Workplace Accommodation Rights California

Summary

California law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including mental health issues. Employers must engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations and cannot retaliate against employees for requesting them. If you believe your employer has not complied with these requirements, consider consulting an employment lawyer specializing in workplace accommodations and discrimination for personalized guidance.

Full Conversation

I wanted to provide you with a quick update regarding my situation at work. On Monday, I sent HR a letter requesting accommodations for my mental health issues, with one of the primary requests being communication support. However, today, I felt that my principal intentionally placed me in a challenging situation without prior notice, despite being aware of my mental health concerns. I was informed about an assessment scheduled for today at *:* PM without any advance communication. Initially, I believed this assessment would focus on character and our progress in the program. The test began with two personality questions, followed by a section asking if I needed any accommodations. Curious about why this was relevant, I clicked "yes." To my surprise, the assessment turned out to be a math and English test. nage my mental health in my role as a music teacher.
Hi Raymond, it sounds like a really tough situation. In California, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including mental health conditions.
- Employers must engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations.
- Failure to provide accommodations or retaliation for requesting them could be a violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
One question: Have you received any written confirmation from HR regarding your accommodation request?
yes
It seems that your employer may not have fully complied with California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Here are some points to consider:
- Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including mental health conditions.
- Employers must engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations.
- Retaliation for requesting accommodations is prohibited.
Given the circumstances, you might want to consult with an employment lawyer who specializes in workplace accommodations and discrimination. They can provide more specific guidance based on your situation. Would you like more information on how to find a suitable lawyer?