Who is responsible for providing accommodations in the workplace?

The employer is primarily responsible for providing accommodations in the workplace to ensure that employees with disabilities have the necessary support to perform their job duties effectively. This responsibility is grounded in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which mandates that employers make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the business.

Employers are tasked with understanding the specific needs of their employees and determining viable modifications to workplace practices, policies, or environments that enable employees with disabilities to succeed. This might include adjustments such as flexible working hours, specialized equipment, or changes in job responsibilities.

While employees with disabilities can advocate for and suggest the types of accommodations they may need, the ultimate responsibility lies with the employer to implement those changes. Government agencies can provide guidance and support, but they do not solely handle the accommodation process in individual workplaces.