Reasonable modification

The term reasonable modification is used differently in different laws:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The term reasonable modification is used in Title II and Title III of the ADA. Title II covers state and local government (public entities), while Title III covers businesses and nonprofit organizations open to the public (public accommodations). A reasonable modification is a change in a policy, practice, or procedure that is done to offer equal access and equal opportunity for a person with a disability. There are limits on these changes, and that is where reasonable comes in. Title II public entities—such as a public library or county social service office—do not have to make a modification that would fundamentally alter a service, program, or activity that they must provide to the public. A Title III public accommodation—such as a private doctor’s office, store, or hotel—does not have to make a modification that would fundamentally alter the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations it offers to the public—in other words, its goods and services. An example of a reasonable modification would be to permit a service animal to go where the public may go in a building, even though animals are not generally allowed. So then, what is a fundamental alteration? It is a change that is so significant to a policy, practice, or procedure that it would change the nature of what is offered. For example, it would be a fundamental alteration for a doctor specializing in foot issues to treat a heart condition.
  • Fair Housing Act (FHA): Under the FHA, a reasonable modification is a structural change in the physical environment. Examples include installing grab bars in bathrooms, lowering kitchen counters, and installing a visual fire alarm.

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Articles (50) Blogs (100) News (449) Webinars (4) Fact Sheets (35) Infographics (187)

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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

Help America Vote Act
Social media banner from the Northeast ADA Center with an image of a sandwich board sign. The sign says Vote Here, and it shows an American flag and a universal accessibility symbol. “If I have a disability, what does the Help America Vote Act of 2002 provide for me? A polling site must have a voting machine that provides an equal chance for me to vote privately and independently.” Voter
ADA and accessible voting
Social media banner from the Northeast ADA Center showing people with disabilities in a gym; one of them holds a sign that says vote. Big text over the image says: “What does the Americans with Disabilities Act say about voting? Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to make their programs accessible to people with disabilities through physical access and reasonable modifications. They must also provide auxiliary aids and services.” Voter
Accessible polling sites for voters
Social media banner from the Northeast ADA Center that consists primarily of large text. The text says: “Do polling sites need to be accessible for people with disabilities? Federal election polling sites must be physically accessible, or if this is not possible, a site must offer other ways of casting a ballot. This requirement is from the Voting and Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984.
Assistance to cast a vote
Social media banner from the Northeast ADA Center that consists primarily of large text. The text says: If I have a disability, can I have assistance to cast my vote? The Voting Rights Act of 1965 permits a voter to have someone help them while voting. The only person not allowed to help is their employer, or an agent of their employer or union.
Essential Job Function
Social media graphic with a of a warehouse worker driving a cart. The text says: What is an essential job function under Title I of the ADA? It’s a job task central to a position that the employee must be able to perform with or without an accommodation.