Accomodating Disabilities in the Workplace

Generally, no your employer cannot deny your request for an accommodation if you are a disabled individual.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, your employer has a responsibility to provide you an accommodation if your requested accommodation is reasonable and would not create an undue burden or hardship.  In a case handled by the Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, Curry v. Allan S. Goodman, the Connecticut Supreme Court held that the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act has the same requirement.

In many cases, determining whether the requested accommodation is reasonable will require looking at the workplace environment.  For example, while an individual who requires an oxygen tank may be allowed to keep this tank at an office, but it may be dangerous or burdensome to allow that same individual to keep the tank on a factory floor.  Also, keep in mind that your employer is under no obligation to provide you with an accommodation if they are not aware of your disability.