What constitutes a disability? Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its Amendments (ADAAA), a person with a disability has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, major life activities include functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
I may benefit from accommodations — what is my first step? Any faculty or staff member who feels they may benefit from accommodations is encouraged to follow the accommodation request process on the Employees with Disabilities page. Direct questions to the Director of the Center for Disability Resources.
What accommodations do you offer? Because every individual, their needs, and their job responsibilities are different, accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. To be reasonable, an accommodation must be supported by appropriate medical documentation, mitigate the person's symptoms, and not remove the employee's essential job responsibilities. For examples, see the Job Accommodations Network.
Who has access to my medical documentation and private information? CDR will never share your private or confidential information (medical documentation, diagnosis, symptomology). It is stored within CDR, with exception only to a verifiable need-to-know.
What if I want revisions to my Accommodation Letter? Revisions can be requested at any time by arranging a meeting with the Director. It is the employee's responsibility to request the revision.
What if an approved accommodation isn't being provided appropriately? Contact CDR immediately; CDR will investigate and act accordingly.
I have a temporary, non-work-related injury or impairment — what should I do? CDR can provide temporary adjustments to assist you; follow the registration process. Temporary adjustments are suggestions and are not legally mandated under the ADA.
Is there a deadline to request accommodations? No. However, accommodations are not retroactive and are only in effect from the date they are approved by CDR and the Accommodation Letter is provided to the appropriate facilitating party.