Reasonable accommodation is a type of assistance that allows a person with a disability to perform their job effectively. It can involve changes to a position or workplace, or the provision of aids or services to help the employee overcome their limitations
. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship
. Some examples of reasonable accommodations include:
- Changing job duties
- Providing leave for medical care
- Changing work schedules
- Relocating the work area
- Providing mechanical or electrical aids
When an employee requests a reasonable accommodation, the employer must initiate an "interactive process" to determine the appropriate accommodations. This process involves a dialogue between the employee and the employer to identify and discuss the specific needs and potential solutions
. If the employer refuses to provide a reasonable accommodation, the employee may file a complaint with the appropriate authorities, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
. In the context of the DMV, reasonable accommodations can be provided to individuals with disabilities, such as telephone services (including TTY), accessible online content, service animal accommodations, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters
