Are small businesses required to offer reasonable accommodations to employees?

Yes, small businesses are generally required to offer reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, just like larger businesses. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the organization.

The ADA applies to employers with 15 or more employees, and the law defines a "reasonable accommodation" as any modification or adjustment to a job, work environment, or the way work is performed, that enables an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Reasonable accommodations can include things like:

• Making existing facilities accessible
• Job restructuring
• Part-time or modified work schedules
• Acquiring or modifying equipment or devices
• Adjusting or modifying tests, training materials, or policies
• Providing qualified readers or interpreters
• It's important to note that the specific accommodations that an employer is required to provide will vary depending on the specific needs of the employee and the nature of the job. Employers are not required to make changes that would fundamentally alter the nature of their business or that would create an undue hardship.

Undue hardship is defined as an action requiring significant difficulty or expense when considered in relation to the size, financial resources, and nature of the employer's operation. It's worth noting that undue hardship is determined on a case-by-case basis, and should not be assumed.

In conclusion, small businesses are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities under the ADA, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. Employers are encouraged to engage in an interactive dialogue with the employee to determine the specific accommodations that are needed and how they can be provided.