Reasonable Accommodation

State agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees who experience workplace barriers because of a disability or need adjustments to practice their religion. These accommodations are in accordance with law and the Rules of the State Personnel Board.

Disability Accommodation

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. It also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to assist qualified individuals with overcoming workplace barriers experienced because of a disability.

Reasonable accommodation for disabilities is a practical change to the job application process, work environment, or ways that work is performed, that does not result in undue hardship. It effectively enables a qualified individual to be considered for employment, perform essential job functions, or enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.

Religious Accommodation

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on religion in any aspect of employment, including:

• Hiring
• Firing
• Pay
• Job assignments
• Promotions
• Training
• Fringe benefits
• Any other terms or conditions of employment

The law requires an employer to reasonably accommodate an employee's religious beliefs or practices, unless doing so would cause a burden that is substantial in the overall context of the employer’s business, taking into account all relevant factors, including the particular accommodation at issue and its practical impact in light of the nature, size, and operating cost of the employer. 

Materials are available below to help you implement reasonable disability and religious accommodation in your workplace.