

Workplace
Accommodations
Inclusion in the workplace begins with understanding and meeting the diverse needs of all employees. Workplace accommodations are modifications or adjustments to a job, work environment, or the way things are typically done that enable individuals to perform their roles effectively. These accommodations are not only essential for fostering equity and accessibility but also for unlocking the unique strengths and talents that all individuals, including neurodivergent individuals, bring to the workplace.

Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to workplace accommodations, categorized by type, along with explanations of who they support and how they address specific needs. This resource is designed to assist neurodivergent individuals in advocating for their needs and to help employers understand the wide range of accommodations they can offer.

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Communication and Information Processing
Written Instructions and Documentation
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🌟 How it helps: Allows for reference and review, reduces cognitive load, and ensures important details aren't missed.
🌟 When to use: During task assignments, training, and important discussions.
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What it is:
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Providing written documentation of tasks, expectations, and instructions alongside verbal communication. This includes step-by-step procedures, detailed project requirements, and clear documentation of expectations and deadlines.
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Who it helps:
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Individuals with auditory processing differences, ADHD, anxiety, memory challenges, or those who process written information more effectively.
Meeting Agendas and Advance Materials
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🌟 How it helps: Enables preparation, reduces anxiety, and allows for more meaningful participation.
🌟 When to use: Before meetings, interviews, or important discussions.
Who it helps:
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People with anxiety, processing differences, or those who benefit from preparation time.
What it is:
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Detailed outlines of meeting topics, discussion points, and relevant materials shared at least 24 hours before meetings. This includes any questions that will be asked, topics to be covered, and materials that will be discussed.
Information Chunking


What it is:
Breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, manageable segments, including:
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Breaking long documents into sections with clear headings
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Converting paragraphs into bullet points
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Dividing complex tasks into step-by-step instructions
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Using visual breaks and spacing between concepts
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Creating mindmaps or flowcharts for complex information
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Providing information across multiple sessions instead of all at once
Who it helps:
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Individuals with processing differences, ADHD, anxiety around information overload, or anyone who benefits from structured information presentation.
🌟 How it helps: Makes information more digestible, reduces cognitive overwhelm, and improves retention and understanding.
🌟 When to use: During training, complex task assignments, project planning, or when sharing extensive information.

Alternative Communication Methods

What it is:
Providing multiple ways to communicate, including:
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Sign language interpreters: Professional interpreters for meetings and workplace interactions
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Communication partners: Designated colleagues who can assist with workplace communication
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Video responses: Option to respond to questions or provide updates via recorded video instead of written or real-time verbal communication
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Letter boards: Physical or digital boards with letters/words for pointing-based communication
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Tactile symbol communicators: Devices or cards with raised symbols for tactile communication
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Written communication options: Email or chat instead of verbal conversations

Who it helps:
Individuals with speech differences, anxiety, autism, or hearing differences.
🌟 How it helps: Enables clear communication through preferred methods that match individual strengths.
🌟 When to use: During any communication scenario where traditional methods present barriers.
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Physical Environment and Ergonomics
Sensory Accommodations
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What it is: Modifications to the physical environment, including
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Alternative lighting options:
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Natural light access
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Desk lamps with adjustable brightness
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Light filters for fluorescent lights
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Anti-glare screens
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Window blinds or shades
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Sound management:
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Sound machines or white noise (Recommended free app: myNoise)
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Noise-canceling headphones
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Sound-absorbing panels
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Quiet/individual workspace
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Tinnitus maskers
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Meditation/quiet rooms:
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Designated spaces for breaks from sensory input
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Comfortable seating
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Adjustable lighting
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Sound-proof or quiet areas
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🌟 How it helps: Reduces sensory overwhelm, improves focus, and provides opportunities for self-regulation.
🌟 When to use: Throughout the workday as needed or during high-stress periods.

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Who it helps:
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Individuals with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, ADHD, autism, or those who experience sensory overload.
Ergonomic Solutions
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What it is: Adjustments to physical workspace, including
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Standing desks:
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Height-adjustable desks
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Desk converters
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Anti-fatigue mats for standing
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Ergonomic seating:
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Adjustable chairs with proper lumbar support
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Alternative seating options (balance balls, kneeling chairs)
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Foot rests
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Alternative keyboards:
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Split keyboards
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Ergonomic curved keyboards
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One-handed keyboards
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Large-print keyboards
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Other ergonomic tools:
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Vertical mice
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Document holders
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Monitor arms
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Wrist rests
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🌟 How it helps: Reduces physical strain, prevents injury, and promotes comfort during long work periods.
🌟 When to use: Throughout the workday, with adjustments as needed.

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Who it helps:
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Individuals with physical disabilities, chronic pain, repetitive strain injuries, or those who benefit from movement.
Accessibility Features
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What it is: Physical modifications to ensure workspace accessibility:
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Building features:
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Ramps and handrails
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Automatic doors
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Wide doorways and hallways
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Accessible parking
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Accessible restrooms
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Mobility aids:
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Stair lifts
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Elevators
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Transfer aids
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Grab bars
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Safety features:
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Emergency evacuation devices
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Visual fire alarms
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Fall protection equipment
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Emergency call buttons
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Who it helps:
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Individuals with mobility differences, physical disabilities, or those who require assistance with physical navigation.
🌟 How it helps: Ensures safe and independent navigation of the workplace and emergency preparedness.
🌟 When to use: Constantly available as part of the workplace infrastructure.

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Time Management and Scheduling
Flexible Scheduling

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Who it helps:
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Individuals with medical needs, energy management needs, those who work better at different times, or those with external appointments and commitments.
What it is: Adjustable work arrangements, including:
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Flexible start/end times
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Modified break schedules
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Compressed work weeks
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Part-time options
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Remote work opportunities
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Extended time off for medical appointments
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Modified shift schedules
🌟 How it helps: Allows work during peak productivity periods, accommodates medical appointments, and helps manage energy levels.
🌟 When to use: As needed based on individual circumstances and job requirements.

Time Management Tools
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Who it helps:
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Individuals with executive functioning differences, ADHD, anxiety around time management, or those who benefit from external organization support.
What it is: Tools and strategies for managing time and tasks:
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Electronic organizers:
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Digital calendars (Recommended: Google Calendar)
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Task management apps (Recommended: Microsoft To Do)
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Time tracking tools
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Reminder systems
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Visual aids:
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Performance charts
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Progress tracking boards
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Visual schedules
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Time blocking templates
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Physical tools:
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Timers and watches
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Traditional planners
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Visual calendars
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Countdown clocks
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Organization systems:
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Email folders and filters
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Digital file organization
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Calendar color-coding
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Task prioritization systems
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🌟 How it helps: Improves organization, reduces stress around deadlines, and helps maintain productivity.
🌟 When to use: Daily for task and time management, with regular reviews and updates.
Focus and Concentration Support
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What it is: Tools and strategies to maintain focus:
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Concentration apps:
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Pomodoro timers
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Focus apps (Recommended: Forest)
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Website blockers
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Task trackers
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Environment modifications:
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"Do not disturb" signage
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Designated focus time
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Email/chat status settings
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Quiet work periods
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Work structure:
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Task rotation schedules
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Regular break reminders
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Uninterrupted work blocks
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Alternative work locations
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Who it helps:
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Individuals with attention differences, those who are easily distracted, or anyone who benefits from structured focus time.
🌟 How it helps: Maintains concentration, reduces interruptions, and improves work quality.
🌟 When to use: During focused work periods or complex tasks.

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Support Services and Resources
Professional Support

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What it is: Access to professional support services:
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Job coaching:
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Skills development
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Workplace strategy coaching
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Performance improvement planning
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Career development guidance
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Counseling services:
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Work-related stress management
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Coping strategies
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Conflict resolution
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Personal development
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Therapy options:
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Occupational therapy
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Speech therapy
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Physical therapy
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Mental health support
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On-site mentorship:
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Designated workplace mentor
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Regular check-ins
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Skill-building sessions
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Career guidance
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Who it helps:
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Individuals who benefit from professional guidance, skill development, or ongoing support.
🌟 How it helps: Provides strategies for workplace success, emotional support, and professional development.
🌟 When to use: Regular scheduled sessions or as needed based on individual requirements.

Peer Support

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Who it helps:
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Individuals seeking community, peer support, or professional networking opportunities.
What it is: Access to peer-based support systems:
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Employee resource groups:
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Disability-focused groups
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Neurodiversity groups
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Mental health support groups
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Professional development groups
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Support animals:
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Service animals
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Emotional support animals
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Therapy animals
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Animal visitation programs
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Self-advocacy support:
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Peer mentoring
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Advocacy skills training
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Rights education
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Communication coaching
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Community connections:
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Mentoring programs
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Professional communities
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Designated workplace allies
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Crisis support contacts
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Wellness check-in system
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Peer support arrangements
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🌟 How it helps: Creates connection, provides mutual support, and builds professional networks.
🌟 When to use: Ongoing basis for community building and professional development.

Training and Development
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What it is: Specialized learning and development opportunities:
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Skill-specific training:
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Software training
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Job-specific skills
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Professional certifications
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Technical skills development
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Soft skills development:
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Communication training
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Time management workshops
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Leadership development
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Team collaboration skills
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Accessibility training:
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Assistive technology training
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Accommodation usage
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Self-advocacy skills
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Rights and responsibilities
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Career development:
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Professional development plans
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Career coaching
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Advancement opportunities
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Skills assessment
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Who it helps:
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All employees, particularly those seeking to develop specific skills or advance their careers.
🌟 How it helps: Builds confidence, increases job competency, and supports career growth.
🌟 When to use: During onboarding, skill development phases, or career transitions.

Emergency and Safety Support
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What it is: Systems and procedures for ensuring safety:
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Emergency procedures:
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Personalized evacuation plans
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Emergency response protocols
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Communication systems
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Safe room locations
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Safety equipment:
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Personal alarms
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Medical alert systems
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Safety signage
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First aid supplies
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Support systems:
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Emergency contacts
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Buddy system
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Response team
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Medical information storage
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Communication plans:
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Emergency notification systems
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Alternative communication methods
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Emergency contact procedures
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Status update protocols
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Who it helps:
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All employees, particularly those with medical conditions or specific safety needs.
🌟 How it helps: Ensures safety, provides peace of mind, and maintains emergency preparedness.
🌟 When to use: During emergencies, with regular drills and updates.

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Interview and Onboarding Accommodations
Interview Modifications
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What it is: Adjustments to the traditional interview process, including:
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Alternative interview formats:
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Written responses instead of verbal
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Take-home projects
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Structured interviews with clear expectations
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Portfolio-based discussions
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Camera options:
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Camera-off options for virtual interviews
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Pre-recorded video responses
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Audio-only interviews
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Interview support:
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Scheduling reminders (24-48 hours notice)
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Location/link details
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Interviewer names and roles
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Preparation guidelines
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Question handling:
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Questions provided in advance
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Extended response time
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Multiple shorter sessions
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Break options
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🌟 How it helps: Creates a more equitable interview process by allowing candidates to demonstrate their abilities in ways that work best for them.
🌟 When to use: During the hiring process.

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Who it helps:
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Individuals with anxiety, communication differences, or those who benefit from preparation.
Training Accommodations
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What it is: Modifications to the training process:
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Time adjustments:
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Additional training time
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Self-paced learning options
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Extended practice periods
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Flexible completion deadlines
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Learning formats:
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Recorded training sessions
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Written documentation
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Hands-on practice
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Visual learning materials
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Support options:
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One-on-one training
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Mentored learning
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Peer support pairs
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Training refreshers
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Resource access:
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Reference materials
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Practice environments
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Training videos
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Support documentation
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Who it helps:
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Individuals with processing differences or those who benefit from multiple learning methods.
🌟 How it helps: Ensures thorough understanding of job requirements through flexible learning approaches.
🌟 When to use: During onboarding and ongoing training.

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Interview and Onboarding Accommodations
Interview Modifications
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What it is: Adjustments to the traditional interview process, including:
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Alternative interview formats:
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Written responses instead of verbal
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Take-home projects
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Structured interviews with clear expectations
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Portfolio-based discussions
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Camera options:
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Camera-off options for virtual interviews
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Pre-recorded video responses
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Audio-only interviews
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Interview support:
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Scheduling reminders (24-48 hours notice)
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Location/link details
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Interviewer names and roles
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Preparation guidelines
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Question handling:
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Questions provided in advance
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Extended response time
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Multiple shorter sessions
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Break options
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🌟 How it helps: Creates a more equitable interview process by allowing candidates to demonstrate their abilities in ways that work best for them.
🌟 When to use: During the hiring process.

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Who it helps:
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Individuals with anxiety, communication differences, or those who benefit from preparation.
Training Accommodations
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What it is: Modifications to the training process:
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Time adjustments:
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Additional training time
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Self-paced learning options
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Extended practice periods
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Flexible completion deadlines
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Learning formats:
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Recorded training sessions
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Written documentation
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Hands-on practice
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Visual learning materials
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Support options:
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One-on-one training
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Mentored learning
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Peer support pairs
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Training refreshers
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Resource access:
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Reference materials
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Practice environments
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Training videos
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Support documentation
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Who it helps:
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Individuals with processing differences or those who benefit from multiple learning methods.
🌟 How it helps: Ensures thorough understanding of job requirements through flexible learning approaches.
🌟 When to use: During onboarding and ongoing training.



📢 How to Request Accommodations
Steps for Requesting Accommodations
1. Document Your Needs ✍🏻
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Identify specific challenges in your work environment
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Research potential accommodations that could address these challenges
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Consider consulting healthcare providers for documentation if needed
2. Know Your Rights ✊
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Familiarize yourself with relevant disability rights laws
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Understand that employers must provide reasonable accommodations
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Remember that accommodations requests are confidential
3. Prepare Your Request 📝
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Be specific about the accommodations needed
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Explain how the accommodations will help you perform your job
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Have documentation ready if required
4. Submit Your Request 📥
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Contact HR or your supervisor in writing
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Be clear and professional in your communication
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Keep copies of all correspondence

5. Follow Up 🔔
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Set a reasonable timeline for response
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Be prepared to engage in an interactive process
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Document all discussions and agreements


🌟 Tips for Success:
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Focus on solutions rather than limitations
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Be open to alternative accommodations that may achieve the same goal
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Consider starting with a trial period for new accommodations
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Remember that accommodation needs may change over time
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Don't hesitate to seek support from disability advocacy organizations
📌 Remember:
Requesting accommodations is a protected right and demonstrates self-advocacy and professional responsibility. It's not asking for special treatment, but rather ensuring you have the tools needed to perform your job effectively.