Employee Accommodation Request

Individuals with Disabilities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, employees with either permanent or temporary health conditions and/or disabilities may find that they are in need of a work related accommodation. Therefore, we want to remind employees of their right to request an accommodation, as well as the procedure for self-identifying and how to make the request for an accommodation. Maggie Sullivan, the Director of Human Resources, also serves as the ADA Coordinator for employees and is available at msullivan@ric.edu or 401-456-8216 to answer any questions related to this process.

The Law and Definition of a Disability

The Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disability Act: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, and protects qualified applicants and employees with disabilities from discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, job training, fringe benefits, and other aspects of employment. The law also requires that covered entities provide qualified applicants and employees with disabilities with reasonable accommodations, as long as it does not impose undue hardship for the college.

Definition of a Disability: A person is disabled if he or she has a physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. In September 2008, the ADA was amended to expand the definition of “disability” in favor of broader coverage of individuals to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of the ADA and generally shall not require extensive analysis. For additional information, refer to the What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws.

How to Self-Identify

Employees who have a disability and wish to self-identify must complete the required form. The following Self-Identification Form may be accessed here. This form is used by the employee to notify RIC that they have a disability. The data is reported to the State of Rhode Island only for data collection and analysis purposes. It will not initiate a request for reasonable accommodation. Employees who file this form will receive a confirmation that the form was received by Rhode Island Office of Diversity, Equity and Opportunity. They will also receive information regarding the employees’ rights.

How to Request and Submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodation

Employees who wish to request reasonable accommodations must download and complete the following forms:

Employee Self-Identification of Disability & Request for Reasonable Accommodations: This form is used by the employee to notify RIC that they have a disability and to request reasonable accommodation and needs assessment. Upon request from the college, verification of disabling condition must be obtained from your physician.

Medical Inquiry Form: This form is completed by the employee’s physician. The completed form will assist the ADA Coordinator to clarify any impairment and determine accommodation needs and effective options. Please note that it is recommended that the employee consult with the ADA Coordinator to determine if this form is needed.

Completed forms must be submitted to Maggie Sullivan, ADA Coordinator, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Building #6- East Campus, Office of Human Resources, Providence, RI. 02908 or email forms to msullivan@ric.edu.

Upon receipt of a request for accommodation, the ADA Coordinator will reach out to the employee and appropriate supervisor/administrator as needed to explore all reasonable accommodations. To request a consultation with the ADA Coordinator, please call 401-456-8216.

Approved accommodations are communicated in writing to the employee and as needed with the appropriate supervisor/administrator. If an approved accommodation is not provided, the affected employee should immediately notify the ADA Coordinator.

Additional Information

For information regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, please visit the webpages below:

Complaints

Americans with Disabilities 504/Complaint Procedures are administered under the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) Non-Discrimination Policy and Complaint Procedures. To file a complaint please contact:

Rhode Island College Office of Institutional Equity
Ashley Ruderman-Looff, PhD
Director of Institutional Equity
Title IX Coordinator & Affirmative Action Officer
Roberts Hall 301
600 Mount Pleasant Avenue
Providence, Rhode Island 02908
arudermanlooff@ric.edu
401-456-8218