Reasonable accommodation at work: what employers owe you

Most workplace conversations about neurodivergence still happen as a favour — something a manager might agree to if they're understanding. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 changes that framing: under Section 20, employers are legally required to provide "reasonable accommodation" — necessary and appropriate changes to the work environment so you can do your job on equal footing with anyone else.

In practice, this covers things like a quieter desk away from noise, flexible hours, working from home part of the week, or written instructions instead of verbal ones — whatever specifically addresses the barrier you're facing. Establishments with 20 or more employees are additionally required to publish an Equal Opportunity Policy and name a Grievance Redressal Officer who handles exactly this kind of request.

A diagnosis or UDID isn't a prerequisite for raising this — the Act protects anyone with a recognised impairment, not just certificate holders. Put the request in writing to HR or the Grievance Redressal Officer; if it goes unaddressed, the next step is a complaint to the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, who has the power to summon the employer and issue a binding order.