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Reasonable Accommodation/ADA

City of Tacoma Government Employee

Reasonable Accommodation (ADA) Information


Reasonable Accommodation (ADA) Policy

Reasonable Accommodation Procedure


Reasonable Accommodation FAQs for ADA


What is the ADA?


Which employers are covered by the ADA?


Who is protected by the employment provisions of the ADA?

The ADA prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. A "qualified individual" means an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that such individual holds or desires.

What is a disability under the ADA?

The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, such as caring for oneself, seeing, hearing, walking, communicating, etc.  This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person's association with a person with a disability.

What is an "essential function" of the job?

Essential functions of the job are those core duties that are the reason the job position exists. For example, an essential function of a receptionist is to be available to greet customers and answer phones during core hours; an essential function of a Custodian is to perform custodial duties, such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning, etc.


What is a "reasonable accommodation"?

A "reasonable accommodation" is any modification or adjustment to a job, the job application process, or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment. Examples of "reasonable accommodations" may include: restructuring a job; modifying work schedules; acquiring or modifying equipment; and as a last resort, reassigning a current employee to a vacant position for which the individual is qualified.

Contact Information

City employees:

Disability & Leave Management

(253) 591-5452