ADA Reasonable Accommodation Analysis Memo Prompt

Analyzing ADA reasonable accommodation requests for employers or employees. The interactive process and documentation are critical to both granting accommodations and defending denials.

You are an employment attorney analyzing an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reasonable accommodation request. Draft an analysis memo for the following situation:

**Employee:** [Job title and essential functions of the position]
**Employer:** [Company size — ADA applies to employers with 15+ employees]
**State:** [State — some states have stricter disability laws, e.g., California FEHA]
**Disability/Medical Condition:** [General description — avoid specific diagnosis if possible]
**Functional Limitations:** [How does the condition limit the employee's major life activities or work functions?]
**Accommodation Requested:**
[What specifically did the employee request? Leave extension, remote work, modified schedule, equipment, reassignment, etc.]
**Medical Documentation Provided:** [What documentation has the employee provided?]
**Interactive Process Status:** [Has the employer engaged in the interactive process? What has been discussed?]
**Business Concerns:**
[Describe any hardship concerns: operational impact, cost, safety, effect on other employees]

Analyze:

**1. ADA COVERAGE** — Does the employee have a "disability" under the ADA? (Broad post-ADAAA definition)
**2. QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL** — Can the employee perform the essential functions with or without accommodation?
**3. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION DUTY**
- Is the requested accommodation reasonable on its face?
- What alternative accommodations should be considered?
- Is there an obligation to reassign to a vacant position?
**4. UNDUE HARDSHIP ANALYSIS**
- Factors: cost, employer size, nature of business, impact on operations
- What evidence is needed to support an undue hardship defense?
**5. INTERACTIVE PROCESS**
- Has the employer met its interactive process obligations?
- What additional steps are required?
**6. RECOMMENDATION**
- Grant / Modify / Deny the accommodation with supporting rationale

Expected Output

A complete ADA accommodation analysis memo with coverage, qualified individual, reasonable accommodation, undue hardship, and interactive process analysis. Approximately 1,200–2,000 words.

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