The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its programs and activities.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, no qualified person will be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of, any program or activity operated by the University because of disability. The University will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment practices and activities, including, but not limited to, application procedures, hiring, tenure, promotion, advancement, termination, training, compensation and benefits. The University will not discriminate against a qualified individual because of the known disability of another individual with whom the qualified individual is known to have a relationship or association.
The Role of the Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is designated by the University of Arizona to provide centralized services, resources, and programs that facilitate equal learning and working opportunities for disabled faculty, staff, students, and guests of the University. Through an interactive process, DRC determines whether individuals are eligible for reasonable accommodation and, if so, the nature of the reasonable accommodation.
Reasonable Accommodation
The DRC strives to proactively identify and remove barriers to access, promote inclusion and minimize the need for individual accommodations. Upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodation(s) to otherwise qualified employees or students as required by law to ensure equal access to University employment, educational opportunities, programs, services, and activities in the most integrated setting, to the extent such requested accommodation(s) do not impose an undue hardship upon the University, constitute a fundamental alteration to a program or compromise academic integrity. In general, it is the responsibility of the employee or student to make her/his disability status and subsequent need for an accommodation known.
Neither supervisors, faculty, program sponsors, service units, nor unit administrators may independently deny a request for accommodation.
Facilities
All newly constructed University buildings, alterations to existing buildings and renovations, including improvements to the path of travel serving the renovated primary function area, will meet the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) to ensure that they are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. In addition, newly constructed buildings and alterations will meet University of Arizona Accessibility Standards included in the University’s Design and Specification Standards.
Disability Documentation and Confidentiality
DRC is the custodian of student and employee medical records obtained for the purpose of providing reasonable accommodations. Disability and medical information maintained by the DRC is confidential and is not shared with individuals or units outside of the DRC except where disclosure is required by law or is necessary to facilitate legitimate University processes, such as addressing direct threats or investigating claims or charges.
Concerns and Complaints
The Disability Resources (DRC) team is committed to ensuring that the University of Arizona campus is accessible to disabled students and employees. If you have concerns about DRC's process or services, or believe that you have not received reasonable accommodation, we encourage you to first communicate directly with your Access Consultant and/or the DRC's Executive Director.
If after engaging with DRC you still believe that you have not received reasonable accommodations, please contact Vice President, Student Affairs and ADA/504 Compliance Officer, Dr. Amanda Kraus. Dr. Kraus will work with DRC staff and/or do an independent review of your situation to find a resolution.
Amanda Kraus, Ph. D.,
Vice President, Student Affairs
ADA/504 Compliance Officer
akraus@arizona.edu
(520) 626-4636
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) is the University's designated office for addressing concerns and complaints of discrimination, including disability discrimination, under the University's Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy.
Prior to filing a complaint with OIE against DRC or a DRC employee regarding DRC's determination relating to an accommodation request, individuals must request that the University's ADA/504 Compliance Officer review the DRC's process and determination. Individuals are not required to request that the ADA/504 Compliance Officer review complaints of disability discrimination against other University units or individuals not employed by the DRC.
Office of Institutional Equity
888 N. Euclid Avenue, Room 113
Phone: (520) 621-9449
equity@email.arizona.edu