Undue burden

An undue burden is a requirement of Title II or Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that would cause a significant difficulty or expense if carried out. This means that a state or local government or its agencies, or a business or nonprofit organization covered by the ADA, does not have to provide an auxiliary aid or service, or a modification, if providing it would cause a significant administrative or financial difficulty. Undue burden is similar to undue hardship under Title I (employment).

When deciding whether something is an undue burden, you have to look at several factors. These factors include the overall cost involved in light of the entire organization and any parent organization, and the operation and nature of the organization. If an auxiliary aid or service is an undue burden, the organization must look for an effective alternative. For example, if a small, private museum cannot afford to provide a sign language interpreter for a museum tour on short notice, a written copy of the tour guide’s script might be an alternative.


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    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...
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Movimiento para el Alcance de Vida Independiente (MAVI) in Puerto Rico
Movimiento para el Alcance de Vida Independiente (MAVI) in Puerto Rico
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MAVI is an independent living center serving Puerto Rico. It supports the independence, equality, and inclusion of people with disabilities in the community.
Resources for Independent Living in New Jersey
Social media banner with an image of the U.S. and New Jersey state flags in the background. The text says Resources for Independent Living (RIL) RIL is an independent living center serving multiple counties in southern New Jersey. Its mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the means for self-choice, self-direction, and self-reliance in an inclusive society.
Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands
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ADA Amendments Act of 2008
Social media banner with a background image of a worker taking a short break to check his blood glucose levels. The text says: What was the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 The act broadened the definition of disability in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It stated that a “bodily function” is a life activity and gave examples. It also clarified the ADA prohibition of employment discrimination. ADAAA
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Social media banner with a background image of a universal access sign. The text says: What do the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design require? They require newly designed and constructed or altered state and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to—and usable by—individuals with disabilities.