Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which of the following is considered a reasonable accommodation?

1. Allowing an employee to work from home permanently

2. Modifying equipment to allow a disabled employee to perform their job

3. Assigning tasks that are unrelated to the employee's job description

4. Increasing the employee's salary without performance criteria

The correct answer is: Modifying equipment to allow a disabled employee to perform their job

The concept of reasonable accommodation is rooted in enabling individuals with disabilities to perform their job duties effectively. Modifying equipment to allow a disabled employee to perform their job is a prime example of this principle. It is an adjustment that specifically addresses the unique challenges an employee might face due to their disability, allowing them to fulfill their job responsibilities. This is consistent with the legal framework established by laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which stipulates that employers must make accommodations that are appropriate and do not impose undue hardship on the organization. Modifying equipment can involve things like providing specialized computers, assistive technologies, or any tools that help the employee in performing tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. In contrast, other options do not align with the principles of reasonable accommodation. Allowing an employee to work from home permanently may not be reasonable unless a clear link is established between this arrangement and the employee's ability to perform their job effectively. Assigning unrelated tasks deviates from the core job requirements and may not support the employee's need for accommodation. Increasing salary without performance criteria fails to address the underlying needs related to job performance and is not a valid accommodation. Therefore, modifying equipment stands out as the most suitable option in this context.