30-Second Employer Training Series

1. 30-Second Employer Training Series What should I do when an employee asks for an accommodation? This training series is a tool kit for employers to understand why it makes good business sense to hire and retain individuals with disabilities. Click here to begin: Training series originally developed by NDI Consulting Inc., national technical assistance provider to the Disability Program Navigator initiative. Customized by the Maryland Department of Disabilities through Medicaid Infrastructure Grant funding from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare CFDA 93.768.

2. What should I do when my employee asks me for an accommodation? Ask for documentation of the employee’s functional limitations to support the request if the need for an accommodation is not obvious. Engage in an informal, interactive process to find an effective accommodation. Ask my employee relevant questions that will enable me to make an informed decision about the request. All of the Above.

3. True, but there is more… Yes. If an applicant or employee requests an accommodation and the need for the accommodation is not obvious, or if you do not believe the accommodation is needed, you may request documentation of the individual’s functional limitations to support the request. But there are other things you should do when your employee requests accommodation. Try Again!

4. This is one good idea… Yes. The EEOC recommends that the employer and employee work together to identify the appropriate accommodation. This informal, interactive process allows you to clarify what your employee needs and identify the appropriate accommodation. However, you should do other things when responding to an accommodation request. Please try again for the best answer!

5. Yes, but that is not all…. When an employee requests an accommodation, you may discuss the disability, functional limitations, and need for accommodation. You may ask the individual relevant questions that will enable it to make an informed decision about the request. This includes asking what type of reasonable accommodation is needed. The exact nature of your dialogue will vary depending on the complexity of the request and disability related issues. However, asking questions is only part of the process. Try Again!

6. CORRECT! When your employee with a disability asks for an accommodation, you should engage in an interactive process with the individual to identify an effective accommodation. This process can include asking relevant questions and requesting reasonable medical documentation. Negotiations about accommodation should be done on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, the goal is to identify an accommodation that meets the needs of your employee and your business! Click here for resources and further information:

7. Resources For extensive resources on reasonable accommodations, visit the Job Accommodations Network (JAN). _______________________________________________________________ Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Disability Employment Resource Page For resources in Maryland, visit the Resources page of www.mdworkmatters.org. Maryland Department of Disabilities Fact Sheets: How can I get resources for reasonable accommodation requests? Need Help Accommodating Employees and Customers with Disabilities? Quick Tips: Job Seekers & Employees with Disabilities The Benefits of Allowing Employees to Telework For FAQs on accommodations in Maryland, click here.

8. Join Maryland’s Work Matters Business Partnership, a network of innovative, socially responsible businesses focused on profitability and productivity. employer@mdod.state.md.us (410) 767-3660