Return to Work and School

Getting back to work or school after screening, treatment, or time off can feel complicated. You deserve clarity, privacy, and a plan that protects your income, dignity, and progress. This page explains your rights, your choices about disclosure, and the accommodations that help you stay on track. You will also find editable letter templates and a fatigue accommodation menu you can hand to HR or professors.

Know your rights

Work. In the United States, the ADA protects qualified employees with disabilities and certain medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations can include flexible scheduling, modified duties, or remote work if the role allows it. The FMLA may provide unpaid job-protected leave if you qualify. State paid leave programs may also help. Ask HR for the summary that applies to your workplace.

School. Colleges and universities provide disability accommodations through the campus disability services office. K to 12 students may qualify for a 504 plan or an IEP. Accommodations can include deadline flexibility, reduced course load, and testing adjustments.

Privacy. You choose what to share. You do not have to reveal your diagnosis to request an accommodation. You can describe the limits and the support you need in functional terms.

Your disclosure choices

Keep it functional. Explain what you need, for example extra breaks, not the details of your health.
Share only with those who must know, such as HR, a supervisor, disability services, or a professor.
Ask for confirmation of any agreement in writing.

Common work accommodations

Flexible start or end time
Remote or hybrid days where the role allows
Short rest breaks for fatigue or bathroom needs
Temporary reassignment of heavy lifting
Reduced travel or fewer back-to-back meetings
Private space for bathroom proximity or bowel prep recovery days

Common school accommodations

Assignment extensions or make-up work
Flexible attendance for medical days
Reduced course load with full-time status if available
Alternative testing time or location
Access to recorded lectures or slides
Excused restroom access during exams

Fatigue Accommodation Menu

Use this menu to pick the items that fit your needs. Attach it to your request.

Scheduling

Flexible start or end time on high fatigue days
One remote or quiet-workspace day per week
No scheduling of key tasks immediately after medical visits
Protected recovery block after procedures or prep

Workload

Temporary reduction of nonessential duties
Priority setting with supervisor each week
No heavy lifting over [X] pounds for [X] weeks

Environment

Quiet workspace or noise-reduction headphones
Chair and workstation ergonomics review
Nearby workstation with quick restroom access

Breaks

Two short rest breaks added per half day
Permission to stand, stretch, or sit as needed
Hydration and light snack breaks allowed

Meetings and classes

Limit to [X] hours of meetings or classes per day
Option to attend by video when needed
Access to slides or recordings for missed sessions

Templates

How to use these tools

Pick your items from the Fatigue Accommodation Menu.
Copy the template that fits your situation.
Send it to HR, your supervisor, disability services, or your professors.
Ask for a written confirmation of the plan.
Save emails and letters in a single folder for future reference.

You can paste these into email or a document. Replace bracketed fields.

ADA Accommodation Request to Employer or HR

Subject: Accommodation request under the ADA

Hello [HR or Supervisor Name],

I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation for a health condition that affects my energy and stamina. I can perform the essential functions of my position with adjustments that reduce fatigue and allow reliable attendance.

I am requesting the following accommodations:

[Example: Flexible start time between 8 and 10 a.m. on medical days]
[Example: One remote workday each week when feasible for my role]
[Example: Two short rest breaks added per half day]
[Add items from the Fatigue Accommodation Menu as needed]

These adjustments will help me meet deadlines, attend key meetings, and maintain productivity. I am happy to discuss alternatives if these are not workable. If you need documentation, I can provide a note that describes functional limits.

Please confirm a time to talk about next steps. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Job Title]
[Best Contact]

Student Letter to Professors or Disability Services

Subject: Request for academic accommodations related to health

Hello [Professor Name or Disability Services Office],

I am requesting academic accommodations for a health condition that affects my energy, concentration, and occasional attendance. I am working with my care team and want to stay on track in your course.

I am requesting:

[Example: Assignment extensions of up to 72 hours when symptoms are significant]
[Example: Testing in a quiet room with restroom access]
[Example: Access to lecture slides or recordings if I miss class for medical reasons]
[Example: One remote attendance option per week when available]

These adjustments allow me to complete the same learning goals. If any request does not fit the course design, please suggest an alternative that meets the same objective.

Thank you for your support. I will follow the campus process and can provide documentation if needed.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Student ID]
[Course and Section]
[Best Contact]

Short Note for a Clinician to Support an Accommodation

Provide this to your clinician if they offer to write a note.

To whom it may concern,

I provide care for [Patient Name]. The patient has a medical condition that causes fatigue and requires periodic medical visits. The patient can perform work or academic tasks with the following supports:

Flexible start time on medical or high fatigue days
Two short rest breaks per half day
Access to a quiet space and restroom as needed
Reduced lifting over [] pounds for [] weeks as clinically indicated
Alternative testing time or assignment flexibility during medical events

Details of diagnosis are not required. These accommodations will help the patient maintain consistent performance.

Sincerely,
[Clinician Name, Credentials]
[Clinic Name and Contact]