University Human Resources

Employee Accommodation Services

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Inquiry Form

Employee Accommodation Services

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and nondiscriminatory workplace. We support the employment and success of qualified individuals with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations when needed to enable employees to perform the essential functions of their roles.

All accommodation requests are administered in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), as well as Brown’s Employment Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities Policy.

A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows an individual with a disability to perform essential job duties and enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

  • Modifying or acquiring equipment
  • Adjusting work schedules
  • Restructuring job duties
  • Providing a leave of absence

Our Approach

The accommodation process is collaborative and interactive. It typically involves the employee, the University Human Resources (UHR) Office of Leave and Accommodations, the employee’s manager or department head, the HR Business Partner and other relevant experts as needed. Each request is evaluated on an individual basis to determine an appropriate and effective accommodation.

Requesting an Accommodation

What to Expect

  • Confirmation: You will receive confirmation within 24–48 hours of submitting your request.
  • ​Next Steps: Instructions will be shared with you, your manager and your HR Business Partner within 5 business days.
  • Documentation: If requested by the UHR Office of Leave and Accommodations, supporting medical documentation is due within 15 days.
  • ​Decision Timeline: Accommodation determinations are generally made within 30 days, though additional time may be needed if further documentation is required.
  • Confidentiality: Medical and sensitive information is handled confidentially and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

The Accommodation Process

Employee Initiates a Request to UHR

 
  • Online Form
  • Return-to-work Process
  • Email
  • Zoom Office Hours

UHR Confirms Request

 

UHR confirms receipt and provides guidance on next steps to employee, manager and HR.

Interactive Process

 

Employee, manager, HR and UHR engage in discussions to explore appropriate accommodations.

Documentation (if needed)

 

Reasonable Accommodation Determination

 

UHR evaluates the request and communicates the approved accommodation plan.

30-Day Follow-Up

 

UHR checks in with all parties within 30 days (or as needed) to assess effectiveness.

Appeals

 

If a request is denied or partially approved, employees may file an appeal request through the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator.

 

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Employees may voluntarily update their disability status in Workday. This process is separate from requesting an accommodation and does not initiate an accommodation request.

To update your status, search “Change Self-Identification of Disability” in Workday.  

For more information on self-identification, applicable laws or to access the official form, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website. This form is also available for reference on the U.S. Department of Labor website.

Roles and Responsibilities

Medical Information

When the need for accommodation is not readily apparent, medical documentation may be required to confirm a qualifying condition and support the request. While Brown provides an ADA Medical Accommodation Questionnaire, other appropriate documentation may also be accepted.

All medical information is maintained separately from personnel files and is accessible only to authorized individuals. Relevant limitations, not diagnoses, may be shared with managers or HR Business Partners when necessary to implement accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Inquiry Form