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.

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  • 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...

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Small business - Putting the ADA into practice
Social media banner with a background image of a tattoo artist giving a tattoo to a customer. The text says: Everyone in a business—from the owner to frontline staff—should know about the ADA. They should also understand how to communicate respectfully with customers with disabilities respectfully and why that is good for business.
Small business - Provide a parking spot for everyone!
Social media banner with a background image an accessible parking sign. The text says: Providing accessible parking spaces creates a great first impression of your business. The opportunity to park in an accessible space, without a long trek to the entrance, makes all the difference. It fosters a feeling of inclusion, and it’s the law.
Small business - Communicating effectively with customers
Social media banner with a background image of a person using sign language. The text says: Communication about, from, and with your business must be clear for people with and without disabilities, including those with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.
Small business - I thought my business was “grandfathered!”
Social media banner with a background image of a map of the United States. The text says: The ADA regulations allow a business in a building that pre-dates the ADA to improve accessibility at a reasonable pace and price, so there is no need for a “grandfathering” provision. This is called readily achievable barrier removal.
Small business - New construction brings great opportunities!
Social media banner with a background image of a café with shiny fixtures. The text says: The ADA Standards address common features in many businesses, including accessible dining surfaces, sales and service counters, dressing rooms, toilet rooms, entrances, routes throughout your business, parking, and more.