Accommodations in the Workplace

A small modification to the hiring process, an adjustment to the work environment, an allowance for extra time to process verbal instructions — these are all examples of types of accommodations for people with disabilities. Resources exist to help employers effectively meet the reasonable accommodation needs of employees, when necessary.

Colorado Profile: Jacqueline Alber benefits from her employer’s accommodation allowing her to pick up materials and perform work from home.

Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

DVR provides individualized guidance and recommendations on accommodations for new hires with disabilities and retention strategies for existing employees.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

JAN offers free, expert, confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues for employers and employees.

Rocky Mountain ADA Center

Phone and web-based information and guidance as well as tailored training on the Americans with Disabilities Act are resources offered by the Rocky Mountain ADA Center.

Low or No-Cost Accommodation Examples

Preparing for Work Adjusted Desk Height A raised desk may make the difference for an employee using a wheelchair to suitably use their work station. A calendar book and coffee A Modified Work Schedule An adjusted start and end time may meet disability-related needs of a worker. A hand writing a to do list on a notebook Written or Pictorial Instructions Alternative methods of presenting instructions may allow a worker with a cognitive disability to more independently perform job duties. A guide dog lying down among standing people Service Animal Welcoming an employee’s service animal may represent a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability.

The Colorado Office of Employment First sits under JFK Partners, the state’s University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, a program of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Its creation was envisioned by Colorado Employment First Advisory Partnership (EFAP), a multi-state agency and stakeholder-led collaborative, and was made possible, in part, by funding from the Colorado Legislature and generously matched through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE).

© 2020 Colorado Office of Employment First. All Rights Reserved.

Subscribe to our Communications

Stay informed on training events and Employment First updates.

    Start Typing
    Back to top