January 2024 Spotlight on
Social Security Newsletter

Illustration of a man in a wheelchair surrounded by people in business attire looking ast a screen containing accessibility icons

As we step into 2024 with a renewed focus and enthusiasm on our personal and professional goals, Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is pleased to present the January 2024 edition of the "Spotlight n Social Security" newsletter. Each month, our newsletter brings you exciting news, work incentive information, success stories, and other valuable information for beneficiaries receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), their families and the professionals serving them. We hope this newsletter serves as a valuable source of information and encouragement for all our readers. Let’s make 2024 a year of growth and achievement!

In this issue:

Upcoming Spotlight on Social Security Webinar - Navigating Reasonable Accommodations – A Guide to Requesting Accommodations in the Workplace

DOR offers webinars, provided by industry experts who share valuable information and resources for beneficiaries of SSI and/or SSDI.

Don’t miss out! Go to our Webinar Calendar to register for future webinars!

This month's webinar:

Title: Navigating Reasonable Accommodations – A Guide to Requesting Accommodations in the Workplace
Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. PST
Location: Zoom
Event Information: Have you ever considered requesting a reasonable accommodation but were unsure where to get started? In this webinar, we will explore the laws around reasonable accommodation, when they can be used, and the steps you can take to make a request.

Submit your questions about the Ticket To Work program

This month’s featured Spotlight on Social Security Article: Are Reasonable Accommodations for You?

What is a reasonable accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) refers to modifications or adjustments to a job, work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process. Reasonable accommodations enable an individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in meaningful employment, perform essential functions of the job, and to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment, equal to those enjoyed by other employees.

What are some examples of a reasonable accommodation?

There is no "one size fits all" approach to reasonable accommodations. This is because, not everyone’s needs are the same when it comes to employment. Reasonable accommodations can take many forms. Some examples of accommodations include:

  • Ergonomic office equipment: Providing specialized desks, chairs, keyboards, or other equipment to help mitigate the impact of a physical disability.

  • Job restructuring: Redistributing marginal job functions that an employee is unable to perform because of a disability.

  • Accessibility improvements: Modifying the physical workspace for accessibility, such as installing ramps, modifying bathrooms, or ensuring wheelchair accessibility.

  • Sign language interpreters or readers: Providing interpreters for meetings and events or readers for employees who are blind or visually impaired.

  • Modifying training materials: Offering training materials in accessible formats such as large print, braille, or audio.

  • Assistive technology: Implementing screen reading software, braille displays, and adaptive keyboards, and other devices to help the individual perform the essential functions of their job.

You can visit the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Website to see a list of possible accommodations for a wide range of disabilities.

Are all employers required to provide reasonable accommodations?

Building upon the ADA, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act requires employers of five or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

When is an accommodation reasonable?

An accommodation can be considered reasonable when adjustments can be made so an employee with a disability can perform essential functions of their job. The exception to this is unless the employer can demonstrate that granting the accommodation creates an undue hardship to the business operation.

How do I request a reasonable accommodation?

Requesting a reasonable accommodation should be approached thoughtfully and with clear communication. Here is a general guide on how this can be done:

  1. Understand your rights: Before requesting an accommodation, it is important to understand your rights under the ADA. The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the employer.

  2. Determine your needs: Consider what accommodation you need to perform your job effectively.

  3. Prepare a written request: While the ADA doesn’t require a request be done in writing, it’s often beneficial to create a written record. The request should include a clear statement that you are requesting a reasonable accommodation, a description of your disability (if not already known by your employer), and an explanation of how the accommodation would help you perform your job duties.

  4. Provide medical documentation (if needed): Your employer might ask for medical documentation from a healthcare provider that confirms your disability and need for reasonable accommodation. This document does not need to include specific medical details but should explain how your disability affects your work and how the proposed accommodation would address those challenges.

  5. Submit your request to the appropriate person: This might be your supervisor, Human Resources (HR), or a designated ADA coordinator. Each company may have its own protocol, so it is important to ensure the information is submitted appropriately.

  6. Engage in an interactive discussion process: The ADA encourages an interactive process between the employee and employer. Be prepared to discuss your request, answer questions, and possibly consider alternatives proposed by your employer.

  7. Follow up: If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, follow up with your employer. Keep records of all communications regarding your request.

  8. Know the resolution process: If your employer denies your request, they should provide a reason. If you disagree with the decision, you can seek resolution through your company’s grievance procedure, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or seek legal advice.

Where can I get more information?

Checkout the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for consultation and assistance identifying reasonable accommodations compliant with the ADA. You can contact JAN by calling (800-526-7234) or (877)781-9403(TTY). You can also contact Disability Rights California (DRC) for help understanding your legal rights to reasonable accommodations under the ADA. You can reach DRC by calling (800)776-5746.

Check out these great additional resources on reasonable accommodations:

Fun Facts about the Americans with Disabilities Act and Reasonable Accommodations

  • President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA with 59 pens, each of which were later given to key individuals involved in the advocacy for disability rights movement.

  • Based on research conducted by JAN, more than half of accommodations for people with disabilities under the ADA come at no cost to the employer. The average cost for other accommodations is about $500.

  • The implementation of the ADA has greatly shaped today’s public infrastructure, including the creation of wheelchair ramps, braille signage, and audible crossing signals.

  • Small businesses providing a reasonable accommodation to their employees can access unique tax advantages such as the Disabled Access Credit.

Interested in learning more about your disability benefits?

Are you ready to go to work?

Meeting with a Work Incentives Planner (WIP) is a great way to get the facts about your Social Security Benefits.

Sound Interesting?

Talk to your DOR counselor to see if you are eligible for DOR WIP Services.

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If you are ready to start an exciting journey with DOR, please click here to Get Started. You will need to provide additional information about yourself to request services.

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