Introduction to Reasonable Modifications
A reasonable modification is a change or adjustment made to a policy, practice, or procedure that allows an individual with a disability to have equal access to a program, service, or activity. Under the law, reasonable modifications are required to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities as those without disabilities.
The Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act are two federal laws that require reasonable modifications in housing and employment. These laws prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and require that reasonable accommodations be made to ensure equal access.
Types of Reasonable Modifications
There are various types of reasonable modifications that can be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities. In housing, examples include installing grab bars, widening doorways, and modifying kitchen and bathroom facilities. In employment, examples include providing a sign language interpreter, modifying job duties, and providing a flexible work schedule.
In education, examples of reasonable modifications include providing extended time to complete assignments, providing a note-taker, and modifying the format of exams. The specific modification will depend on the individual's needs and the context in which the modification is being requested.
How to Request a Reasonable Modification
To request a reasonable modification, an individual with a disability should contact the relevant entity, such as a landlord, employer, or school administrator, and explain their needs. The individual should provide documentation of their disability and explain how the modification will help them to have equal access.
The entity is then required to consider the request and determine whether the modification is reasonable. If the modification is deemed reasonable, the entity must make the modification. If the modification is deemed unreasonable, the entity must explain why and offer alternative modifications that may be available.
Reasonable Modification in Housing
In housing, reasonable modifications can be made to the physical structure of a building or to policies and procedures. For example, a landlord may be required to install a ramp or modify the layout of a bathroom to make it accessible to a tenant with a mobility impairment.
Landlords are also required to make reasonable modifications to their policies and procedures, such as allowing a tenant to have an assistance animal or providing a designated parking space. The Fair Housing Act requires that landlords make reasonable modifications to ensure that tenants with disabilities have equal access to housing.
Reasonable Modification in Employment
In employment, reasonable modifications can be made to the workplace or to job duties to accommodate an employee with a disability. For example, an employer may be required to provide a sign language interpreter or modify the format of job applications to make them accessible to an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing.
Employers are also required to make reasonable modifications to their policies and procedures, such as providing a flexible work schedule or modifying the format of meetings. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that employers make reasonable modifications to ensure that employees with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reasonable modification under the law?
A reasonable modification is a change or adjustment made to a policy, practice, or procedure that allows an individual with a disability to have equal access to a program, service, or activity.
How do I request a reasonable modification?
To request a reasonable modification, contact the relevant entity and explain your needs, providing documentation of your disability and explaining how the modification will help you have equal access.
What types of reasonable modifications are available in housing?
In housing, reasonable modifications can include installing grab bars, widening doorways, and modifying kitchen and bathroom facilities to make them accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Can I be charged for a reasonable modification?
In most cases, the entity making the modification is responsible for the cost, but in some cases, the individual requesting the modification may be required to pay for the modification.
How do I know if a modification is reasonable?
A modification is considered reasonable if it does not impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the entity making the modification and if it is necessary to provide equal access to the individual with a disability.
What if my request for a reasonable modification is denied?
If your request for a reasonable modification is denied, you can appeal the decision and provide additional documentation or evidence to support your request.