What does the Americans with Disabilities Act require of employers?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. This means that when a qualified individual with a disability is performing a job, the employer is required to make adjustments or modifications to the work environment or the way tasks are performed, ensuring that the individual can effectively carry out their responsibilities.

Examples of reasonable accommodations might include modifying work schedules, adjusting training materials, providing assistive technology, or making physical alterations to the workplace. The goal is to enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the workforce without fundamentally altering the nature of the job or placing undue hardship on the employer.

While the ADA does emphasize accessibility, it does not require complete accessibility to all facilities or the elimination of all physical activities. It also does not prohibit disabled individuals from the workplace; rather, it promotes inclusion and the ability for individuals with disabilities to work alongside their peers. By focusing on reasonable accommodations, the ADA aims to create a fair and equitable work environment for all employees.