Reasonable Accommodations
One of the most important protections provided by the ADA is the right to request reasonable accommodations.
Reasonable accommodations are changes to the work environment, or to the way a job is performed, that help qualified employees with disabilities continue working successfully. Their purpose is to provide equal access and opportunity — not special treatment.
Every person living with dementia experiences cognitive changes differently. The most effective accommodations are individualized, based on your job responsibilities, strengths, and specific challenges.
Examples of reasonable accommodations may include:
Scheduling
- Flexible start or end times
- A consistent daily schedule
- Additional short breaks to reduce mental fatigue
- Doing your most demanding work when you function best
- Reduced hours or a gradual transition to part-time work
Organization and Memory
- Written instructions instead of verbal instructions
- Checklists for routine tasks
- Electronic calendars and reminders
- Step-by-step task guides
- A notebook or digital note-taking system
- Additional time to learn new procedures
Communication
- Written follow-up after meetings
- One-on-one conversations rather than large group discussions
- Additional time to process information and respond
- Receiving one instruction at a time
Work Environment
- A quieter workspace
- Reduced distractions and interruptions
- Improved lighting
- Clearly labeled work areas or equipment
Job Duties
- Reassigning non-essential tasks
- Breaking large projects into smaller steps
- Prioritizing essential responsibilities
- Additional time to complete complex assignments
Technology
- Speech-to-text software
- Electronic reminders and alarms
- Digital task management tools
Supervision and Feedback
- More frequent check-ins with a supervisor
- Clear written expectations
- Regular feedback
- A designated point of contact for questions
There is no single accommodation that works for everyone. The most effective accommodations are developed through open communication between you and your employer, and are tailored to your needs and the essential functions of your job.
John Williams & Christian Lobb
Reasonable Accommodations and Workplace Strategies
NCDM's John Williams asks attorney Christian Lobb about common misconceptions and practical advice for requesting workplace accommodations.
Read the transcript
John: Chris, what is the biggest misconception people have about reasonable accommodations?
Chris: Many people think accommodations have to be expensive or complicated. In reality, many are simple adjustments that help an employee continue performing essential job duties successfully.
John: Can you give us a few examples of accommodations that might help someone living with dementia?
Chris: Written instructions, checklists, reminder systems, modified schedules, organizational tools, assistive technology, or permission to take notes can all be helpful, depending on the job and the individual.
John: Many people worry about saying the wrong thing when talking with their employer. Are there things they should avoid saying or doing when discussing a dementia diagnosis or requesting an accommodation?
Chris: Be honest, thoughtful, and prepared. Focus on how your condition affects your work and what support may help. Avoid making assumptions, becoming confrontational, or waiting until problems escalate. You don't need legal terminology — approach the conversation collaboratively, ask questions, and focus on finding practical solutions that help you succeed at work.
John: If viewers remember only one thing, what should it be?
Chris: Focus on your abilities, communicate early, and work together to explore practical solutions. Many accommodations are straightforward and can make a meaningful difference.
Dementia Symptoms Checklist
(opens in a new tab)Developed by an interdisciplinary team of retired physicians living with neurocognitive disorders, this checklist — with short videos illustrating many of the symptoms — can help you identify the cognitive, communication, sensory, and everyday challenges you're experiencing, whether you're preparing for a health care appointment or a conversation with your employer.
Workplace Accommodation Planning Worksheet
(opens in a new tab)Use this worksheet to think through your job responsibilities, identify the tasks that have become more challenging, and consider accommodations that may help you continue working successfully.
Workplace Accommodation Quick Guide
(opens in a new tab)A complete quick-reference table connecting common cognitive changes with accommodations you might discuss with your employer.
Workplace Accommodation Quick Guide
The table below offers a few examples. A full version, with more examples, is available as a Companion Resource.
| If you are experiencing… | You might consider discussing… |
|---|---|
| Word-finding or communication challenges | Written follow-up after meetings, agendas in advance, additional time to respond |
| Memory changes | Checklists, written instructions, electronic reminders, calendars |
| Difficulty concentrating | A quieter workspace, fewer interruptions, shorter meetings |
| Mental fatigue | Flexible scheduling, additional breaks, demanding tasks earlier in the day |