Reasonable accommodation

A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment made in a system to accommodate or make fair the same system for an individual based on a proven need that does not cause significant change or burden to the system. Accommodations can be religious, physical, mental or emotional, academic, or employment-related, and law often mandates them. Each country has its own definition of reasonable accommodations. The United Nations use this term in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, saying refusal to make accommodation results in discrimination. It defines a "reasonable accommodation" as: ... necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all human rights and fundamental freedoms; "Disproportionate or undue burden" and similar terms are common in all definitions of reasonable accommodation. The ambiguity of what constitutes a significant change or burden to the facilitator is a contentious topic. Some view the terminology as being strictly biased towards not altering the facilitator's system, denying accommodations for those that need them. Other views argue it is necessary to prevent abuse, and to make it more attractive for employers and institutions to admit people with accommodation needs.