Effectiveness of Reasonable Accommodations

Under the EEOC's approach, whether an accommodation is a ''reasonable'' accommodation turns upon whether the accommodation is effective in enabling an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities. Under this method of analysis, the cost of an accommodation is not relevant to a determination of whether or not it is ''reasonable.'' As explained by the EEOC, ''the term 'reasonable accommodation' is a term of art that Congress defined only through examples of changes or modifications to be made, or items to be provided, to a qualified individual with a disability. The statutory definition of'reasonable accommodation' does not include any quantitative, financial, or other limitations regarding the extent of the obligation to make changes to a job or work environment. The only statutory limitation on an employer's obligation to provide 'reasonable accommodation' is that no such change or modification is required if it would cause 'undue hardship' on the employer.''