25 Denying a Requested Accommodation

251 Overview

If your decision is to deny an individual’s request for accommodation, go through the following steps:

• You must refer the request to the RAC.
• The RAC will review the request and refer the matter to the area Law Department for legal opinion.
• If the area Law Department agrees with the decision to deny the request, you must notify the individual of the decision in writing as soon as possible.
• Retain a copy of your written decision. (See 24, as well as Exhibit 251, Sample Denial Letter.)

The denial must:

• Be given in writing and in plain, specific language.
• Give the reasons for denial.
• Identify the individual or office that made the decision.
• Provide the following:
• Notification of the individual’s right to file an equal employment opportunity (EEO) complaint.
• Notification of any other appeal rights to which the individual may be entitled.
• Description of procedures available for informal dispute resolution.

You may make this determination only after you have done the following:

• Made an individualized assessment of the situation and the individual in question, and
• Consulted with your RAC and area Law Department.

Exhibit 251 

Sample Reasonable Accommodation Denial Letter