Workplace accommodation requests: Experiences of barriers and facilitators among deaf and hard-of-hearing

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the protections afforded by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), workers who are deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) face workplace challenges that may require the aid of workplace resources and accommodations. Limited research has been conducted to understand the process of accommodation requests among DHH workers. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study examined barriers and facilitators to requesting accommodations among DHH workers. METHODS: Fifty-nine DHH workers, recruited from organizations serving DHH workers across U.S., participated in the study. Participants’ open-ended survey responses were analyzed and coded into themes representing barriers or facilitators to participants’ decisions to request or withhold requests for accommodations. RESULTS: Facilitators to accommodation request include an employee’s effective use of self-efficacy and self-advocacy; supportive work environments; and the presence of peers with disabilities. Barriers to accommodation requests include the anticipation of negative perception of stigmatization in the workplace; lack of knowledge related to accommodations and ADA; absence of workplace support; ineffectual workplace structure, policies, or procedures; concerns surrounding costs; and physical and access barriers in the workplace. CONCLUSION: To fulfill the workers’ rights as guaranteed by the ADA, and to best serve the interests of the workplace, strategies are highlighted on how to assist DHH employees to take advantage of workplace accommodations with aims to promote job retention and success.