A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, or activity that enables a qualified student with a disability to obtain equal access. “Equal access” means an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to a similarly situated student without a disability. Reasonable accommodations are individualized and flexible and are based on the nature of the disability and the academic environment. They provide equal access, not an unfair advantage.
The ADA requires an institution of higher education to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified individual with a documented disability, provided that the accommodation does not create undue hardship. An “undue hardship” refers to any accommodation that would be unduly costly, substantially disruptive, or that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program. Only the peripheral requirements of courses, programs, and activities are subject to modification to accommodate a disability. Essential elements of courses, programs, and activities must remain intact.
Source: Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
