Accommodations and conflicting access needs

In Canada, workplaces, schools, and public services are legally required to adjust policies so people aren’t excluded due to things like race, religion, or disability.^{Footnote 227} This type of adjustment is called accommodation.

Generally, organizations need to accommodate these types of access needs up to the point of undue hardship—meaning it isn’t possible due to major difficulties (e.g., safety or cost).

BC’s Human Rights Tribunal has affirmed that being immunocompromised is a physical disability that can require accommodation.^{Footnote 228} At the same time, it’s important to recognize that wherever possible, safety and accessibility should be provided by default, and not just as an accommodation or exception.

Even when immuno-inclusivity is the norm, people may have conflicting access needs. Some ways to navigate this can include:

• Create multiple options, like both digital and in-person attendance
• Add additional access measures, like microphones to improve speech clarity during physical distancing or with air purifier noise
• Consider the consequences of not meeting different needs, like prioritizing one person’s safety over another person’s convenience
• Try something different that works for everyone

Making an exception for one person can mean it’s even more important that others use a particular health & safety measure. For example, if someone cannot wear a mask or receive a certain vaccine, they rely even more on those around them wearing masks and being vaccinated.^{Footnote 229}

Every scenario requires its own approach. Recognizing barriers and conflicting needs should be the start of the conversation, not the end of it—and an opportunity to come up with creative solutions.