When does the ADA require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. This requirement ensures that employees and applicants with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities and can perform their job responsibilities effectively. Reasonable accommodations can include adjustments or modifications to the work environment, job duties, or work schedules that enable individuals with disabilities to navigate the workplace more effectively.

The key aspect of this requirement is that it applies to "qualified individuals with disabilities." This means those who meet the necessary skills, experience, education, and other job requirements and can perform the essential functions of their job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Additionally, the ADA does establish a limitation: if providing a particular accommodation would cause "undue hardship" to the employer—meaning significant difficulty or expense—the employer is not obligated to provide that accommodation. This balance ensures that the rights of individuals with disabilities are protected while also considering the operational realities of the employer.