Samantha Hare, Office for Access and Equity
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) “Requests for Reasonable Accommodations Based upon a Medical Condition” Policy ensures that individuals receive appropriate accommodations for an equitable academic and professional environment at UIC. The policy is consistent with state and federal regulations and when followed properly, protects the interests of those who need accommodations while protecting the University from potential legal action. The policy explains the procedure for those who wish to request accommodations; it also explains the procedure for employers to deny or grant the request. This policy is applicable for employment applicants/candidates and current employees. Students wishing to request an accommodation should contact the Disability Resource Center. By considering or granting a request for an accommodation, UIC is not considering or regarding the individual as having a disability (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) or a handicap (as defined by the Illinois Human Rights Act).
An individual who needs an accommodation to participate in the application process is responsible for informing UIC that an accommodation is needed prior to completing his/her application. S/he must contact OAE in writing (if possible) to inform them of the request.
If an individual is currently employed and would like to request accommodations, they must fill out the Accommodation Request Form. This form can be obtained from the Department of Human Resources, the Office for Access and Equity, and at University Health Services. It is also available online at: http://oae.uic.edu/docs/reasonableAccomodationMedicalConditionForm_OAE.pdf
The employee will only need to fill out Section 1 of the form. If the employee is unable to complete the form, s/he may have someone complete the form for him/her. After completing the first section, the employee will bring the form to University Health Services (UHS) to complete the second section. Once UHS completes the second section, the employee will then bring the form to their immediate supervisor to review and complete section three. After section three is completed, the employee will turn the form in to the Office for Access and Equity (OAE) to make the final decision of whether the accommodation will be granted or denied.
When the employee brings the form to his/her supervisor to complete section three, the supervisor or employer must make a decision as to whether or not the reasonable accommodation is approved, modified or denied. If the supervisor/employer needs assistance in determining whether or not the accommodation should be granted, s/he may contact OAE. If the supervisor/employer believes the request for accommodations should be denied, s/he must first participate in the interactive process with the employee and OAE. This process involves exploring various options and having open lines of communication between the employee, the unit, UHS, and OAE.
Upon hearing the decision for an accommodations request, an individual has the right to appeal if s/he believes s/he was not granted proper accommodations. If the individual is an applicant and NOT an employee, they may make an informal complaint to OAE. If the individual is an employee, they may follow the University’s grievance procedure, or file formal allegations with OAE. If the individual is a student, s/he should contact the Office of the Ombudsperson for assistance with the appeal.
UIC tries to ensure that all necessary requests for accommodations are met. It is in the employer and employee’s best interest to present and process requests in a timely manner.
If there are any questions about this process, please contact the Office for Access and Equity. Email: oae@uic.edu or phone: 312 996 8670
