What is the process of requesting an accommodation at work?

Requesting an accommodation at work in Minnesota is governed by the state’s disability law, called the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). To begin the process, an employee must submit an accommodation request to their employer, specifying what type of accommodation is needed. The employer is then obligated to provide a reasonable accommodation unless it would impose an undue hardship. The employer will respond to the request within a reasonable amount of time and will discuss the type of accommodation that would best suit the employee’s needs. If an employer does not respond or refuses to provide an accommodation, the employee has the right to file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). The MDHR will investigate the situation and take appropriate action as necessary. In some cases, the MDHR may conciliate a settlement between the employee and employer. This means that the MDHR may be able to facilitate an agreement between the two parties, which both must sign in order for the accommodation to be effective. If a settlement cannot be reached, the employee can proceed to the next step in the process: filing a civil rights claim in court. Doing so will require legal assistance and involves filing a formal lawsuit. This process can be lengthy and expensive, so it is important to first exhaust all other forms of resolution before pursuing this option.

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What is the process of requesting an accommodation at work?

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