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Can accommodations be made for ADHD in the workplace?

On Behalf of | May 12, 2022 | Employment Law |

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers should support workers with disabling medical conditions by providing reasonable accommodations. Failing to provide reasonable accommodations requested by a current or prospective worker capable of performing a job with support could constitute disability discrimination.

Any worker with a documented medical condition can potentially ask their employer for accommodations. Provided that the support they request will not impose an undue hardship on the employer, workers can ask the company to help them do their job more effectively or more comfortably.

When people think of reasonable accommodations, they may think of adding a wheelchair-accessible bathroom or bringing in specialized technology to help a worker do their job. However, there can also be accommodations for non-physical conditions.

Mental health and educational disabilities qualify as well

The ability of medical doctors to diagnose and treat learning disabilities and mental health challenges has improved significantly in the last few decades. Many young adults who struggled in school received special support and even medication to help them complete their educations.

Tens of thousands of American students previously diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for school purposes are now attempting to enter the workplace. Can these individuals expect accommodations from their employers?

There are ways for employers to support their workers with ADHD

As with any other medical condition that affects job performance, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for ADHD accommodations in the workplace. Examples of possible accommodations might include a private workspace, a more hands-on relationship with their team leader or manager, software programs that help someone manage their daily workflow or even flexible hours so that someone can avoid distractions when the office is at its busiest.

A worker will need to identify the challenges that they face on the job and then come up with solutions that would allow them to perform their job more effectively. Cooperating with a doctor will make it easier to request an accommodation, as a letter from a physician will bear more weight than a verbal request by an individual employee.

Understanding that you have the right to request workplace disability accommodations for ADHD can help you achieve better success and more positive performance reviews at your place of employment.