Reasonable accommodations in the workplace
Once upon a time, I was able to run around the office, up and down the stairs of our buildings, and across the property in heels. I work in property management and so much of our focus is on taking prospects on tours of the entire community. It has always been exhausting work, but the hours went by quickly and the leasing bonuses were great. Fast forward to last year, a few promotions, and the loss of a limb later, I wondered what it would be like returning to work. Would I still be able to perform the required tasks? How uncomfortable would my leg be throughout the day? As a property manager, some of my responsibilities include regularly inspecting the units and property amenities, financial reporting, dealing with customer complaints, and managing a team of 6. It hadn't once occurred to me that I should be asking for any kind of accommodation.
Under Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process.
These modifications can be physical changes, assistive technology, accessible communications, or policy enhancements. I knew all of this, I had studied it, and yet it had not crossed my mind that this would apply to me. After many anxious days mentally preparing for my return to work, the day finally arrived. I had practiced how to get my prosthetic to slide into a pair of slacks and found a fairly comfortable pair of flats to wear. As soon as I walked in it hit me. I could not do everything in the same ways I once did and I still deserved to have the job I had always excelled at. I made a list that first day of all the things that I would need to continue to excel. I would need to rely on my team to complete full property walks and send me photos, and there would be days when I was unable to wear my prosthesis due to severe pain or skin irritation and would need to work from home. Once I realized that I deserved these modifications and they were legally available to me, I regained my confidence at work.
Each disability requires different modifications, but the idea of title 1 is that we can all have equal opportunity regardless of our disability. There is no reason we should not still be able to do well at our job and enjoy the benefits of our workplace. If you are disabled and struggling to find a job or maintain one because of it, I encourage you to read about your rights and take action. You are worthy as a person and as an employee and deserve a chance to shine, even if that means moving some things around.
