What are my rights to accommodations in the workplace?
In Washington State, your rights to workplace accommodations are primarily protected under both federal and state laws (Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) and federal law under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A broad idea of reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to a job or work environment that enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential job functions.
It is important to understand the process to follow when it comes to notifying your employer of your requested accommodations and the paperwork they may require from your medical or mental health provider to accompany your request. Once your request for accommodations is submitted to your employer, they must engage in an interactive process with you to determine what accommodations may be approved and what may cause undue hardship. It is unlawful for employers to discriminate or retaliate against you for requesting an accommodation.
The EEOC issued an Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation and undue Hardship under the ADA that is a good resource:
Should you have any questions about your rights as an employee who is on or has experienced issues related to requesting accommodations and are concerned about possible adverse action from your employer, please reach out to our office to speak with a disability and accommodations lawyer.