Legal Definitions - accommodation

In a legal context, an accommodation refers to a modification or adjustment made to a policy, practice, environment, or service to enable an individual to participate fully or meet a specific need. It involves making reasonable changes to prevent discrimination or ensure equal opportunity, particularly for individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs.

• Example 1: Workplace Disability Accommodation

  A graphic designer develops a severe hand tremor that makes it difficult to use a standard computer mouse and keyboard. To accommodate this, their employer provides specialized ergonomic input devices and voice-activated software, allowing the designer to continue performing their job duties effectively.

  This illustrates an accommodation because the employer made a specific modification to the work environment (providing assistive technology) to enable an employee with a disability to perform their essential job functions.

• Example 2: Religious Accommodation in Education

  A university student observes a religious holiday that falls on the same day as a scheduled midterm exam. The student requests an accommodation from their professor.

  This demonstrates an accommodation if the professor allows the student to take the exam at an alternative time or provides a reasonable make-up opportunity, thereby adjusting the standard academic policy to respect the student's religious practice without imposing undue hardship on the university.

• Example 3: Public Service Accessibility Accommodation

  A municipal government hosts a town hall meeting to discuss new zoning regulations. A resident who uses a wheelchair wishes to attend but discovers the meeting is scheduled in a building with only stairs and no ramp or elevator.

  This situation requires an accommodation, which could involve moving the meeting to an accessible venue, providing a temporary ramp, or offering a virtual participation option, ensuring the resident with a mobility disability can access and participate in the public service.