The University of Connecticut (UConn) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all members of its community, including those with disabilities. Understanding your rights and the resources available is crucial for both employees and students. This guide outlines how to access ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accommodations at UConn, ensuring equal opportunities in employment and academics.
Understanding ADA Accommodations at UConn
The University of Connecticut is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities and academic programs. This commitment is reflected in the services and support provided by various departments across the university.
For employees at UConn who believe they may require accommodations due to a disability, the first point of contact is the ADA Case Manager within the Department of Human Resources. This dedicated role is responsible for managing and facilitating requests for employee ADA accommodations.
Tiffanie Roback serves as the ADA Case Manager and can be reached for assistance:
- Phone: (860) 486-2598
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit the Employee Accommodations page for more information.
Supervisors and managers who receive accommodation requests from their employees are also encouraged to contact the ADA Case Manager for guidance and support in the process. Prompt communication and collaboration are essential to ensuring timely and effective accommodations.
Academic Accommodations for Students
Students at the University of Connecticut who require accommodations in their academic pursuits should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). The CSD is the designated office for coordinating and providing academic accommodations to students with disabilities across all UConn campuses.
The Center for Students with Disabilities can be reached at:
- Visit the Center for Students with Disabilities website for detailed information and contact details for specific campuses.
Whether you are a student seeking classroom accommodations or an employee needing workplace adjustments, UConn has dedicated resources to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the appropriate office for assistance and to learn more about the accommodation process.
University-Wide Commitment to Access and Accommodations
The University of Connecticut Committee on Access and Accommodations underscores the institution’s broad commitment to inclusivity. This committee plays a vital role in ensuring that UConn, across all its campuses including regional locations, the School of Law, and the School of Social Work, is positioned to provide equal opportunities and full participation for individuals with disabilities.
The Committee focuses on:
- Ongoing assessment and awareness of access and accommodation needs.
- Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation.
- Coordination among university units involved in providing access and accommodations.
- Continuous improvement of UConn’s accommodation practices through best practice identification and problem-solving.
Addressing Discrimination and Filing Complaints
UConn prohibits all forms of disability discrimination, including the failure to provide reasonable accommodations and harassment based on disability. The Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) encourages all members of the UConn community to actively participate in maintaining a discrimination-free environment.
If you experience or witness disability discrimination by a University employee, including the denial of reasonable accommodations, report it to the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE):
- Phone: (860) 486-2943
- Email: [email protected]
- Discrimination and/or Discriminatory Harassment Complaint Form
For information about the complaint process, review OIE’s procedures and flowcharts available on their website. You can also contact the University’s ADA Coordinator for further assistance:
Sarah Chipman
Interim Associate Vice President, Interim ADA Coordinator, Director of Equity Response and Education, Interim Title IX Coordinator
241 Glenbrook Rd., Unit 4175 Storrs, CT 06269
Tel: (860) 486-2943
[email protected]
External Civil Rights Enforcement Agencies
In addition to internal resources, individuals also have the right to file complaints with external agencies that enforce civil rights laws. These agencies ensure compliance and protect individuals from discrimination in educational and employment settings.
-
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): Enforces federal civil rights laws in education programs and activities, including Title II of the ADA. The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
-
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on disability and other protected characteristics. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
-
Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO): Enforces state laws against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit transactions within Connecticut. The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)
-
U.S. Department of Labor: Administers federal labor laws, including those related to workplace safety and fair labor practices. The U.S. Department of Labor
By understanding these resources and procedures, both employees and students at the University of Connecticut can confidently navigate the process of requesting and receiving ADA accommodations, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable university community.
Downloadable Resources:
