We updated our “Accommodation” glossary page with a selection from “The Future of Design Is Designing for Disability” by s.e. smith.

“Accommodation” implies a sort of permission, something granted to another person. It suggests that there’s something abnormal about a disabled person that requires extra effort. In the case of the ADA, people fighting accessibility requests in some contexts can cite the “undue burden” standard, which states that if something is too costly or technical to implement, it can be denied, with an alternate accommodation proposed instead. Disabled people under this framework become a nuisance to be checked off: install HVAC, finish flooring, equip elevator.

The Future of Design Is Designing for Disability | The Nation

Learn more about the problems with accommodation frameworks on the updated glossary page.