Requesting Workplace Accommodation among Individuals with Mobility Disabilities: A Qualitative Investigation on Barriers and Facilitators

Abstract

Individuals with mobility disabilities still experience challenges in the workplace. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA Amendments Act protect persons with disabilities by mandating that their employers provide reasonable accommodations. Generally, workplace accommodations are beneficial to the employees and the workplace and are cost-efficient. However, there remains a lack of access to accommodations among people with mobility disabilities. This study examined types of accommodations, and barriers and facilitators for requesting workplace accommodations among 144 employees with mobility disabilities through a content analysis approach. The frequently requested accommodations include flexible schedule, assistive technology, and physical alteration to office space. The reported facilitators in requesting accommodations entail employer/supervisor support and compliance of employers with accommodation provision, disability acceptance and supportive workplace environment, and employees being knowledgeable and proactive in requesting accommodations. The top three barriers in requesting accommodations include physical and systematic barriers in the workplace, employee fear of disclosing disability or requesting accommodations due to stigma, and employee fear of cost and financial resource to cover accommodations. Therefore, rehabilitation professionals should empower employees and promote education and awareness of the accommodation needs of people with mobility disabilities in the workplace.