Reasonable Accommodation

Notice

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, State agencies must ensure that the employment process is accessible to persons with disabilities. Specifically, these laws require that the State provide reasonable accommodations upon request by individuals participating in all steps of the employment process. This includes the initial testing phases of the candidate selection process for state positions as well as the subsequent employment interview process. Any and all accommodation requests by applicants throughout the State employment process should be appropriately reviewed and considered by the ADA Coordinator and human resources staff in state hiring agencies. If you need such an accommodation, please contact:

Bureau of Accessibility and Job Accommodation
Voice: (312) 793-0034
TTY: (888) 614-2385
FAX: (312) 793-2406

What is Reasonable Accommodation?

Reasonable Accommodation is modifications or adjustments to the job application process and the work environment that enable qualified applicants or employees with disabilities to be considered for a position, to perform the essential functions of a position in the manner or circumstances under which the position held or desired is customarily performed, and to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.

Reasonable Accommodation Frequently Asked Questions

Who can receive these services?

State of Illinois Department of Human Resources job applicants and/or DHS employees with disabilities can apply for a Reasonable Accommodation request.

How to apply?

Complete and submit the following two (2) forms to your immediate supervisor who will forward within 5 business days to your Division/Facility Reasonable Accommodation Liaison. The Reasonabile Accommodation Liaison will submit all signed forms to the Bureau of Job Accommodation:

Who is my Reasonable Accommodation Liaision?

Please contact (217) 782-7691 Voice or (217) 557-5564 TTY. A staff will refer you to an appropriate Reasonable Accommodation Liaision based on the division and location where you work or with whom you are applying for employment.

More Info & Resources

Reasonable accommodations may be categorized as follows:

  • Restructuring and Modification Accommodations
    These include, but are not limited to, removal of nonessential tasks, job modifications, rearrangement of office furniture, removal of desk drawers, and flexible time to allow for transportation or medical schedules;
  • Technological and Accessibility Accommodations
    These include, but are not limited to, dictating machines, voice-activated equipment, push-button telephones, opticons, TTY, hand controls for dictating devices, speaker phones, telephone amplifiers, typewriters, braille writers, orthopedic desk chairs, and other adaptive office furniture and audio-looping systems as well as architectural modifications; and
  • Assistive Care Accommodations
    These include, but are not limited to, readers, drivers, interpreters, and assistants.

Reasonable accommodation requests may arise any time the employee's or applicant's disability or job changes. If you have questions on this topic, call Bureau of Job Accommodation at (217) 782-7691 Voice or (217) 557-5564 TTY.