Having a disability can sometimes make your job more challenging. The Americans with Disabilities Act permits employees with a disability to seek reasonable accommodations to help them do their jobs. Most employers with 15 or more employees are subject to this.
Tell your employer what you need
You are the expert on your disability and how it affects your ability to do your job, not your employer. Find an appropriate time to approach the relevant person in the company to explain what it is you need. An employer might have no idea you have a particular need, let alone what the solutions might be, so don’t sit waiting for them to ask you as that is to no one’s benefit.
Be willing to consider alternatives
Think of your request as the start of negotiations, rather than an ultimatum. Your employer might well say yes straight away to what you ask for. Or, you might need to engage in a bit of back and forth to find a solution that works for you and them.
Most reasonable accommodations likely have one or several alternatives. They might not always be as ideal as the one you would really want, but if they come at a lower cost or are easier for the employer to implement, then they may be a good compromise.
Get legal backup if needed
Some employers won’t be reasonable. They will point blank refuse to offer you what you need, or do all they can to find ways to claim what you are asking for will cause them undue hardship. While most employers are not like this, sometimes you have little option but to learn more about the legal options available to get the accommodations the law entitles you to.