Reasonable Accommodations For Disabilities

In both New Jersey and New York, employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled employees.  A reasonable accommodation is a way to allow a disabled employee to perform the essential functions of his or her job.  Depending on the circumstances, reasonable accommodations can include modifications to the way a task is performed, special equipment or technology, or even time off from work. 

An Interactive Process to Identify a Reasonable Accommodation

If you request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, your employer must engage in an interactive discussion with you to discuss how it can accommodate you.  While the company is not necessarily required to offer the accommodation you requested, it must provide an accommodation that allows you to perform the essential function of your job if one exists.  Failing to provide a reasonable accommodation is a form of illegal disability discrimination.

Reasonable Accommodations For Religious Beliefs

Similarly, companies are required to reasonably accommodate an employee's religious beliefs.  Often, this means the company must modify your work schedule to allow you not to work on a religious holiday or Sabbath.  Depending on the circumstances it also can mean allowing you to take time off for prayer during the work day, wearing required garments or clothing, or other allowances or modifications to your job to accommodate your religious beliefs. 

However, accommodations for your religion are not required if you would be unable to perform an essential function of your job, or if they would cause an undue hardship to your employer.