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What are reasonable accommodations?

Whether tangible, intangible or organisational, reasonable accommodations enable persons with disabilities to work, to go to school, play sports, access information, etc., by compensating for the obstacles they encounter.

Definition

Reasonable accommodations are a concrete measure designed to neutralise the negative impact of an unsuitable environment on the participation of a person with a disability. 

The aim of reasonable accommodations is not to give the person an advantage, but to compensate, as far as possible, for a disability in an unsuitable environment.

What does the law say?

The right to inclusion of people with disabilities is guaranteed by the Belgian Constitution.

Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for a person with a disability constitutes discrimination, unless the requested accommodations represent a disproportionate burden. 

An article aimed at guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of people with disabilities was incorporated into the Belgian Constitution in 2021. It states that "Every person with a disability has the right to full inclusion in society, including the right to reasonable accommodations.”

Examples of reasonable accommodations

  • Véronique is studying to be a nurse. As she is hard of hearing, the clinic where she is doing her work placement provides her with an adapted stethoscope (with amplifier). 
  • Natacha is studying journalism. She has attention problems and is easily distracted by external stimuli. She is therefore allowed to take her exam in a quiet room so that she is distracted as little as possible.
  • Gérard witnesses an accident. With the help of a Belgian French sign language interpreter, he can give an accurate account.
  • Inès is a lawyer. As she is blind, her colleagues systematically use the alternative text tool so that her screen reader can read the description of the images to her.

What doreasonable accommodations allow for?

When universal or collective solutions are not (or are no longer) possible, tailor-made solutions have to be sought at a more individual level. This is what we call a reasonable accommodation. Please note: reasonable accommodations are not favours, but a legal obligations.

  • A reasonable accommodation meets the needs of a disabled person.
  • It enables the person to work, learn, do sports, live, etc. on an equal footing with others.
  • It enables them to carry out their activities or move around as independently as possible.
  • It ensures the individual’s safety and respects their dignity.

What are the indicators for introducing reasonable accommodations?

There are various criteria for assessing the reasonableness of a development:

  • its cost ;
  • its frequency ;
  • duration of use
  • its impact on the organisation
  • its impact on the person with the disability;
  • its impact on the environment ;
  • the absence of equivalentalternatives;
  • neglect of obvious or legally binding standards.

Practical rules for reasonable accommodations

  • Reasonable accommodations are always tailored to the individual and specific needs of the disabled person. They may take different forms: tangible, intangible or organisational. Sometimes several accommodations are required for the same person.
  • Reasonable accommodations are not intended to give people with disabilities an advantage over others. On the contrary: these measures compensate for the disadvantages they suffer as a result of an unsuitable environment.
  • In some cases, reasonable accommodations can benefit several people with disabilities. A good example is sign language interpretation when several people with a hearing impairment are present. 

FAQ about reasonable accommodations

Open Close Do I have to be officially recognised as having a disability in order to benefit from reasonable accommodations?

Open Close If I grant reasonable accommodations to a person with a disability, do I also have to grant accommodations to people without a disability?

Open Close What is "reasonable accommodation by association"?

Open Close Is there a procedure for making a request for reasonable accommodations?

Find out more about reasonable accommodation

In practice, Unia notes that more and more companies - particularly in the public-sector - are developing internal procedures regulating requests for reasonable accommodations. This positive practice makes it possible to highlight the right to such accommodations for workers with disabilities within the company, while at the same time providing guidelines for dealing with the various requests. 

Report discrimination

Do you feel you have experienced or witnessed discrimination? Report it online or call the toll-free number 0800 12 800 on weekdays between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m.