how best to ask for reasonable accommodations?

Depending on what your limitations are, this can be tricky.  You need to be able to perform the essential functions of your job even with accommodations.  So if you are able to perform most of your essential job duties, this should not be a problem.  But if the limitations you have will prevent you from doing your essential duties, the employer is not required to grant these accommodations. For example, if you work on the loading dock all day and your restrictions prevent any lifting at all, this poses a problem since your primary duties are lifting.  But if you are in the office all day and would only have occasional lifting, then this woudl be an easy accommodation to grant.  There may also be open light duty positions you can perform if the employer has open positions that you are qualified to perform. As to the limitations, ask only for what your doctor feels you need, and do not be overly restrictive in what you say cannot do if that is possible.  The request and limitations should be written by the doctor