Assistive Technology for Job Applicants

If you need assistive technology as a reasonable accommodation when applying for a job, assistive technology may help you with completing applications, participating in interviews and more.

Are applying for a job? Do you need:

• The job application in an alternative format (e.g. Braille, large print)?
• A reasonable accommodation (e.g. ASL interpreter, bariatric chair, extra time to respond to questions using an augmentative or alternative communication device) to participate in a job interview?
• A reasonable accommodation (e.g. use screen reader software to take test) to participate in the hiring process?

If you answered yes to any of these needs, notify the employer as soon as possible. Your request may be written or spoken; however, it is good practice to keep a written record of your requests.

An employer can’t refuse your application because you request a reasonable accommodation.

Want to learn more?

Check out these websites and resources:

National Resources

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Disability Discrimination: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/disability.cfm
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act: https://www.eeoc.gov/facts/jobapplicant.html
• EARN – Job Seeker Resources: http://www.askearn.org/resources/job-seeker-resources/
  NOTE: The ADA was amended in 2008. To see the list of specific changes, visit https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/adaaa_notice.cfm.

State Resources

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/disabilities/
• Tools for Your Future: http://mn.gov/admin-stat/tools-for-your-future/index.htm
• State Services for the Blind: https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/blind-visual-impaired/
• Disability Minnesota: https://mn.gov/disability-mn/
• Disability Benefits 101 – Going to Work: https://mn.db101.org/mn/situations/workandbenefits/
• Disability Hub: https://disabilityhubmn.org/work/supports-and-accommodations/

Legal Assistance

The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) provides free civil legal assistance to individuals with disabilities statewide on legal issues related to their disabilities. All individuals with disabilities are eligible to receive help, regardless of age or income level. Learn more at http://mylegalaid.org/about/our-work/disability-law.