources

• The National Organization on Disability
• The American Chronic Pain Association
• The Invisible Disabilities Association

Think requesting a reasonable accommodation from your employer will help you FIRE Your Career? Check out the posts page for more ways you can FIRE Your Career and achieve financial freedom.

FIRE Your Career: Achieve Financial Freedom Through Your Career & Spend MORE Time Doing What You Love.

Tools I recommend in this article:

ClickUp (my recommended goal-tracking tool)