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.
Related Resources
Articles
-
The ADA and Health Care Providers
This article introduces basic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for health care pro... -
The Spirit of the ADA and Your Business
If you are merely complying with the ADA to meet a legal requirement, you’re missing the true purpos... -
What Is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The ADA defines disability and has five titles (sections) that forbid a wide range of discrimination... -
Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 has several sections that mandate civil rights for people with disabi...
Blogs
- Let Me In! What you should know about the Fair Housing Act and disability
- Small Business and the ADA: There Is Help for That
For a business, what's a reasonable modification? - What the ADA Tells Us about Accessibility When Implementing COVID-19 Regulations
During these times of uncertainty about what the “new normal” will look like as the country begins t...
News
- Justice Department Settles with Child Care Providers to Protect the Rights of Children with Diabetes
02/19/2020- The Justice Department entered into two settlement agreements today to resolve allegations that two childcare providers violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to reasonably modi...