Who can request a reasonable accommodation under the ADA?

A qualified individual with a disability can request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This provision allows individuals who meet the legal definition of disability—those with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities—to seek modifications or adjustments to a job, work environment, or other settings that enable them to perform essential functions. This could include changes in work schedule, modifications to equipment, or structural changes to facilities.

The ADA emphasizes that the accommodations requested must be reasonable and must not impose an undue hardship on the employer. The intent is to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities in the workplace.

Other options do not align with the provisions of the ADA. For example, while employees of a company may request accommodations, the law extends this right to all qualified individuals with disabilities, not limited to just employees. Individuals without disabilities are not entitled to request such accommodations, as the purpose is specifically to assist those who are affected by disabilities. Additionally, while healthcare providers can support individuals in understanding their rights under the law, they do not have the authority to request accommodations on their clients’ behalf. Instead, the request must come from the individual who is experiencing the disability.