What is meant by "reasonable accommodation" in legal terms?

"Reasonable accommodation" refers specifically to the adjustments made to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access the same opportunities as their non-disabled counterparts in various settings, especially in the workplace. This concept is a crucial aspect of laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that employers must provide necessary adaptations or modifications unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business.

This accommodation can include a range of modifications, such as altering work schedules, providing assistive technology, or modifying equipment and workspaces to ensure accessibility. The goal is to create an inclusive environment that allows individuals with disabilities to perform their jobs effectively and enjoy the same benefits as all employees.

Other options do not align with the specific legal definition of reasonable accommodations. For instance, adjustments made in the workplace to accommodate employee preferences could involve changes made for any employee's desires, not necessarily linked to disabilities. Employee benefits are typically governed by different laws and regulations, and changes in company policy to support employee welfare focus on broader organizational practices rather than individualized needs related to disabilities.