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 (49) Blogs (103) News (449) Webinars (4) Fact Sheets (35) Infographics (211)

Articles

Blogs

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News

Webinars

  • 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...

Documents

Infographics

Service animals and businesses – two tips
Social media banner with a background showing three people and a service dog standing on a path in front of shrubbery. One person is using a walker. The text says: Service animals and businesses. Two tips for when a service animal enters your business… Don’t distract a service animal; they’re working. Remember that the handler is your customer, not the animal.
Service animals and businesses - why welcome them?
Social media banner with a background showing the back of a motorized wheelchair with a service dog walking beside it. The text says: Service animals and businesses. Why make the effort to welcome service animals in your business? 61 million people in the US have a disability. Welcoming service animals and their handlers expands your customer base.
Service animals and businesses - what can be asked?
Social media banner with a background showing a large service dog standing by its seated handler. The text says: Service animals and businesses. What can a business ask about a service animal? Is this animal needed because of a disability? What task has this animal been trained to perform?
Service animals and businesses - what kinds of animals?
Social media banner with a background showing an image of a service dog handler sitting at a desk and petting a dog. The text says: Service animals and businesses. What kinds of animals can be service animals under the ADA? Only dogs—or in some cases, miniature horses—can be service animals.
Small business - What is an accommodation under the ADA?
Social media banner with a background image of an open work environment with several people working at computers; most are seated and one is standing. The text says: What is an accommodation under the ADA? Any change in the work environment, or in how things are usually done, to help a person with a disability apply for a job, perform the duties of a job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment.