Accommodations at Work: Asking for Help

Consider the following: 

Do you use closed captioning while watching a video? 

Do you often opt for the elevator when there are stair options also available? 

Do you rely on prescription eyeglasses? 

These are all different types of simple accommodations that are commonly used or seen. Perhaps you haven’t thought of it before, but you probably use an accommodation somewhere in your daily work life as well; maybe you enlarge the size of your computer's text to make it easier to read, create calendar reminders for yourself, or take regular breaks from difficult tasks. 

Within the workplace, it’s important for companies to recognize and offer different types of accommodations in order to create inclusive and supportive environments. When employers are mindful of the diverse needs and preferences of their workforce, they ensure that everyone can participate fully and comfortably in the work they are doing. 

Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences, have unique learning styles and strengths that can be harnessed effectively through the personalized approaches that accommodations can offer them. Employers can use this information to increase the workplace well-being and productivity of their neurodiverse teams. 

Here are a few simple accommodation strategies to implement in the workplace (or, quite frankly, in any setting): 

Provide information in multiple formats (e.g., written, audio, video). This allows neurodivergent individuals to access content in ways that best suit their cognitive preferences and abilities.

Make reasonable allowances for flexible deadlines and self-paced learning. Implementing some flexibility here can reduce stress and anxiety for neurodivergent individuals who may struggle with rigid timelines.

Create environments that are sensitive to sensory needs. Considering factors such as lighting, noise levels, smells, and available physical space can make a significant difference for individuals with sensory processing differences. 

Recognize and value the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals. Considering how those with neurological differences can aid in the areas of creativity and problem-solving leads to greater inclusion and diversity of thought, which typically leads to more dynamic solutions.

Stay curious and ask more questions. How does your employee, student, or child learn best, and how often do they ask for help? These patterns can show you ways to best accommodate their learning and productivity style.  

Accommodation helps to promote our authentic abilities. Sometimes we just need a little help to get to the finish line—and when we recognize and provide the necessary support, we remove barriers that might hinder someone's progress and allow them to excel in their pursuits.