The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has altered the American workplace in countless ways, including with respect to workplace disability accommodation needs and issues. Since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, the U.S. has experienced 35,556,516 total cases of COVID-19 (including over 140,000 new cases associated with the Delta and other COVID-19 variants) and over 600,000 deaths.[1] While the introduction (and widespread general availability) of COVID-19 vaccines has helped reduce the incidence of serious illness resulting from COVID-19 infection, it has not eliminated the danger entirely, and there currently is no 100% effective way to prevent its transmission.
This places some individuals with disabilities – and individuals with certain underlying medical conditions, even if not currently disabling – at greater risk. It also means that employers may encounter individuals who may not have required a workplace accommodation previously but who may be at greater risk of COVID infection and therefore may be in need of one now, especially as many businesses are poised to return partially or entirely to in-person operations.
