Workers of California have the right to reasonable accommodation. Employees with disabilities must be able to seek working conditions that uplift them without fear of discrimination or retaliation.
An employer could deny a requests if they can prove it would get in the way of business operations. Even then, workers with disabilities can still seek fair treatment.
What can you do if your employer denies your request?
If you believe your request for reasonable accommodation was fair, there are a few steps you can take if it was denied:
- Understand your rights: Employees must understand all of their rights in the workplace – and it is critical to understand your rights related to obtaining accommodations. This is critical to help you move forward.
- Attempt internal resolution: One option is to speak with your supervisor or employer to find out the reasons behind the denial of your request. This way, you can open lines of dialogue with decision makers and possibly come to an agreement or a compromise.
- Appeal the denial: If your company has a formal appeals process, you could file your case through human resources or upper management, especially if you believe your request to be sound and reasonable.
- Seek advocacy: You do not have to fight for your rights alone. You can seek the support of advocates such as your co-workers, disability unions and even legal representation to guide you in filing a claim.
You have the right to work in an environment that enables you to do your job without discrimination and on the same level as workers without disabilities. It is possible to fight for reasonable accommodation.
