Procedures for Requesting Accommodations for Disability or Religion

Disability

Individuals with physical or mental impairments who are otherwise qualified to perform their work or pursue their studies may request reasonable accommodations to enable them to work or continue their studies. The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and Iowa’s Civil Rights Act enables covered individuals to receive accommodations so long as the accommodations are reasonable and do not cause an undue hardship or fundamentally alter an academic program. An individual’s specific request for accommodation may not necessarily be granted if there are other effective means of achieving the same result. Individuals must communicate with university personnel to identify reasonable, effective accommodations. In all instances, documentation will be required to substantiate the need for an accommodation.

For students, you must contact Student Disability Resources at the Academic Success Center to initiate the accommodation process.

For employees, you should inform your supervisor of your need for workplace accommodation. If you or your supervisor require additional assistance, contact Human Resource Services or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

Inquiries regarding ergonomics may be directed to Environmental Health and Safety.

Religion

Iowa State University welcomes diversity of religious beliefs and practices, recognizing the contributions differing experiences and viewpoints can bring to the community. There may be times when an academic or work requirement conflicts with religious observances and practices. If that happens, students and employees may request reasonable accommodation of their religious practices. In all cases, you must put your request in writing. The instructor or supervisor will review the situation in an effort to provide a reasonable accommodation when possible to do so without fundamentally altering a course or creating an undue burden for the department.

For students, you should first discuss the conflict and your requested accommodation with your professor at the earliest possible time. You or your instructor may also seek assistance from the Dean of Students Office or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

For employees, you should inform your supervisor of the conflict and your requested accommodation at the earliest possible time. You or your supervisor may also seek assistance from Human Resource Services or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

For students and employees, it is advisable to confront any potential conflicts as early as possible rather than waiting until the deadline or event is upon you, leaving everyone little time to plan and consider alternatives in a comprehensive way. For students, this can be accomplished as soon as you receive the course syllabus. If an accommodation is given, students and employees may be required to complete coursework or work assignments in advance of an absence, which further demonstrates the need to address the conflict early.

If any student or employee feels that he or she has been discriminated against because of religion, he or she may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity and/or file a complaint under the Discrimination and Harassment policy.