Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers and other entities are required to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment, education, and public services. If you require an accommodation to perform your job or participate in a program or service, you can make a formal request for an ADA accommodation. Here are the steps to follow:

Determine the appropriate person to make the request to

Your employer or the organization providing the service or program will have a designated person or department responsible for handling ADA accommodation requests. You can usually find this information on the organization’s website or by asking your supervisor or the program coordinator.

Make the request in writing

It’s important to make your request for an accommodation in writing to ensure that there is a clear record of the request. You can do this by writing a letter or email to the appropriate person or department. Be sure to include:

• Your name and contact information
• A description of your disability and how it affects your ability to perform your job or participate in the program or service
• A specific request for the accommodation you need, including any specific equipment, changes to work hours or duties, or other accommodations that would help you perform your job or participate in the program or service
• Any supporting documentation, such as medical records or a letter from your healthcare provider

Follow up on your request

After submitting your request, follow up with the appropriate person or department to ensure that they received it and to ask about the status of the request. If they need more information or documentation, be sure to provide it in a timely manner.

Cooperate with the process

The organization will need to evaluate your request and determine whether the requested accommodation is reasonable and can be provided without undue hardship. Be prepared to provide additional information or engage in an interactive process to find a solution that works for both you and the organization.

Conclusion

Making a formal request for an ADA accommodation is an important step to ensure that you have equal access to employment, education, and public services. By following these steps and communicating clearly with the appropriate person or department, you can help ensure that your request is handled in a timely and appropriate manner.