On This Page
About Allergies
An allergy is an inflammatory reaction that occurs when a person ingests, inhales, or touches a substance to which their body’s immune system has become sensitized. Common allergens include foods such as peanuts and tree nuts, animal-related materials such as pet dander, and airborne substances such as pollen.
The immune system of a person with allergies produces antibodies, which cause reactions that can range from itchiness, digestive distress, or inflamed sinuses to serious medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis. Allergies can be managed through various treatment options including medication, avoidance of substances to which one is allergic, and immunotherapy.
In addition, individuals sometimes refer to other conditions as "allergies." For example, an employee with reactive airway disease might say they are allergic to perfumes when in fact their airways react to perfumes due to their respiratory condition rather than an antibody reaction. Likewise, individuals with conditions such as dermatitis may describe themselves as allergic to the substances that cause them to experience skin irritation although they may not have a formally diagnosed allergy.
Allergies and the Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA does not contain a definitive list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more "major life activities," (2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. For more information about how to determine whether a person has a disability under the ADA, see How to Determine Whether a Person Has a Disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).
Accommodating Employees with Allergies
People with allergies have various limitations, depending on the type and severity of the allergy. Therefore, effective accommodations will vary. The following information provides suggestions for processing an accommodation request related to allergies and some general accommodations to explore. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the employee know what the specific allergen(s) is?
- Before accommodations can be fully explored, it is useful to find out what the specific allergen is. In some cases, the employee may not know, but may have a general idea.
- How is the allergy triggered?
- Many allergies are triggered by inhaling the allergen, but other types of triggers are possible such as the allergen touching the skin. In some cases, there might be more than one type of exposure at issue. Knowing how the allergy is triggered can help an employer explore accommodation options.
Questions to Consider:
- What limitations is the employee experiencing?
- How do these limitations affect the employee and the employee’s job performance?
- What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?
- What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations?
- Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the employee to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to determine whether additional accommodations are needed?
- Do supervisory personnel and employees need training?
Key Accommodations
When accommodating employees with allergies, the main accommodation options include removing the allergen, removing the employee from where the allergen is located, or eliminating or reducing exposure to an acceptable level. It can also be useful to have a plan of action should exposure occur.
- Remove the Allergen:
- When possible, an employer should try to remove the allergen, especially if the allergen is unique to the work environment, minimal and/or the employer has control over it.
- Move the Employee:
- When it is not possible to remove the allergen or if the specific allergen is unknown, an employer may be able to move the employee away from the allergen. This usually means working at home or in a private office. Unless the employee wants to work at home, other options should be explored first to keep the employee in the workplace.
- Reduce Exposure:
- If the allergen cannot be removed and the employee cannot be moved completely away from the allergen, it may be possible to reduce the employee's exposure to an acceptable level. This usually means offering the employee a private office with optimal ventilation and minimum exposure to others. HEPA filtration may be useful in addressing air quality issues if the equipment selected is suitable both for the target allergen and the workspace. Additional accommodations to consider include allowing the individual to wear a mask or respirator or protective clothing. Some individuals can wear masks/respirators while others may not be able to wear them or be comfortable wearing them. Employers should keep in mind that they cannot force an employee to use a mask/respirator.
- Plan of Action:
- If there continues to be a risk of exposure, a plan of action may be needed. JAN provides a sample plan as a starting point.
Accommodation Ideas:
By Limitation
Coughing Excessively
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Noise Abatement
- Policy Modification
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Dietary Needs
Headache
- Air Cleaners & Purifiers
- Alternative Lighting
- Anti-Glare Filters for Fluorescent Lights
- Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Full Spectrum or Natural Lighting Products
- Job Restructuring
- Lighting Gel Filters
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Non-Fluorescent Lighting
- Task Lighting
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Nausea
- Flexible Schedule
- Mini Refrigerators/ Electric Coolers
- Odor Control
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Respiratory Distress/Breathing Problem
- Air Cleaners & Purifiers
- Air Cleaners - Chemical/Odor Removal
- Air Cleaning Systems
- Air Purifiers for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Alternative Cleaning Supplies
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device
- Carpet Alternatives, Sealants, and Sustainable Flooring
- Escape Hoods
- Flexible Schedule
- Floor Cleaning/Stripping Products - Chemical Sensitivity
- Low/No Odor Paints and Stains
- Mask Brackets and Frames
- Masks - Respirator
- Masks – General/Chemical/Allergen
- Odor Control
- Outgoing Voice Amplification - Telephone
- Personal Air Cleaner (Neckworn)
- Personal On-Site Paging Devices
- Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Voice Amplification
Skin Rash/Blisters/Sores
By Work Related Function
Air Quality/Irritants
- Air Cleaners & Purifiers
- Air Cleaners - Chemical/Odor Removal
- Air Cleaning Systems
- Air Purifiers - No Ozone
- Air Purifiers for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Alternative Cleaning Supplies
- Carpet Alternatives, Sealants, and Sustainable Flooring
- Escape Hoods
- Flexible Schedule
- Floor Cleaning/Stripping Products - Chemical Sensitivity
- Low/No Odor Paints and Stains
- Mask Brackets and Frames
- Masks - Respirator
- Masks – General/Chemical/Allergen
- Odor Control
- Personal Air Cleaner (Neckworn)
- Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Policies
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Physical/Social Distancing Signage
- Policy Modification
- Reassignment
- Service Animal
- Sleep Alerting Devices
- Strobe Lights
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Touchless Faucets
Situations and Solutions:
An office worker with severe allergies was having reactions to cleaning wipes used during the pandemic.
The employee was given a private office space, allowed to clean the space with a different cleaner and provided a HEPA air purifier.
An employee with a severe allergy to bee stings asked to park closer to the worksite to avoid exposure.
Because of limited parking close to the worksite, the employer instead sprayed for bees in the parking lot and along the route to the worksite and developed a plan of action should a bee sting occur.
An employee with allergies to multiple allergens asked to bring her service animal to work to help with detecting and avoiding allergens.
The employer granted the request.
An employee was experiencing an allergic reaction to mold in the old building she worked in.
The employee was allowed to telework until the mold could be located and eradicated.
A social worker with an allergy to smoke asked not to work with clients who smoke.
It was not possible for the employer to only assign the social worker to non-smoking clients, so the employee was reassigned to a social work position that did not involve in-person contact with clients.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Allergies
Publications
Consultants' Corner Articles
Related Disabilities
Articles
Blog Posts
Events Regarding Allergies
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Webcast Series Training
-
ADA & Workplace Accommodations - Episode #44May 5, 2022
-
The ADA and Workplace Accommodation for Employees with Voice DisordersJanuary 31, 2024
-
Low-Key AT: Less-Obvious Options for Entry-Level WorkersMarch 16, 2022
-
Accessibility as a Key to InclusionJuly 25, 2022
-
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2023?February 2, 2023
-
Together Again: AT for Travel and Inclusive EventsFebruary 3, 2023
-
2023 CSUNMarch 17, 2023
-
ATIA 2024 ConferenceJanuary 25, 2024
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant, Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Accommodating Educational Professionals: Meeting Workplace Needs with AT
Friday 1-2pm
Grand Ballroom 7B
Session Code: TWA-05
Back on Track with the Interactive Process: When Accommodations Go Off the Rails
Friday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-02
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2024?
Thursday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-08
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant, Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Accommodating Educational Professionals: Meeting Workplace Needs with AT
Friday 1-2pm
Grand Ballroom 7B
Session Code: TWA-05
Back on Track with the Interactive Process: When Accommodations Go Off the Rails
Friday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-02
Transition and Workplace Accessibility: What’s New in 2024?
Thursday 4:30-5:30
Magnolia 2
Session Code: TWA-08
-
Q&A with the Cog/Psych Team: Challenging Mental Health ScenariosMay 11, 2021
-
Accessibility & Accommodations: How Employers & HR Professionals Can Prepare for Emerging Tech in the WorkplaceMay 20, 2021
-
Accommodating Public Safety Workers with DisabilitiesJune 8, 2021
-
ADA UpdateJuly 13, 2021
-
AT Update: What’s new in 2021August 10, 2021
-
Ask JAN! Expert Q&AOctober 14, 2021
-
Return to Work After COVID-19 – Focus on Mental Health and Cognitive LimitationsNovember 18, 2021
-
Accommodation Solutions for Autoimmune DisordersDecember 9, 2021
-
Next-Level Accommodation and ADA ChallengesJanuary 13, 2022
-
ADA and Accommodation Lessons Learned: Stay at Work/Return to Work EditionFebruary 10, 2022
-
Ergonomics for TeleworkersMarch 1, 2022
-
Accommodation Solutions for Executive Functioning DeficitsMarch 17, 2022
-
Accommodation Solutions for Gastrointestinal DisordersApril 14, 2022
-
Accommodation and ADA Considerations: Reproductive Disorders and PregnancyMay 12, 2022
-
Personal Use or Reasonable Accommodation: What’s What?June 9, 2022
-
ADA UpdateJuly 14, 2022
-
AT Update 2022August 11, 2022
-
Accommodation Solutions for Sleep DisordersSeptember 22, 2022
-
Building a Disability-Inclusive OrganizationOctober 13, 2022
-
Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Veterans with DisabilitiesNovember 10, 2022
-
Ask JAN! Q&AJanuary 12, 2023
-
Supports and Services: Accommodations with a HeartbeatFebruary 9, 2023
-
What You Should Know About the Impact of Long COVID in the WorkplaceMarch 9, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions for Neurodivergent WorkersApril 13, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions for Fine Motor LimitationsMay 11, 2023
-
What to Do When Performance and Conduct Factor Into the Accommodation EquationJune 8, 2023
-
ADA Update 2023July 13, 2023
-
Assistive Technology (AT) Update: What’s New in 2023August 10, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions: Substance Use DisorderSeptember 14, 2023
-
The Way I See It: Accommodation Process Perspectives from Different Points of ViewOctober 12, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions: Respiratory Conditions, Allergies, & Fragrance SensitivityNovember 9, 2023
-
Accommodation Solutions for Employees with Intellectual DisabilitiesDecember 12, 2023
-
ADA and Beyond Compliance Considerations: Medical DocumentationJanuary 11, 2024
-
Ask JAN! Q&A: Sensory Team EditionMarch 14, 2024
-
Accommodating Employees with Diverse Cognitive and Neurological NeedsApril 11, 2024
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Director of Collaborations, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Bill Curtis-Davidson, Co-director of PEAT
- Martez Mott, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, Ability Group, Microsoft Research
- Tina Park, Ph.D., Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI
Presentations
Transcripts
This session, produced in collaboration with JAN and the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT), will introduce the potential impact of emerging tech on accommodations. Participants will learn how employers and HR professionals can help plan for an accessible workplace of the future, including the procurement of accessible technologies and potential accommodation needs of people with disabilities. PEAT, funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, will interview technology leaders to find out how AI and XR will change the way we work and what these technologies could mean for the employment of people with disabilities.
This event takes place on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
Speaker Bios:
Bill Curtis-Davidson is a Co-Director and Sr. Consultant on Emerging Tech Accessibility at PEAT. In this role, he works to advance the accessibility of emerging workplace technologies, including XR and AI, to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He partners with the disability community, tech companies, and the public to advance adoption of inclusive design and promising practices for tech accessibility. He serves on the External Advisory Board of the GA Tech Human-Computer Interaction Degree Program.
Martez Mott is a Senior Researcher in the Ability Group at Microsoft Research. His research is focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating intelligent interaction techniques that improve the accessibility of computing devices for people with diverse motor and sensory abilities. His current research focuses on identifying and overcoming accessibility barriers embedded in the design of virtual and augmented reality systems. Martez is passionate about improving diversity in the CS and HCI communities. He co-chaired the 2020 CHI Mentoring Workshop (CHIMe), is serving on the steering committee for CHIMe 2021, and co-founded the Black Researchers @ Microsoft Research group. Martez received his Ph.D. in Information Science from the Information School at the University of Washington. Prior to attending UW, he received his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University.
Tina M. Park is currently a Methods for Inclusion Research Fellow at the Partnership on AI, developing evidence-based methodologies for incorporating a more diverse range of stakeholders in the design and development of artificial intelligence. Prior to joining PAI, Tina has led efforts to cultivate supportive intellectual spaces for scholars of color at Brown University and nationwide. She has presented at top international conferences in her field such as the American Sociological Association, the Social Science History Association, the Population Association of America, and the Society for the Study of Social Problems, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tatum Storey, Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg is a Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Carter Batiste , Director of Services and Publications
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Julie Davis , Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg - Senior Attorney Advisor, Office of Legal Counsel, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Christy McCune , Consultant - Sensory Team
Presentations
Handouts
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Alexis Popa , Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Presentations
Transcripts
Ellice Switzer, EARN Workplace Disability Inclusion Associate
Ellice is an Extension Associate with the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. She provides content development, training and technical assistance for EARN. As an Extension Associate, she provides national technical assistance and training on topics related to disability and employment, and U.S. disability policy. Her areas of focus include employer practices to support workforce disability inclusion, demand-side strategies to improve employer engagement among disability service providers and evidence-based practices to support post-school success for youth with disabilities.
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts , Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Lisa Mathess , Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
- Terri Rhodes, Chief Executive Officer, Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC)
- Bryon Bass, Senior Vice President Workforce Absence and Disability Practice Leader, Sedgwick
- Susanne Bruyere, Co-Director and Co-Principal Director, Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
Handouts
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Julie Davis, Consultant - Motor Team
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant - Motor Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
- Jeanne Goldberg, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant — Sensory/Motor Teams
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- James Potts, Senior Consultant - Cognitive/Neurological Team
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
- Linda Batiste, Director of Publications and Services
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Lore Lee, Consultant
- Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant – Motor Team
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant - Sensory/Motor Teams
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, ADA Specialist
- Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Presentations
Transcripts
Handouts
Presenters:
- Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consultant – Sensory/Motor Teams
- Teresa Goddard, Lead Consultant – Assistive Technology Services
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel, Principal Consultant, Team Lead
Presentations
Transcripts
Other Information Regarding Allergies
External Links
- Accessible Spaces: A Fragrance-Free Toolkit
- EEOC's Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Guidance Under the ADA
- Electrical Sensitivity & Hypersensitivity
- Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air in Buildings Challenge
- Lancet: Proposed Non-infectious Air Delivery Rates (NADR) for Reducing Exposure to Airborne Respiratory Infectious Diseases
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): Clean Indoor Air Benefits Everyone
- OSTP Fact Sheet: Departments and Agencies Commit to Cleaner Indoor Air Across the Nation
- WebMD: Allergies Resource Center