Employees with Disabilities

Delaware State University and the Center for Disability Resources (CDR) value all aspects of diversity and want to ensure that any University employee with a disability receives equal and equitable access to employment, programs, goods, and services. To that end, we work proactively with employees with disabilities and other University Stakeholders to gather information and determine reasonable accommodations.

Accommodation Request Process – University Employees

1. Complete and submit the online Employee Request for Accommodations Form
2. Submit medical documentation that meets our Documentation Requirements
   • Documentation can be uploaded with the Employee Request for Accommodations Form or emailed to aksmith [at] desu.edu.
   • Any medical documentation, diagnosis information, and/or symptoms information is housed securely in the CDR, is not included in any University employee file, and is not shared without the expressed written consent of the employee. The only exception being a verifiable need-to-know.
3. Engage in the interactive process.
   • As soon as appropriate medical documentation and the Employee Request for Accommodations Form are received, a confirmation email will be sent to the employee in order to schedule a meeting with the Director of the Center for Disability Resources.
   • During the meeting, the Director will engage the employee in a collaborative conversation about their experience in a working environment, barriers to access they feel they encounter, and any accommodations being requested.
4. Accommodation Determination
   • The Director of the CDR will review all documentation and information from the interactive process and make a determination of reasonable accommodations. If additional information is needed regarding an employee’s essential job responsibilities and the facilitation of those responsibilities, the Director will reach out to University Stakeholders on an as needed basis. No private or confidential medical information is ever shared during this process.
5. Accommodation Letter Delivery
   • If/when accommodations have been approved, the Director of the CDR will issue an Accommodation Letter to the employee with copy to their Supervisor and any other party responsible for facilitating an accommodation.
6. Accommodation Letter Renewal
   • The Accommodation Letter is generally valid for 1 (one) semester unless otherwise stated on the Letter and must be renewed by the employee through the CDR before the start of an upcoming semester where accommodations are also being requested.
   • To renew an Accommodation Letter, the employee should contact the Disability Resources Consultant via email at aknettler [at] desu.edu and provide an updated doctor’s letter unless otherwise directed by the Consultant.
   • Once the renewal request is received the Consultant will follow up with the employee and Supervisor to ensure there have been no changes in essential job functions of departmental business needs before making a final renewal determination.

It is the expectation of Delaware State University and the Center for Disability Resources that the employee maintains contact with the Center and remains actively involved in the accommodation process. Any questions or concerns regarding accommodations should be communicated to the Disability Resources Consultant as soon as possible and additional appointments made, if appropriate.