Under California law, reasonable accommodation refers to adjustments or modifications made by an employer to enable an employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job. These accommodations are required under both the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which provides even broader protections.

Who Qualifies for Reasonable Accommodation?

To be eligible for reasonable accommodation, an employee must:

• Have a physical or mental disability that limits a major life activity
• Be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation
• Make a request or otherwise inform the employer of the need for accommodation

California’s definition of disability is broader than under federal law, meaning more employees are covered by FEHA protections.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations vary depending on the individual’s needs and the nature of the job. Examples include:

• Modifying work schedules or allowing flexible hours
• Providing assistive devices or adaptive equipment
• Allowing remote work or telecommuting
• Making physical modifications to the workplace (e.g., wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms)
• Reassigning the employee to a vacant position they are qualified for
• Providing medical leave or additional time off to recover

What Is the Employer’s Responsibility?

Employers with five or more employees are required to engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process once they are aware of an employee’s need for accommodation. This means they must:

• Evaluate the employee’s limitations
• Consider possible accommodations
• Work with the employee to identify a reasonable solution

An employer is not required to provide accommodations that would create an “undue hardship,” such as significant difficulty or expense relative to the company’s size or resources.

What If My Employer Refuses to Accommodate Me?

If your employer fails to provide reasonable accommodations or refuses to participate in the interactive process, they may be violating California law. You may file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or take legal action to enforce your rights.

Get Legal Help for Disability Discrimination

The California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group helps employees across the state fight for their rights. If you’ve been denied reasonable accommodations or treated unfairly because of a disability, our team is here to help. We offer free consultations and only charge fees if we win your case. Contact us today to learn how we can support your claim for reasonable accommodation.