{"id":357712,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/telecommuting-guidelines-for-reasonable-workplace-accommodations.html"},"modified":"2025-06-02T12:31:58","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T17:31:58","slug":"telecommuting-guidelines-for-reasonable-workplace-accommodations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/telecommuting-guidelines-for-reasonable-workplace-accommodations.html","title":{"rendered":"Disability Accommodation Laws for Remote Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Disability Accommodation Laws for Remote Workers<\/h1>\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Remote work is recognized as a reasonable disability accommodation under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a disabled employee, you have the right to request remote work if it helps you perform your job effectively without causing undue hardship to your employer. This accommodation process involves an interactive discussion with your employer to find suitable solutions that address your specific needs. If your request is denied, you may seek further assistance or legal recourse to ensure your rights are protected.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Remote work has long been recognized as a disability accommodation in the workplace. In 1999, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)<\/a> started issuing guidance on remote work as a reasonable accommodation. It aims to clarify legal obligations and promote inclusivity.<\/p>\r\n

Still, many misunderstandings surround remote work as a disability accommodation. The rise of remote work during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the confusion.<\/p>\r\n

But as a disabled employee, the law provides you with rights and legal protections<\/a>. These are different from others simply hoping to maintain their pandemic work arrangements.<\/p>\r\n

Your employer should evaluate your request for remote work as a disability accommodation within a specific framework. Unfortunately, that doesn\u2019t always occur.<\/p>\r\n

An employer who unfairly denies a disability accommodation may be engaging in disability discrimination<\/a>. If you suspect this may be the case for you, consider speaking with an employment law attorney<\/a>. They can help you understand the remedies available to you under state and federal law.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explore some basic principles you\u2019ll want to keep in mind.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Remote Work?<\/h2>\r\n

Remote work means working from a location outside the office or worksite. It often requires technology like video calls to stay connected with coworkers and managers. Remote workers might work from home<\/a> or anywhere else with internet access.<\/p>\r\n

We sometimes see \u201ctelework\u201d used interchangeably with remote work. Technically, telework is a type of remote work. Telework programs often involve working at an alternate location, like a satellite office.<\/p>\r\n

Remote work became much more common during the COVID-19 pandemic<\/a>. Some employees have maintained full-time remote work arrangements. Others may follow a hybrid work schedule. This means going into work and working remotely on certain days.<\/p>\r\n

Remote work arrangements can also help some people with disabilities.<\/p>\r\n

What Are Disability Accommodations?<\/h2>\r\n

Disability accommodations<\/a> are changes or adjustments to the work environment. They’re supposed to help employees with disabilities do their jobs effectively. These accommodations ensure that everyone has equal opportunities at work. We sometimes refer to them as "reasonable accommodations" or ADA accommodations. "ADA" refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Examples include:<\/p>\r\n