Equal educational and employment opportunities to qualified persons with disabilities

Services for learners with disabilities

Union Institute & University is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities to qualified persons with disabilities through a proactive program.  All UI&U faculty, staff, administrators, and learners are covered by this policy.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a broad-based civil rights statute designed to protect qualified individuals with disabilities.  The ADA prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals in private, state and local government employment; public accommodations; public transportation; state and local government services; and telecommunications.  A private institution of higher education is covered as both a private employer and a public accommodation operated by a private entity.

An individual with a disability is a person who:

• has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working, or learning;
• has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment. 

A qualified learner with a disability means an individual who, with reasonable modifications (if necessary) to rules, policies or practices, the removal of barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of the services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a school.

A qualified employee with a disability means an individual who, with reasonable accommodation if necessary, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that such individual holds or desires.

A reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to the following:

• making existing facilities used by employees and learners 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 material, or policies, and providing qualified readers or interpreters.

Accommodations that impose an undue burden or pose a health or safely risk are not considered reasonable.  The question of reasonableness of the accommodation depends on the facts and circumstances of each case, including the cost of the accommodation, feasible alternatives, and the consequences of not making the accommodation. The university is required to make modifications only to known and validated disabilities. The university requires the learner or employee give reasonable notice of the request for modifications.  The school or department must coordinate the provision of modifications with the ADA coordinator.

Requests for accommodations

Requests for an accommodation should be submitted in writing to the ADA coordinator. A Disability Documentation Form that has been completed and signed by a qualified licensed professional will be necessary for accommodation.  Medical records supporting the need for an accommodation are submitted to the ADA coordinator and not to the school in question.  This arrangement is consistent with the confidentiality requirements of the law and with university policy.