Reasonable accommodations are adjustments or modifications made to a workplace or job that enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to workers with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers many accommodations for people with disabilities, whether they are visiting a DMV office in person or interacting with the DMV online or on the phone. These accommodations include telephone services (including TTY), accessible online content, service animal accommodations, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. All DMV offices have a “Start Here” appointment/persons with disabilities only sign, and visitors can go to the “Start Here” sign to request any assistance or accommodation they might need. After checking in at the “Start Here” window, visitors can go to a designated counter for people with disabilities and get a queue ticket to wait for DMV services. DMV office managers are trained to assist people with disabilities and offer accommodation if needed.
Reasonable accommodations at the DMV may include:
- Allowing an individual to have a service animal with them
- Providing an ASL interpreter for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Providing written materials in accessible formats, such as large print or Braille
- Allowing an individual to take breaks as needed
- Providing a sign language interpreter for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Allowing an individual to have a support person with them
- Providing a wheelchair-accessible workstation or counter
It is important to note that requesting reasonable accommodations is not about getting "greater" service than a non-disabled person, but rather about ensuring equal access to services and facilities. Anyone who has a disability can ask their employer or the DMV to make a reasonable accommodation.
