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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  • 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...
  • Access to Voting
    09/25/2019- Participating in the electoral process is a fundamental right in the United States. Voters with disabilities should have equal access and an equal opportunity to exercise this right. Join the Northeas...

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Technical Assistance
Social media graphic with a photo of a person scrolling one-handed on their smartphone. The person is missing one arm below the elbow and has curly, aqua-colored hair. What is Technical Assistance from the Northeast ADA Center? It is answers to questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it applies to a particular situation.
Technical Requirement
Social media graphic with a photo of a professional planner looking at a 3D model of a park. The text says: What does Technical Requirement mean in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design? This is the how of designing and building something to be accessible—how long, how wide, etc.
Scoping
Social media graphic with a photo of a parking lot with accessible parking spaces. The text says: What is Scoping in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design? Scoping tells us what features need to be accessible and how many of a feature needs to be accessible.
Program Access
Social media image that says: What is program access under Title II of the ADA? It's an equal opportunity for a person with a disability to benefit from a public entity's programs or services. The photo shows a person smiling in a swimming pool. The photo also shows that he has an arm without a hand.
Marginal Job Function
Social media image that says: What is a marginal job function under Title I of the ADA? It's a job-related task that is not an essential aspect of an employee's position. The photo shows a person working in an office environment while wearing a hearing aid.