The importance of reasonable accommodations in the workplace

Rachel Hubbard
2 min readMay 22, 2024

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The call for reasonable accommodations is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of acknowledging and respecting each other’s humanity.

Denying necessary accommodations to employees with disabilities it’s a denial of basic human needs that we all, in one way or another, seek to fulfill.

Accommodations are part of how we interact every day;

👉Consider the simple act of asking for directions,

👉or requesting a dish without a specific ingredient. Both are accommodations made to meet individual needs.

👉When we let others know we’ll be late or ask for an extension on a deadline, we are, knowingly or not, seeking an accommodation.

👉Even the request for clarification on a task or the call to be treated with respect are, at their core, requests for accommodations.

Accommodations are not about seeking special treatment or taking an easy way out. It’s a natural dance of meeting diverse needs and preferences.

Accommodations aren’t just about meeting legal requirements; they are a reflection of our collective commitment to inclusivity and respect.

The denial of accommodations showcases a lack of understanding and empathy. It’s a failure to recognise the diversity of needs within our shared human experience.

what are reasonable accommodations

In conclusion, let’s move beyond viewing accommodations as a legal obligation and recognise them for what they truly are — a celebration of our shared humanity.

Remember that Access to Work (AtW) grant can cover the cost of communication support, or provide accessible equipment.⁠

Ask us how. We’ll be able to support your application for AtW to ensure that you obtain the correct budget allocation for your employee. ⁠

You can start by downloading our Access to Work essential guide. This comprehensive guide answers your most common questions about Access to Work (AtW), the UK Government’s commitment to equal opportunities.

Whether you’re employed or self-employed, this guide takes you through eligibility, application processes, types of support, and more, step-by-step.

AtW FAQ.pdf — DONWLOAD PDF

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