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Guidelines for Reasonable Accommodations for People with Disabilities

Eastern Connecticut State University Commitment

Eastern Connecticut State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities and complying with all applicable federal and state laws, including:

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • The ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA)
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The University prohibits discrimination based on disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations that enable qualified employees and applicants to perform the essential functions of their positions and participate fully in employment-related activities.

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, work environment, policy, practice, or procedure that enables a qualified individual with a disability to:

  • Apply for employment;
  • Perform the essential functions of a job; or
  • Enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment.

Examples of reasonable accommodations may include:

  • Modified work schedules
  • Remote work arrangements, when appropriate
  • Ergonomic equipment or furniture
  • Assistive technology
  • Accessible workspaces
  • Leave as a reasonable accommodation
  • Sign language interpreters
  • Modified training materials or workplace procedures
  • Reassignment to a vacant position when appropriate

The University reviews each accommodation request individually and engages in an interactive process to determine effective accommodations.

Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants and employees who need a reasonable accommodation should contact:

Office of Human Resources

Gelsi-Young Hall, Room 331

Website: https://www.easternct.edu/human-resources/ 

Phone: 860-465-5228

The University encourages individuals to request accommodations as soon as a need becomes known.

A request does not need to include specific legal language or mention the ADA. Simply informing the University that assistance or a workplace adjustment is needed because of a medical condition or disability can begin the accommodation process.

The Interactive Process

When a request is received, the University will engage in an interactive process with the employee or applicant to:

  • Understand the limitations related to the disability;
  • Discuss the essential functions of the position;
  • Explore potential accommodations;
  • Determine whether a reasonable accommodation can be provided.

The interactive process is collaborative and intended to identify effective accommodations that support both the individual and the operational needs of the University.

Documentation

In some situations, the University may request documentation from an appropriate healthcare provider when the disability and/or need for accommodation is not obvious.

Documentation may be used to:

  • Confirm the existence of a disability;
  • Understand functional limitations;
  • Assist in identifying effective accommodations.

The University will limit requests for documentation to information necessary to evaluate the accommodation request and will maintain such information in accordance with applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements. 

ADA Coordinator

Eastern Connecticut State University has designated an ADA Coordinator to assist with disability-related inquiries, accommodation concerns, and ADA compliance.

Office of Equity and Diversity

Gelsi-Young Hall, Suite 254

Phone: 860-465-5112

The Office of Equity and Diversity is available to address concerns regarding disability discrimination, equal access, and ADA compliance.

Student Accommodations

Students seeking academic accommodations should contact:

Office of AccessAbility Services (OAS)

The Office of AccessAbility Services works with students with disabilities to facilitate access to programs, services, and activities.

Website: https://www.easternct.edu/accessability/ 

Phone: 860-465-0189

Students should work directly with OAS regarding classroom accommodations, housing accommodations, and other academic access requests.

Questions or Concerns

Individuals who believe they have been denied equal access, denied a reasonable accommodation, or experienced disability discrimination are encouraged to contact the Office of Equity and Diversity for information about available resources and resolution options. 

Notation: Eastern Connecticut State University reserves the right to request a medical evaluation by a university designated medical provider.

Revised: July 2026