Vocations · Professional Development

Ask for the change
that lets you work.

Many workers never ask for an accommodation because they are not sure how, and many requests stall because they are vague. Describe what is hard in terms of tasks, bring specific ideas with rough costs, put the request in writing, and keep track of every answer.

Plan a requestWhat you get

Your requests

The worked example is made up: an inventory coordinator with migraines asking for screen and lighting changes, asked by phone 37 days ago with no decision. Saved on this device only.

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What you get

Vocations · Professional DevelopmentFree

What you finish with
A plan per request with the job, employer size and the limitation in task terms; each affected task with an idea, its kind and a rough cost; when, to whom and how you asked; three documentation steps; the employer’s answer and the next step. Totals ideas and costs, flags a small employer, a spoken-only request, a long wait and a denial with the EEOC filing window, and prints a request letter.
Who it is for
Workers with a disability, pregnancy-related limitation or chronic health condition, students starting a first job or internship, and the family members helping them prepare.
Format
Browser planner with a saved record per request. Prints the plan, a request letter, a list of every request or a blank planner; downloads a spreadsheet (.csv); exports and imports a file.
Access
Free. No account, no sign-in and nothing to install. Everything you type stays in this browser; nothing is sent to Caveat.
Where it lives
The Professional Development space in Caveat Vocations.
Support
Questions about access, an order or a correction: team@caveatacademic.com.

How to use it

  1. Describe what is hard as tasks, not as a diagnosis.
  2. List specific ideas; the Job Accommodation Network has examples for most jobs and conditions.
  3. Make the request in writing, or follow up a spoken request in writing.
  4. Keep copies of everything outside work email.
  5. If the answer is slow or no, use the flags to decide the next step.

Plan a request

The process

How the interactive process runs1. AskSay you need a change at work because of amedical condition. Writing is best.2. Talk it throughThe interactive process: you and theemployer look at the job and the options.3. DocumentIf the need is not obvious, the employermay ask a provider to confirm it.4. DecideAn effective accommodation, not always theone you asked for, unless it is an unduehardship.5. Check backIf it stops working, ask again. Theprocess can restart.
A request needs no special wording. Plain language about a medical need at work is enough.

Who is covered

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified workers with disabilities, unless doing so would be an undue hardship. Since 2023 the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires the same size of employer to accommodate known limitations related to pregnancy and childbirth. Many state laws cover smaller employers too.

What it usually costs

Surveys by the Job Accommodation Network have found for years that about half of accommodations cost the employer nothing, and most of the rest cost little, often a one-time purchase. Bringing a costed list makes a yes easier.

Sources

  1. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship under the ADA and Time limits for filing a charge (eeoc.gov).
  2. Job Accommodation Network. Searchable Online Accommodation Resource and Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact (askjan.org).
  3. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (eeoc.gov).
  4. U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. Accommodations (dol.gov/odep).

The worked example is made up. This page explains federal rules in general and is not legal advice; state laws may give more protection. The Job Accommodation Network gives free, confidential guidance at askjan.org. Nothing you type is sent to Caveat. Support: team@caveatacademic.com.