ODEP - Office of Disability Employment Policy
Disability Employment Policy Resources by Topic
Return-to-Work Toolkit: Resources for Employees
While many workers experience injuries or health conditions that they believe prevent them from working, many can in fact return to work with a few simple modifications to their work environment, duties or schedule. For example, they may be able to work part time or from home, or with modifications to their job requirements and tasks. Employees should work together with their employers to identify what they need to resume working quickly and productively. This can include tools such as accommodations. The resources below can help:
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations. Contact JAN via phone at (800) 526-7234 or (877) 781-9403 (TTY) or online at AskJAN.org. Specific online resources include:
- A — Z of Disabilities and Accommodations
- Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR)
- Job Accommodations for Return-to-Work Fact Sheet
- Employees' Practical Guide to Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Medical Inquiry in Response to an Accommodation Request
- ODEP also offers a range of resources to assist employees in learning about return-to-work issues. These include:
- Disability Employment Policy Resources by Topic: Flexible Work Arrangements
- Disability Employment Policy Resources by Topic: Accommodations
- Workplace Flexibility Toolkit
- For people with psychiatric disabilities and other mental health concerns, the following resources may also be of assistance:
- While many employers understand the impact that qualified workers have on their bottom line, they may not understand the low cost of accommodating employees, versus replacing them, following injury or illness. Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact illustrates this through real-life situations and statistics.
- To learn about self-employment as a return-to-work option, contact JAN at (800) 526-7234 or (877) 781-9403 (TTY) or online at AskJAN.org, or consult one of the following:
