Are employers required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities?

In Washington, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities in the form of modified job duties, modified work schedules, and/or modified work equipment. Under the Washington State Law Against Discrimination, an employer must provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified individual with a disability, unless the employer can prove that the accommodation poses an undue hardship. An accommodation is defined as “a change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.” Examples of reasonable accommodations include providing a ramp or other mobility device, allowing an employee to work from home, or providing assistive technology. An employer may also be required to transfer an employee to another position or modify the duties of an employee’s job if it would allow them to work. Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations for employees to participate in employer-sponsored activities, like meetings or training events. This could include providing an alternative means of communication or an interpreter. It is important for employers to remember that providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities is required by law. Not doing so could result in a discrimination claim and result in legal action.

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Are employers required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities?

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