The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) defines the term “Reasonable Accommodation” and applies it in several contexts including education and work. Extracts of some of these provisions are reproduced below.
Extract from UNCRPD Article 2 – Definitions
For the purposes of the present Convention:
“Reasonable accommodation” means 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.
Extract from Article 24 – Education
1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education……
2. In realizing this right, States Parties shall ensure that:
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c) Reasonable accommodation of the individual’s requirements is provided;
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Extract from Article 27 – Work and employment
1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others….. States Parties shall safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment, by taking appropriate steps, including through legislation, to, inter alia:
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i) Ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to persons with disabilities in the workplace;
……