The D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS) states its mission is to empower District residents by connecting them to opportunities, economic assistance, and supportive services.

But how can DHS effectively support the people of Washington, D.C. when its own employees are raising serious concerns about the support they receive when they become disabled or need workplace accommodations?

Employees have reported experiences involving delayed or unresolved accommodation requests, conflicting instructions, being directed to report in person or use leave while requests remain pending, difficulty obtaining clear written decisions, and concerns about attendance or disciplinary consequences while attempting to follow documented medical restrictions.

Employees have also raised concerns about structural conflicts within the accommodation, complaint, and appeal processes, particularly when the same management or administrative structure connected to an employee’s concern is also involved in reviewing or resolving it.

These statements reflect employees’ reported experiences, observations, and concerns. We are asking that these concerns be heard, independently reviewed, and addressed.

We Are Calling for DHS to:

Provide a timely, meaningful, and individualized reasonable-accommodation process.
Provide clear written decisions and effective alternatives when a requested accommodation cannot be provided.
Establish clear procedures for employees while accommodation requests remain pending.
Review concerns involving attendance actions, required leave, or changes in treatment following accommodation requests or complaints.
Address structural conflicts and provide access to independent review when a conflict exists.
Ensure employees can request accommodations, raise concerns, use protected processes, and seek legal representation without fear of adverse treatment.
This Is Bigger Than One Employee

Employees should not have to navigate uncertainty about their livelihood while attempting to address legitimate medical needs. They should be able to request workplace accommodations and raise concerns about the process without fearing that doing so will negatively affect their employment.

We are not asking the public to determine whether a particular individual or office has violated the law.

We are asking for transparency.

We are asking for independent review.

We are asking for accountability.

We are asking for structural conflicts to be addressed.

And we are asking that the rights and dignity of employees with disabilities be protected.

By signing this petition, we stand together in asking DHS and District leadership to listen to affected employees, examine their experiences and documentation, address structural concerns, and ensure a fair, transparent, accessible, and accountable workplace for employees with disabilities.