Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
For Faculty and Staff
The university’s Affirmative Action and non-discrimination program encourages the employment and advancement in employment of qualified persons with a disability. Employees may disclose the nature of the disability to the Office for Equity to request reasonable accommodations. A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, employment practice or the work environment that makes it possible for a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy an equal employment opportunity. The request for accommodations will be reviewed so that the university may provide reasonable accommodations to assist the employee in performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations for an employee may include, but is not limited to, such things as changing the physical layout of the workplace, restructuring job duties, providing assistive technology or ergonomic furniture, or modifying the employee’s work schedule.
While participation in CWRU’s accommodation process is voluntary, it is unlikely that the Office of Equity will be able to properly consider and/or process your request for an accommodation without disclosure of your health condition and an explanation as to how your requested accommodation relates to your health condition.
In addition, if there is a disability which affects the employee's performance or might create a hazard to the employee or others, then additional information will be helpful such as:
- The skills and procedures the employee uses or intends to use to perform the job, and
- The accommodations that the university may make which would help the employee perform the job properly and safely.
Accommodations under this process may only address the requester’s own health condition. For requests that relate to health conditions or concerns of a family member or household member, please contact Human Resources in order to explore what options may be available to you:
Carolyn Washick
Carolyn.washick@case.edu
216.368.2458
Your confidential health information will be kept securely within the Office of Equity. The Equity Specialist and Investigator that is assigned to your file will not disclose any of your health information to your supervisor or department during the accommodation review process.
The Office for Equity assists faculty and staff members in requesting reasonable accommodations. Should you need assistance or have further questions about the process, you may contact the Office of Equity.
How to Request a Reasonable Workplace Accommodation
To request a reasonable workplace accommodation faculty and staff must submit the Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Form along with the following additional documentation:
- Medical documentation that states your diagnosis and detailed information supporting your requested accommodation;
- HIPAA Release Form that will allow the Equity Specialist and Investigator to contact your healthcare providers for more specific information; and
- Job description
The Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Form can be completed in one of two ways:
- Complete the Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Form Online Here and attach supporting documents in the appropriate upload field; or
- Download the Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Form (A Large Print version is also available) and return the form and supporting documentation to the Office of Equity via one of the following methods:.
- Drop off in our Office at The nursing Research build Suite 1180
- or Fax to 216.368.8805
Submission of this information will allow for efficient and timely processing of your request. As stated above, your confidential health information will be kept securely within the Office of Equity.
While our office endeavors to handle each request as expeditiously as possible, processing of each application may take up fifteen (15) business days.
After receiving your complete documentation, the Office of Equity will reach out to schedule an intake meeting with you. Currently, due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, these meetings are being conducted remotely. During the intake meeting, the Equity Specialist and Investigator will also explain the process in more detail and address your questions or concerns.
Please note that accommodations are not effective until the interactive process is complete. Completing the above form and submitting the requisite information does not guarantee your specifically requested accommodation and does not immediately put an accommodation into place.
For Students
Students can request accommodations through the Office of Disability Resources.
The Section 504 Coordinator is:
Rachel E. Lutner
Senior Associate Vice President for Equity
Adelbert Hall 110
10900 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106
216.368.3066
rachel.lutner@case.edu