Reasonable Accommodation

Definition

Reasonable accommodation refers to changes or adjustments to environments, procedures, or tools that enable individuals with disabilities to access and participate equally in employment, services, or programs. Accommodations must be tailored to the individual's needs, and what is considered reasonable depends on context.

Common Types of Reasonable Accommodation

Accommodations take many forms depending on the situation.

Job Restructuring

Reassigning non-essential tasks or altering how and when a job function is performed so an employee with a disability can carry out essential duties.

Modified Work Schedules

Flexible start or end times, extended breaks, or reduced hours that allow for medical appointments or manage fatigue.

Equipment Modifications

Screen readers or magnification software, voice recognition or eye-tracking tools, Braille or tactile labels on machinery, and ergonomic accessories or adaptive input devices.

Environmental Adjustments

Changes to the physical workspace, like installing ramps or reconfiguring layouts for wheelchair users.

Communication Support

Providing qualified interpreters or readers for individuals who are deaf, blind, or have dual sensory impairments.

Legal Context

Under the ADA (U.S.), employers must provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship. The AODA and Accessible Canada Act (Canada) mandate accommodations with individualized assessments. The EU addresses workplace accommodations under the Employment Equality Directive.

Providing Accommodation: Practical Steps

Understand individual needs through collaborative dialogue. Formalize the request process with a designated responsible person. Train managers on legal definitions and confidentiality. Monitor effectiveness and store records securely.