A Reasonable Accommodation (RA) is any modification or adjustment to the work environment that enables a qualified employee or applicant for employment with a disability enjoy equal employment opportunities, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship on the employer. The three categories of a Reasonable Accommodation are:

• During the application process
• Performing essential functions
• Benefits and privileges (training, services, programs)

How to request a Reasonable Accommodation:

• An employee or an applicant may submit a request for an RA at any time
• Employees may submit a request for an RA to their first line supervisor, Individual with Disability (IWD) Program Manager, EEO personnel, relative, or representative
• Requests may be made orally or in writing
• Medical documentation may or may not be required, depending on the nature of the disability

Reasonable Accommodation Request Form    *To view the form, please download the PDF and enable all features.

Supervisors: Recognizing a Request for a Reasonable Accommodation:

• Employees do not need to reference or cite the American with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, or use the phrase “Reasonable Accommodation”, when making the request
• These requests can be made in “plain English”
• Direct employee to NAVSEA EEO Program Office
• Participate in the interactive RA process with IWD Program Manager to establish the Reasonable Accommodation

How long does the Reasonable Accommodation process take?

The determination process should not take more than 45 days from the initial request. However, depending on the request, the process may take longer.

Reasonable Accommodations Best Practices:

1. Communication early: “How can I help?”
2. Active listening
3. Engage in interactive process to establish options and solution
4. Monitor effectiveness and follow up

American Sign Language (ASL) NAVSEA contracts ASL services through ORBIS.  Qualified Individuals with a Disability that require ASL services should send a request to the NAVSEA EEO RA workflow box at usn.ncr.sea-00.mbx.eeo-ra@us.navy.mil or call 202-781-5336.  Upon receipt of the request, the request will be forwarded to Orbis who will work directly with the employee to provide individual services.