Introduction:

The Employees’ Accommodation Request Process is open and available to all eligible Emory University Faculty and Staff and Emory Healthcare Employees.  The Office of Disability Services is the designated administrative unit whose responsibility it is to facilitate the reasonable accommodation request process, coordinates related services, ensures adequate accessibility to programs and services and promotes a positive and welcoming work environment for persons with disabilities.

Confidentiality Statement:

The Office of Disability Services maintains confidentiality (particularly the diagnosis(es) as appropriate.  However, in some instances the office may be required (employee’s permission granted in advance) to disclose information that is pertinent to the successful negotiation of a reasonable accommodation request.

ODS will not release your medical documentation to any other source.

Employees should not distribute their medical documentation to the department/unit supervisor(s) and /or Human Resources Representative.  However, return to work notices and return from leave notices should be submitted as required.

Medical documentation which details an employee’s diagnosis(es) should not be placed in your supervisor(s)/department/unit files.

Eligibility Statement and Employee Accommodation Request Process:

Eligibility is determined by the standards set forth in the American’s with Disabilities Act of 1990; along with the submission of medical documentation (substantiating the medical condition) to the Office of Disability Services from a qualified healthcare provider.

The Employee Accommodation Request is a 4 Step Process.  It requires the following:

1. Make initial contact with the Office of Disability Services to self disclose
2. Submit medical documentation according to the criteria provided by the Office of Disability Services
3. Complete the office registration process
4. Finalize the Work Place Accommodation Agreement

Note: Finalizing the reasonable accommodation agreement may require negotiation with the supervisor/department/unit prior to sign off.

Reasonable Accommodation:

A reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to: making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities; job restructuring, modifying work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position: acquiring or modifying equipment or devices, adjusting or modifying examinations, training materials, or policies, and providing qualified readers or interpreters.

Personal use items (i.e. hearing aids, eye glasses, etc.) and personal care attendants are not covered as a reasonable accommodation.

Medical Documentation:

Employee documentation should be submitted according to the following criteria:

1. A typewritten statement from a qualified healthcare provider on letterhead substantiating the medical condition with a verifiable signature; 
2. Specific diagnosis(es);
3. If applicable current prescriptions and their effects (i.e. benefits, side effects, etc) on the employee’s ability to meet the expectations of the job assignment;
4. Summary of effects of the medical condition and/or disability on the employee’s ability to meet the expectations of the job assignment;
5. Detailed recommendation of suggested accommodations.  Please specify limitations and/or restrictions include time frames (if applicable) and indicate whether the medical condition and/or disability is temporary or permanent. 

Special Note: Should there be any additional health conditions that may need consideration in the reasonable accommodation process, the healthcare provider is urged to provide that information as well.

Employee Accessible Parking Accommodations

An accessible parking accommodation is available for persons with a disability and/or chronic medical condition (temporary, short- term, long- term) as supported by documentation provided by a qualified healthcare provider.

On-campus access to disabled parking spaces requires a state-issued Department of Motor Vehicles hangtag along with an Emory-issued parking permit.  Applications for the state-issued hangtags are available at the Parking and Community Services Office in Lowergate Deck and at the Office of Disability Services (ODS) in 110 Administration Building, 201 Dowman Drive.  Completed applications are processed at selected state Department of Motor Vehicles offices.  On-campus use of nondisabled spaces requires the appropriate Emory parking permit.

All employees requesting a parking accommodation based on a medical condition must complete the Employee Accommodation Request Process with the Office of Disability Services (ODS).  No additional fees are charged for parking accommodations. 

Note:  See Eligibility Statement and Employee Accommodation Request Process.