Practical changes, real barriers
What Counts as a Reasonable Adjustment?
There is no single fixed list. A reasonable adjustment is judged in context: the barrier, the person’s role, the likely benefit, practicality and whether the change helps reduce disadvantage.
Think barrier first
The same adjustment may be reasonable in one context and different in another.
Think barrier first
The same adjustment may be reasonable in one context and different in another.
The core idea
A reasonable adjustment is a change that helps remove or reduce a barrier faced by a disabled person.
In work, that might mean changing how tasks are done, changing working arrangements, providing equipment, adjusting communication, changing a process or making the environment more accessible.
What counts as reasonable depends on the situation. The decision should not be based on assumptions or generic rules alone.
Adjustment categories
Working arrangements
Flexible hours, hybrid work, adjusted breaks, phased return or protected focus time.
Communication
Written summaries, captions, direct language, advance agendas or agreed contact routes.
Technology and equipment
Assistive software, ergonomic equipment, screen readers, speech-to-text or planning tools.
Environment
Quiet spaces, lighting changes, accessible routes, desk location or reduced hot-desking.
Process changes
Adjusted interviews, alternative formats, modified procedures or extra time.
Management support
Check-ins, clear priorities, feedback preferences or workload planning.
What makes an adjustment reasonable?
“Reasonable” does not mean perfect, cheap or always easy. It means the adjustment should be considered in context.
The barrier
What disadvantage is the person facing?
The benefit
Would the adjustment reduce or remove that barrier?
Practicality
Can it be implemented in the role or setting?
Cost and resources
Is the cost proportionate in context?
Safety
Does it create or reduce health and safety concerns?
Alternatives
If one adjustment is not possible, is there another effective route?
Examples by situation
Why recording matters
It is easier to manage reasonable adjustments when the request, decision and review point are recorded clearly. This reduces repeated disclosure and makes support less dependent on memory.
A useful record should explain:
- the barrier
- the adjustment requested
- what was agreed
- who owns the next step
- when it should be reviewed
How AXS Passport helps
AXS Passport helps people describe access needs and gives organisations a clearer route for managing adjustment requests, records and review.
Barrier-led profile
Describe access needs in practical terms.
Request management
Turn support needs into manageable requests.
Records and ownership
Keep decisions and next steps easier to understand.
Review
Revisit support as work or needs change.
Make reasonable adjustments easier to manage
AXS Passport helps organisations move from informal support conversations to clearer requests, records and review.