Workplace accommodations are a key part of ensuring equal employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in California. In fact, both federal and state law require employers to make accommodations for employees with developmental disabilities. Because accommodations are a central component of the legal protections in place for folks with developmental disabilities, it’s important to understand exactly how accommodations work in practice.

The Legal Framework

At the federal level, the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) governs accommodations. Similarly, California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”) functions as the state law requiring employers to make accommodations.

In essence, these laws require employers to provide “reasonable accommodations.” Put simply, reasonable accommodations are adjustments to the workplace designed to help employees perform essential job duties. An accommodation is not considered reasonable if it causes undue hardship to the employer.

Accommodations and DDS

For individuals served by the California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”), workplace accommodations often go hand-in-hand with employment supports. The first step in the process is requesting accommodations from your employer. You can work with your DDS care coordinator or your employment support team for assistance in making this request.

From there, employers are required to engage in an “interactive process” with the employee to identify effective solutions. DDS also provides assistance and advocacy during this phase of the process. Specifically, regional centers, job coaches, and vocational rehabilitation programs will help facilitate communication to ensure employers understand the problem and come up with a good solution for addressing it.

Ultimately, workplace accommodations benefit everyone involved. Most immediately,. employees gain the tools they need to succeed. At the same time, employers strengthen their workforce, which leads to greater employee retention and productivity.

By combining legal protections with DDS supports, California ensures that people with developmental disabilities have fair access to meaningful, competitive employment.