Reasonable accommodation

The term reasonable accommodation is used somewhat differently in different laws:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Under the ADA, reasonable accommodation refers to the workplace. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says that a reasonable accommodation is “In general, an accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.” A reasonable accommodation can be a physical change, a policy change, or a change in how an employee works. It can also be a piece of equipment given to an employee. A reasonable accommodation allows a person with a disability an equal opportunity to do a job and its functions, or to have an equal opportunity to apply for a position. 
  • Rehabilitation Act: The Rehabilitation Act covers federal employment as well as any agency or contractor receiving federal financial assistance. For example, most colleges and universities are covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A student with a disability may receive an adjustment in their academics—such as a sign language interpreter—that allows them to have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from education.
  • Fair Housing Act (FHA): Under the FHA, a reasonable accommodation is a change in a housing provider’s policies to allow a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their residence. For example, a reasonable accommodation under the FHA could be an apartment complex allowing a resident to have an assistance animal even though pets are not permitted otherwise.

[ Read: About Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace ]

Related Resources

Articles (49) Blogs (103) News (449) Webinars (4) Fact Sheets (35) Infographics (200)

Articles

Blogs

Pages

News

Webinars

  • Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit
    07/27/2022- Do customers bring dogs into your business claiming they are service animals, emotional support animals, comfort dogs, or therapy dogs? Join Chris Sweet, technical assistant for the Northeast ADA Cent...
  • Northeast ADA Center Year in Review 2020
    01/28/2021- While COVID-19 was certainly one of the largest stories of 2020, other ADA items of note happened as well. Join the technical assistance team of the Northeast ADA Center as they review the year 2020....
  • ADA 101.2 Overview of Title I and Employment
    04/26/2021- This webinar is the third in the Northeast ADA's ADA 101 series. Intended for those new to the Americans with Disabilities Act or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar will focus on the employme...
  • ADA 101.1 Defining Disability
    03/26/2021- This presentation builds on the introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) given in the webinar ADA 101. Intended for those new to the ADA or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar...

Documents

Infographics

Small business - Putting the ADA into practice
Social media banner with a background image of a tattoo artist giving a tattoo to a customer. The text says: Everyone in a business—from the owner to frontline staff—should know about the ADA. They should also understand how to communicate respectfully with customers with disabilities respectfully and why that is good for business.
Small business - Provide a parking spot for everyone!
Social media banner with a background image an accessible parking sign. The text says: Providing accessible parking spaces creates a great first impression of your business. The opportunity to park in an accessible space, without a long trek to the entrance, makes all the difference. It fosters a feeling of inclusion, and it’s the law.
Small business - Communicating effectively with customers
Social media banner with a background image of a person using sign language. The text says: Communication about, from, and with your business must be clear for people with and without disabilities, including those with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.
Small business - I thought my business was “grandfathered!”
Social media banner with a background image of a map of the United States. The text says: The ADA regulations allow a business in a building that pre-dates the ADA to improve accessibility at a reasonable pace and price, so there is no need for a “grandfathering” provision. This is called readily achievable barrier removal.
Small business - New construction brings great opportunities!
Social media banner with a background image of a café with shiny fixtures. The text says: The ADA Standards address common features in many businesses, including accessible dining surfaces, sales and service counters, dressing rooms, toilet rooms, entrances, routes throughout your business, parking, and more.