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Rights at work

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects you when you look for a job and while you work. Here is what it covers, how to ask for an accommodation, and where to file if something goes wrong.

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Good to know: this page is general information in plain language. It is not legal advice. For your own situation, talk with one of the free helpers named on this page.

What the ADA covers

Title I of the ADA covers employers with 15 or more workers, plus state and local governments. Federal agencies and federal contractors follow similar rules under the Rehabilitation Act. Many states have their own laws that cover smaller employers too.

  • An employer cannot refuse to hire you, fire you, or pay you less because of your disability.
  • An employer cannot ask if you have a disability, or make you take a medical exam, before offering you a job.
  • Your medical information must be kept private and separate from your regular file.
  • An employer cannot punish you for asking for an accommodation or filing a complaint.

Reasonable accommodations

A reasonable accommodation is a change that helps you apply for a job, do the job, or enjoy the same benefits as other workers. Examples:

  • A flexible schedule, or extra breaks
  • Written instructions, checklists, or a job coach
  • A screen reader, captioning, or an interpreter
  • A quieter workspace, or noise-canceling headphones
  • Working from home some days
  • Moving to an open job you can do

Many accommodations cost nothing. The employer pays, not you. An employer can say no only if it would cause an undue hardship, and then should look for another option with you.

How to ask for an accommodation

  1. Tell your supervisor or HR that you need a change at work because of a medical condition. You do not have to use the word "accommodation."
  2. Put it in writing, even if you ask in person first. Keep a copy. Our sister site has a free accommodation letter builder.
  3. Talk it through. The employer should work with you to find something that works. They may ask for a note from your doctor about your needs, not your whole medical history.
  4. Get ideas from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), free at 1-800-526-7234.

If something goes wrong

  • Private employers and state or local governments: file a charge with the EEOC (1-800-669-4000) within 180 days. In most states it is 300 days because a state agency also enforces the law. Do not wait.
  • Federal employees and applicants: contact your agency's EEO counselor within 45 days.
  • Federal contractors: you can also file with the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.
  • Problems with VR: see If you disagree with VR.
  • Write down what happened, when, and who was there. Save emails and texts.

Free help

Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision. Report outdated or wrong information.