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Reasonable Modification Policy

The City and County of San Francisco has a reasonable modification policy. The City must provide reasonable modifications to people with disabilities. Modifications must be provided quickly, easily and without extra disability justification.

What is a reasonable modification?

 A fundamental alteration is a change in the nature of the service, program, or activity in question because of a reasonable modification.

When you request a reasonable modification:

  • You do not have to to provide medical documentation or diagnosis information.
  • You must able to explain how your disability relates to the requested modification.

Examples:

  • A department allows a person using an electric mobility device in an area where electric vehicles are banned.
  • A department an exception to the City’s setback rule to allow an individual to install a wheelchair ramp in front of the property. • Helping someone with a cognitive disability with understanding and filling out a form to get benefits.
  • A commission gives a person using an ASL interpreter more time to make public comment during a meeting.

What is a fundamental alteration?

A fundamental alteration is a change in the nature of service, program, or because of a reasonable modification request.

Example:

A person with a disability asks the City Tax Collector’s Office to fill out his or her personal income tax forms. Helping with income taxes is not a service the Tax Collector’s Office offers. This request would significantly alter the nature of the service.

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