Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Summary

This template is a Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy that emphasizes the employer's commitment to treat individuals with disabilities fairly and accommodate them where appropriate. This template includes practical guidance and drafting notes. This policy is intended for private employers. Employers may include this policy in an employee handbook or distribute it as a standalone policy. It is based on federal law and does not address all potential state law distinctions; thus, you should check any relevant state and local laws. This policy complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and corresponding state and local laws that prohibit most employers from discriminating against a qualified employee or applicant with a disability, and requires an employer to reasonably accommodate qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the employer. For a video highlighting the ADA prohibition of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, see ADA Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Video. For a full listing of key content covering employee handbook considerations, see Employee Handbook Resource Kit. For more information on what is a reasonable accommodation under the ADA, see Employment Law Answer Book (CCH) Q 4:128. For information on reasonable accommodation policies generally, see Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policies: Key Drafting Tips and Americans with Disabilities Act: Guidance for Employers. Also see Disability Accommodation Request (ADA)and Disability Accommodation Request Resolution (ADA). For state-specific policies, see the Equal Opportunity Column of the Employment Policies State Expert Forms and Checklists Chart and the Attendance, Leaves, and Disabilities State Expert Forms Chart.