Policy Statement
It is the policy of the University to provide reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments when necessary.
Reason for Policy
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Western New England University policy prohibit discrimination in employment and educational programs against qualified individuals with disabilities.
Who is Governed by this Policy
Faculty, Staff, and Students
Policy
The ADA and applicable state and local laws prohibit employment discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities.” Under the ADA, a qualified individual with a disability is an individual with a disability who is qualified for (meets the skills, experience, education, and other job-related requirements) a position held or desired, and who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of a job.
WNE supports the advancement of qualified employees with disabilities at all levels within the University. The University recognizes that traditional methods, programs, and services may not accommodate the needs of some persons with disabilities. Upon request, each qualified person with a disability shall receive reasonable accommodations necessary to ensure equal access to employment, educational opportunities, programs, services, and activities, when such accommodation is not an undue hardship on the University.
Faculty or Staff members who request an accommodation to apply for transfers or promotions or to perform the essential functions of their jobs should notify their Department Head, Supervisor, or Dean and provide written certification from a physician or individual certified to make such determination, stating the reason for the accommodations and the specifics (including equipment, if any) required to meet the accommodation. The Office of Human Resources, in consultation with the employee’s Department Head/Dean will engage in an interactive dialogue with the Faculty or Staff member, and will determine whether the request is a reasonable accommodation which can be approved.
Faculty or Staff members who have been approved for a reasonable accommodation should notify their Department Head, Supervisor, or Dean. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated as the University’s ADA/504 Coordinator and can assist employees with disabilities regarding their rights under this law.
Requests for accommodations should be made at the earliest possible date, at least five business days prior to the date by which an accommodation is needed.
Procedures
Employees requesting reasonable accommodation should complete the ADA Accommodation Request Form found on the Human Resources web page.
ADA Accommodation Request Form
Students requesting accommodation should contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services located in Herman Hall, Room 105.
Document History
Policy Origination Date: January 24, 2023
Who Approved This Policy
Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Contact
Associate Director of Human Resources
Rivers Memorial