Are there legal requirements related to workplace accommodations?
Yes. As young people move out of work-based learning experiences and into more permanent paid employment, the accommodations or employment support they sometimes need is addressed in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires that individuals with disabilities be “qualified”; that is, they must satisfy the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of the position, and complete the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the applicant or employee to inform their employer of a disability in which an accommodation is needed. An employer is not required to provide an accommodation if they are unaware of such a need. Rather, every job candidate should be prepared to identify to an employer their strengths, skills, and accommodations requirements. Disclosure of a disability is a personal choice, however a discussion on relevant accommodations or alternative methods for completing
