Job Accommodation Network

Would you recognize an accommodation request if a worker never used the words “reasonable accommodation?” A Job Accommodation Network resource reminds employers that workers do not have to use specific terminology to request a workplace accommodation. A request may be made in plain language and may involve asking for a change or adjustment at work because of a health condition or disability. For managers and HR professionals, recognizing that a request has been made is an important first step. From there, employers can begin the interactive process and explore possible effective solutions. Read more: https://AskJAN.org/articles/Recognizing-an-Accommodation-Request-Under-the-ADA.cfm

Effective workplace accommodations often start with a conversation. The Job Accommodation Network’s “Sample Accommodation Process for Mental Health Conditions” gives employers a structured, flexible approach for engaging in productive accommodation conversations and identifying possible solutions. The resource can help employers think through the process while keeping communication, confidentiality, and individual needs in focus. Learn more: https://AskJAN.org/mental_health_hub/Sample-Accommodation-Process-Mental-Health-Conditions.cfm

Reasonable accommodation should be part of a well-designed hiring process. The Job Accommodation Network’s “Hiring Process Reasonable Accommodation Flowchart” walks employers through six practical steps, from responding to a request and gathering necessary information to exploring options, implementing an effective accommodation, and monitoring how it works. The resource also addresses protecting confidential medical information. This resource helps employers strengthen accommodation practices throughout recruitment and hiring: https://AskJAN.org/articles/Hiring-Process-Reasonable-Accommodation-Flowchart.cfm

Navigating workplace accommodations can raise a lot of questions: Do I qualify? How do I ask? What information might I need to provide? What happens if an accommodation doesn’t work? The Job Accommodation Network’s “Insights on the Americans with Disabilities Act: Q&A for Workers” offers practical information to help workers better understand the accommodation process. The Q&A covers topics ranging from eligibility and requesting an accommodation to documentation, workplace adjustments, evaluating effectiveness, and options that may be available if a request is denied. Read the Q&A: https://AskJAN.org/guides/Insights-on-the-Americans-with-Disabilities-Act-Questions-Answers-for-Workers.cfm

Good documentation can help employers maintain consistency, support continuity, and keep track of decisions throughout the accommodation process. Keep documentation clear, concise, factual, and respectful. Records may include the accommodation request, relevant discussions, decisions, implementation timelines, and steps taken to evaluate effectiveness. Explore the Job Accommodation Network’s accommodation process guidance and free documentation tools: https://AskJAN.org/toolkit/Documenting-the-Accommodation-Process.cfm

Accessible technology is changing the workplace and expanding what’s possible when it comes to job accommodations[MB1.1][LO1.2][MB1.3]. This Job Accommodation Network resource explores ways AI-driven technologies can support workers in accessing information, communicating, navigating work environments, managing tasks, and performing essential job functions. It also highlights considerations for employers in hiring and other workplace systems. Read: https://AskJAN.org/articles/How-Artificial-Intelligence-Impacts-Workplace-Accommodation.cfm

What can employers do today to better support mental health at work? The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability’s latest Spotlight Q&A with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers practical guidance for employers looking to strengthen workplace mental health support. NAMI highlights several actions employers can take, including training managers to recognize changes in behavior, encouraging open conversations, protecting confidentiality, and making mental health resources easy to understand and access. Read the Spotlight Q&A:

Accessibility works best when it’s built into the workforce system, not treated as a standalone effort. A new LEAD Center brief explores how cross-system collaboration among American Job Centers, vocational rehabilitation, community organizations, and other partners can strengthen accessibility, improve coordination, and support better employment outcomes. Examples from Missouri and Virginia show what cross-system collaboration can look like in practice. Read the brief:

Technology continues to transform the way organizations operate, driving demand for new skills to stay competitive. As advances in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure reshape the workforce, employers are exploring innovative approaches to build strong technology talent pipelines. Join EARN - Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability and representatives from Apprenti on August 19, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET, for "Strengthening the Tech Workforce Through Apprenticeships, Skills-Based Hiring, and Disability Employment," a free webinar exploring strategies for strengthening today’s technology workforce. Attendees will learn how employers are expanding access to tech careers through apprenticeship programs, skills-based hiring, and other innovative workforce strategies to expand access to technology careers for workers with disabilities. Register now: https://askearn.org/event/strengthening-the-tech-workforce

Join EARN - Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability on August 19, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET, for a free webinar exploring how employers can strengthen technology talent pipelines and create accessible pathways into high-demand careers. Part of EARN's Industry Spotlight webinar series, this session will feature an expert discussion with representatives from Apprenti, followed by a live Q&A. Tune in to explore: - Current workforce trends in the IT industry, including the role of AI - Examples of apprenticeship and work-based learning models in the tech sector - Approaches for identifying talent based on skills and capabilities - Practical considerations for creating accessible pathways for workers with disabilities - Resources that support employee growth and long-term career success Register now for "Strengthening the Tech Workforce Through Apprenticeships, Skills-Based Hiring, and Disability Employment": https://askearn.org/event/strengthening-the-tech-workforce