ADA: Frequently Asked Questions
Am I protected by the ADA?
If you have a disability and are qualified to do a job, the ADA protects you from job discrimination on the basis of your disability. Under the ADA, you have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
Reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities.
Should I tell my employer that I have a disability?
If you think you will need a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions, you should inform the employer that an accommodation will be needed. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodation only for the physical or mental limitations of a qualified individual with a disability of which they are aware. Generally, it is the responsibility of the employee to inform the employer that an accommodation is needed.
Who do I contact to request an accommodation?
NON-ACADEMIC STAFF:
Jeannie Jackson, ADA Title I Coordinator
Office of Equal Opportunity
3660 Academic/Administrative Building
E-mail: az5607@wayne.edu
Telephone: (313) 577-2280
FAX: (313) 577-7738
Jeannie Jackson, ADA Title I Coordinator
Office of Equal Opportunity
3660 Academic/Administrative Building
E-mail: az5607@wayne.edu
Telephone: (313) 577-2280
FAX: (313) 577-7738
FACULTY AND ACADEMIC STAFF:
ADA Coordinator, Office of the Provost
4092 Faculty/Administration Building,
Detroit, MI 48202
Telephone: (313) 577-2200
FAX: (313) 577-5666
ADA Coordinator, Office of the Provost
4092 Faculty/Administration Building,
Detroit, MI 48202
Telephone: (313) 577-2200
FAX: (313) 577-5666
How long does it take to receive a reasonable accommodation from the university?
To be recognized as an individual with a disability, you must self-identify that you have a disability and need an accommodation. To ensure the provision of reasonable and appropriate services, you must contact the appropriate office related to your University status (faculty, staff or student), and present current documentation of disability to the appropriate office (this may include medical information and documentation). Once that office receives all required documentation, you will be contacted within one to two weeks. The University will provide an appropriate accommodation in a reasonable amount of time. Each accommodation is special and unique to that individual. Therefore, the University responds to providing an accommodation in a reasonable time on a case by case basis. Your request for accommodation and the documentation provided are kept in the appropriate University office and are strictly confidential and are not a part of an employee’s personnel file or a student’s academic record.
Do I have to pay for a reasonable accommodation?
No. The ADA requires that the employer provide the accommodation unless to do so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer’s business. If the cost of providing the needed accommodation would be an undue hardship, the employee must be given the choice of providing the accommodation or paying for the portion of the accommodation that causes the undue hardship.
Can an employer lower my salary or pay me less than other employees doing the same job because I need a reasonable accommodation?
No. An employer cannot make up the cost of providing a reasonable accommodation by lowering your salary or paying you less than other employees in similar positions.
Does an employer have to make non-work areas used by employees, such as cafeterias, lounges, or employer-provided transportation accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes. The requirement to provide reasonable accommodation covers all services, programs, and non-work facilities provided by the employer. If making an existing facility accessible would be an undue hardship, the employer must provide a comparable facility that will enable a person with a disability to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment similar to those enjoyed by other employees, unless to do so would be an undue hardship.
If an employer has several qualified applicants for a job, is the employer required to select a qualified applicant with a disability over other applicants without a disability?
No. The ADA does not require that an employer hire an applicant with a disability over other applicants because the person has a disability. The ADA only prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability. It makes it unlawful to refuse to hire a qualified applicant with a disability because he is disabled or because a reasonable accommodation is required to make it possible for this person to perform essential job functions.
If the health insurance offered by my employer does not cover all of the medical expenses related to my disability, does the company have to obtain additional coverage for me?
No. The ADA only requires that an employer provide employees with disabilities equal access to whatever health insurance coverage is offered to other employees.
Are people with AIDS covered by the ADA?
Yes. The legislative history indicates that Congress intended the ADA to protect persons with AIDS and HIV disease from discrimination.
If I am a student at Wayne State University, am I covered by the ADA?
Yes. As a student, you would contact Educational Accessibility Services (see contact information below).
Educational Accessibility Services
5221 Gullen Mall / 583 Student Center Building
Detroit, MI 48202
Telephone: (313) 577-1851
TTY: (313) 577-3365
FAX: (313) 577-4898
Web: http://www.eas.wayne.edu
Educational Accessibility Services
5221 Gullen Mall / 583 Student Center Building
Detroit, MI 48202
Telephone: (313) 577-1851
TTY: (313) 577-3365
FAX: (313) 577-4898
Web: http://www.eas.wayne.edu