Interactive Process for Requesting Reasonable Accommodations
The University strives to create an environment that is accessible and inclusive for all employees. The DRC partners with University departments to eliminate barriers to access and promote inclusion. The DRC is also the primary point of contact for disabled and pregnant employees regarding access barriers and requests for reasonable accommodations.
The DRC Workplace Access staff are available to speak with employees who would like information about removing barriers to access in the workplace or requesting reasonable accommodations. In some cases, departments may take the initiative to remove barriers to access so that employees do not have to request accommodations.
If a disabled or pregnant employee decides to request an accommodation, she must submit an Accommodation Request Form (Note: you must be signed into your UA email account to access the Request Form) and may be required to submit a Medical Provider Form. Once submitted, any medical information will be maintained at the DRC and kept confidential.
It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure the DRC receives requested documentation. If you do not receive confirmation from the DRC that it has received your documentation within two business days, please call (520) 626-9559 or email workplaceaccess@email.arizona.edu. Once received, any medical information will be maintained at the DRC and kept confidential.
The DRC will make a determination about whether an employee is eligible for accommodations. If an employee is eligible, the DRC will engage in an interactive process to determine if the accommodation request is reasonable. The DRC will consult with the employee, the employee’s supervisor, and other individuals as appropriate to gather information about the essential functions of the employee’s job and/or whether implementing the accommodation request would pose an undue hardship for the University. Based on the information gathered, the DRC will make a determination about whether the accommodation requested is reasonable and will communicate its determination in writing to the employee and supervisor.
If an accommodation is determined to be reasonable but it is not implemented by the department in a timely or effective manner, the employee should contact the DRC as soon as possible.
If an employee is not eligible for reasonable accommodations, the DRC may partner with a supervisor or department to identify voluntary and readily achievable means to meet an employee’s request.