Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations for disabled workers. Federal lawmakers adopted this law to ensure that employers would provide the necessary work environment adjustments essential for individuals with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to secure a job and proficiently perform their work-related tasks much like any other worker.
Employers’ obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Business owners have three primary obligations if they wish to remain in compliance with the ADA.
First, Employers must provide all prospective employees with an equal opportunity to secure a job during the application process. Business owners should also reasonably accommodate any worker with disabilities that can perform the essential job functions. Finally, any disabled worker that a company hires must also receive some of the same privileges and benefits as every other employee.
How employers can reasonably accommodate disabled workers
Some employment analysts refer to reasonable accommodations as productivity enhancers. You shouldn’t consider either one to be a special treatment tool, though.
Workplace enhancements, including ergonomic workstations, ramps and accessible restrooms, can benefit more than just disabled employees.
Modified schedules may not only be beneficial for disabled employees but any worker needing flexibility in their schedule.
What to do if your employer didn’t afford you reasonable accommodations
The ADA exists to give all workers a fair shot at consideration for a job. This federal law also gives employers a way to help well-qualified disabled workers be more productive employees. It also protects their rights to equal privileges and benefits that every staff member receives.
An attorney will want to learn more about your Santa Barbara employer’s alleged ADA violations before advising you of how both California and federal law may allow you to pursue legal action against them in your case.