What are reasonable accommodations?

Reasonable accommodations refer to adjustments or modifications made within the workplace to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential job functions. This concept is grounded in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that employers provide necessary accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the business. These adjustments can include a range of supportive measures, such as providing specialized equipment, altering work schedules, modifying training materials, or ensuring access to a physical workspace.

By allowing individuals with disabilities the means to perform their jobs effectively, reasonable accommodations promote inclusivity and equal opportunity in the workplace. This approach not only helps individuals maintain employment but also benefits employers by leveraging a diverse workforce. Other options, like adjustments for aesthetics, skills training, or personal preferences, do not directly address the necessity of facilitating job performance for individuals with disabilities, which is the core purpose of reasonable accommodations.