What Do I Do if My Job Denies My Accommodations?
If you’ve requested a reasonable accommodation at work due to a disability and your employer refuses or ignores your request, you may feel frustrated, anxious, and unsure of what to do next. Denying a valid accommodation request is not only difficult for the employee, it may also be illegal under California and federal law. At Miracle Mile Law Group, we help employees throughout California stand up for their rights. This guide walks you through how to respond if your request for accommodation has been denied and what steps to take to protect yourself.
Your Right to Reasonable Accommodations in California
Under both the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), you are entitled to reasonable accommodations at work if you have a qualifying disability and you are able to perform the essential functions of your job with or without an accommodation. Reasonable accommodations vary depending on the situation and may include:
- Modified work schedules
- Assistive equipment
- Time off for medical appointments
- Remote work options
- Reassignment to an open position
Your employer is legally obligated to engage in a good faith “interactive process” to find a reasonable solution. They may not simply reject your request without considering alternatives. California law tends to offer broader protections than federal law, making it one of the strongest states for employee rights. If your employer has five or more employees, FEHA applies to your workplace.
Steps to Take If Your Request Is Denied
If your employer refuses your accommodation request, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. There are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure your rights are upheld. Here’s what to do:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Review the Denial Reason – Ask for a written explanation if one wasn’t provided. Understand their rationale. |
| 2 | Document Everything – Keep records of your request, responses, and any conversations or emails. |
| 3 | Propose Alternatives – Suggest other reasonable solutions if your original request is unworkable. |
| 4 | Request a Meeting – Ask human resources or your supervisor for a formal meeting to revisit the accommodation. |
| 5 | Consult a Lawyer – If efforts fail, speak with an employment attorney to review your rights and next steps. |
| 6 | File a Complaint – If necessary, file a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the EEOC. |
How to Document the Denial
In employment law, records are critical. You’ll want to begin a paper trail as soon as possible to safeguard your rights. Here’s what to do:
- Save copies of formal accommodation requests, including emails and letters.
- Document any verbal requests or conversations in writing (e.g., by sending a follow-up email confirming what was discussed).
- Note the date, time, and individuals involved in any meetings where accommodations were discussed or denied.
- Keep copies of any performance reviews or communications that mention your disability or work performance.
- If your denial came in verbal form, write a description of what was said, who said it, and when.
This documentation can be crucial in demonstrating that you followed the proper process and that your employer failed to comply with the law.
When to Escalate or File a Complaint
If your employer remains uncooperative or dismissive after your follow-up efforts, it may be time to take legal action. In California, you have the right to file a discrimination charge with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), formerly known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). You can also file with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), though California law offers broader protections and typically covers more scenarios.
Before filing a lawsuit, you’re generally required to file a complaint with the CRD or EEOC and receive a “right to sue” letter. You should also consult an employment law attorney—especially if your denial has impacted your job duties, hours, pay, or has led to demotion or termination. You may have a claim for disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, or even wrongful termination.
To learn more, visit our page on disability discrimination.
Retaliation Protections for Employees
It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for requesting a disability accommodation or for filing a complaint. Retaliation can take many forms, including:
- Termination or demotion
- Reduction in hours or pay
- Unfair disciplinary actions
- Exclusion from meetings or opportunities
- Hostile treatment from supervisors or co-workers
California law protects employees from these kinds of retaliatory actions. If you believe your employer punished you for asserting your rights, you may also have a valid wrongful termination or retaliation claim.
You can read more about wrongful termination in California here.
Final Thoughts
You should never have to choose between your health and your job. If your employer has denied a reasonable accommodation request, you are not alone—and you are not without options. Miracle Mile Law Group is here to help. Our attorneys focus exclusively on representing employees throughout California in employment cases, including disability discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. We’re committed to standing up for your rights and helping you navigate your next steps with confidence. If you’re facing a denial of accommodations or retaliation, contact us today for a free consultation.
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