What You May Not Know About Reasonable Accommodation for Restaurants

2 Min Read By Nicollette Filippone

Restaurants are required under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees or applicants for employment with disabilities. While most restaurants have a general understanding of this regulation, many are surprised about the specifics of the law and what it means for them when running a business.

Many employers like to play it safe and make an accommodation whenever an employee requests it. However, it’s good to know what’s considered a reasonable accommodation for restaurants and what is not.

First, some restaurants are unaware reasonable accommodation may last for long periods of time (provided an employee has a doctor’s note that states restrictions). In such an instance, an employer should request and maintain all employee documentation. The employer and employee can then work together to find a solution to accommodate the request.

Second, employers are also surprised that in order to give…