What is a Workplace Accommodation?

A workplace accommodation is a change at work that helps you do your job. It removes a barrier that your disability creates.

Most accommodations are simple and low-cost. Many cost nothing at all.

Examples of Accommodations

  • A flexible start or end time
  • Permission to work from home some days
  • A quieter workspace or noise-canceling headphones
  • Written instructions instead of verbal ones
  • A chair at a workstation that is usually done standing
  • Screen-reader software or larger text on your computer
  • Extra time to learn new tasks or procedures
  • Permission to take short extra breaks for a medical need

What an Accommodation Is NOT

  • It is not a request to remove the essential parts of your job
  • It is not a special favor — it is a legal right
  • It does not require you to share your full medical history
Good to know: You can ask for an accommodation at any time — before you start a job, on your first day, or after you have been working for a while.

Know Your Rights

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law. It says that employers with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities.

Qualified employee means you can do the main parts of the job, with or without an accommodation.

The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA)

The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) also protects you. CADA covers employers with 1 or more employees — broader coverage than the federal ADA. This means most Colorado workers have these protections.

What You Have to Tell Your Employer

You do not have to share your diagnosis or medical records.

You do need to tell your employer:

  • That you have a condition that affects your ability to do certain tasks at work
  • What you need (the accommodation you are asking for)

What Your Employer Must Do

Your employer must work with you to find a solution. This is called the interactive process. Both sides talk about the problem and look for options.

Your employer can only say no if your request causes undue hardship — meaning it is too costly or disruptive given the size and resources of the business. This is rare.

Retaliation Is Illegal

Your employer cannot fire you, cut your hours, or punish you for asking for an accommodation. That is against the law.

Remember: This guide gives you general information. It is not legal advice. Talk with your VR counselor or a disability rights advocate if you have questions about your specific situation.

What Do You Need Help With?

Check all that apply to you. We will show you a list of accommodations that may help. You can pick the ones you want to request.

Select the areas where you need support at work

Check all that apply. You can select more than one.

Check at least one area above to see suggested accommodations.

Create Your Draft Letter

Fill in the fields below. We will create a draft letter you can review, print, or copy. Review this draft with your VR counselor before sending it.

Important: This is a draft for practice and planning. It is not legal advice. Always review your letter with your VR counselor or a disability rights advocate before giving it to your employer.

Your Information

Leave blank to fill in by hand.

Employer Information

This could be your supervisor, HR manager, or disability services contact.

Your Request

You do not need to name your diagnosis. You can say “a medical condition” or “a disability” if you prefer.

Your Draft Letter

DRAFT
This is a draft letter for educational and planning purposes only. It is not legal advice. Review this letter with your VR counselor or a disability rights advocate before giving it to your employer. Your counselor can help you adjust the wording for your situation.

Next steps: Share this draft with your VR counselor. They can help you adjust the wording, prepare for the employer’s response, and support you through the accommodation process. For more help with disability rights, contact Disability Law Colorado at 1-800-288-1376 (free, statewide).