What does “reasonable accommodation” under the ADA refer to?

The concept of "reasonable accommodation" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifically pertains to modifications or adjustments made in a workplace to assist individuals with disabilities, enabling them to perform essential job functions. This can include a variety of actions, such as altering job responsibilities, modifying work equipment, or providing additional support or resources tailored to the employee’s needs. The goal is to ensure that employees with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities and can contribute effectively to their roles without facing undue barriers.

This focus on the specific support needed for individuals with disabilities distinguishes it from general workplace adjustments applicable to all employees, such as simply changing work schedules or providing additional pay for extra hours. Unlike the options related to terminating an employee or providing broad changes that do not directly support a disabled worker's ability to perform their job, reasonable accommodations are about empowering individuals to succeed in their roles by addressing their unique challenges.