Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation means changing a rule, practice, environment or support arrangement so that a person with disability can participate and exercise rights equally with others. Section 2(y) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 defines it as necessary and appropriate modifications and adjustments, made in a particular case, without imposing a disproportionate or undue burden.

Essential features

The concept seeks equality in actual enjoyment of rights rather than merely identical treatment. Accommodation is therefore individualised: its nature depends on the person's disability, circumstances and the activity concerned.

• An adjustment must be necessary and appropriate for enabling equal participation or enjoyment of rights.
• The duty is limited where the adjustment would impose a disproportionate or undue burden in that particular case.
• Depending on individual need, accommodation may include accessible material, assistive technology, additional time, communication support or modification of procedures.

Relationship with equality and discrimination

Under Section 2(h), discrimination includes denial of reasonable accommodation. Section 3(5) requires the appropriate government to take necessary steps to ensure reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.

• Reasonable accommodation addresses barriers created when uniform rules or arrangements place persons with disabilities at a disadvantage.
• It promotes substantive equality by enabling effective participation on an equal basis with others.

Application under the Act

The Act expressly applies this principle in important fields of participation.

• Under Section 16, government-funded or government-recognised educational institutions must provide reasonable accommodation according to each student's requirements as part of inclusive education.
• Under Section 20, government establishments must provide reasonable accommodation and an appropriate barrier-free and conducive environment to employees with disabilities.

How UPSC asks this