Workplace reasonable accommodations are available for employees who have a disability or medical condition and are in need of support in order to fulfill the essential functions of their positions. To get started with this interactive process, please contact Human Resources. There is additional information on the process below.
Additional Information
In order to get started with the interactive process, please reach out to Human Resources. You will be required to complete the Reasonable Accommodation Request form (found on the HR Forms page of the portal) in order to officially initiate your request. You will also receive a copy of your job description if you do not have one already.
The typical interactive accommodation process is that you officially put in your request by submitting the Reasonable Accommodation Request form (found on the HR Forms page of the portal) and later any supporting medical documentation, you meet with Human Resources to discuss your request and how the accommodations will help you to fulfill the essential functions of your position, Human Resources reaches out to your supervisor to discuss the request with them, and Human Resources may reach out to other groups on campus as needed (e.g., Facilities). NO medical information is shared with your supervisor or these groups. The discussions continue in an interactive manner until accommodations that are considered most effective for both you and the university, and that will not create an undue hardship for the university, have been approved.
You will need to submit the Reasonable Accommodation Request form (found on the HR Forms page of the portal), and later supporting medical documentation. It is generally best to obtain the medical documentation following your initial discussion with Human Resources so that you have had the chance to discuss any impacted job duties, and therefore have a better idea of what you will need to discuss with your doctor.
The necessary documentation is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, typically doctors will provide a letter of support that includes enough information so that it is clear that there is a legitimate medical situation, and language regarding how the requested accommodation will allow the individual to complete the essential functions of their position. The doctor does not need to disclose the specific medical condition or disability. If any additional documentation is needed you will be notified.
The interactive process can take anywhere from several days to several weeks or more, depending on the nature of the request and the receipt of sufficient documentation.
No. Specific requested accommodations may not be feasible for the university to provide. However, we must look at all options available and, through the interactive process, come a conclusion about what works best for both you and the university and does not create an undue hardship for the university.
Accommodations under this interactive process are available for employees only. However, individuals who wish to discuss intermittent FMLA leave in order to care for qualifying family members are welcome to reach out to Human Resources.
Additional information on Illinois Tech’s Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found on our website here. Additional information about reasonable accommodations in general can be found on the Job Accommodation Network’s website.