Work Accommodations Matter

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of disabled employees and to raise awareness about creating inclusive, equitable workplaces. Part of that inclusivity means ensuring employees have the accommodations they need to thrive!

Bringing up the subject of accommodations can feel a little tricky, though. You want to make sure you’re getting what you need, but starting the conversation with your manager might feel a bit awkward. The good news? It doesn’t have to be! A little preparation and clear communication can go a long way in making sure you have everything you need to succeed.

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Here’s how you can approach the conversation with confidence:

1. Know Your Rights

First things first—remember that you have rights as an employee. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations that help you perform your job effectively. Whether you need a modified schedule, assistive technology, or adjustments to your workspace, you are entitled to accommodations that support your productivity and well-being.

2. Be Clear About What You Need

Take some time to think about the specific accommodations that would help you do your job better. Whether it’s more flexible hours to accommodate medical appointments or equipment to make your workspace more comfortable, knowing exactly what you need before going into the conversation is key. The clearer you are, the easier it will be for your manager to work with you.

3. Set Up a Meeting

When you're ready to discuss accommodations, request a meeting with your manager. A private, dedicated conversation shows that you take the issue seriously, and it gives you both the space to focus. You don’t have to make it formal, though. Just something like: "I’d love to discuss a couple of adjustments that could improve my work setup. Do you have time this week?" If you’re working in person, hold the conversation face to face. If you’re a remote worker, make sure it’s a Zoom or Teams meeting. 

4. Communicate Openly and Collaboratively

Once you’re in the meeting, explain what you need and why it’s important. Clear communication is essential here. You can say something like: "Here are a few accommodations that I believe will help me be more productive and comfortable in my role. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can make it happen."

It’s also important to take some accountability. Share how these changes will help you succeed and how you’re committed to making sure they work for both you and the team. It’s a two-way street, and showing you’re invested in the solution helps make the conversation feel collaborative.

5. Follow Up and Keep the Ball Rolling

After the meeting, send a quick follow-up email to summarize what was discussed and any next steps. This not only ensures everyone is on the same page but also shows that you’re staying on top of the process. Something like: "Thanks for taking the time to discuss my accommodation needs today. Just to confirm, the next steps we discussed are [outline the next steps]. Let me know if there’s anything else you need from me."

This reinforces that you’re both serious about moving forward and making it work. You also have a paper trail post-meeting if one side doesn’t follow through.

6. Get HR Involved If Needed

If the conversation doesn’t go as expected or you’re facing resistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to HR. They’re there to ensure workplace policies are followed and that your accommodation needs are met. The human resources team is on your side and is invested in your success and growth at the company. If you feel like you’ll need backup when speaking with your manager, talk to HR first.

Communication is Key

National Disability Employment Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of building workplaces where everyone has the tools and support they need to succeed. At the heart of this is communication—open, honest conversations between employees and managers to ensure accommodations are in place.

Talking about accommodations can feel a little intimidating, but remember, it’s about ensuring you have what you need to contribute your best! By keeping the conversation open and collaborative, you and your manager can create a solution that works for both of you.

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