The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides disabled Americans the ability to request reasonable accommodations in the workplace. For many Americans suffering from any number of disabling conditions, telework may offer them the solution they need to be able to balance their job and their disabilities.
Before someone requests telework for themselves, they may have questions about reasonable accommodation. With the right information, you may be able to gain the accommodation that you need, so here are a few answers that you might be looking for to with your telework pursuit:
Who qualifies for telework?
According to the ADA, any employer who has 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodation. Telework can qualify as a reasonable accommodation, which means that anyone employed by a large enough employer qualifies for telework if their position can allow it.
How can I apply for telework?
Each employer often has its own policies on how to go about applying for telework, but there are some things everyone should know about the process. When making your case to HR, it is often advantageous to appeal to their sense of business rather than personal need. Additionally, make sure that any agreement you come to is confirmed in a written agreement.
Can my employment cancel my telework agreement?
While the ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations, they are not an infallible right for employees. When employees take advantage of telework by letting their quality of work drastically reduce, for example, an employer has the right to terminate the agreement.
Is there a way I can help secure telework?
If you believe you need telework as a reasonable accommodation for your job, consult with a skilled employment law attorney. Their guidance can help you confirm your potential eligibility, and they can also help you apply for the benefit.