Accessibility
PNW is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities, educational programs, services, activities, and events.
The Office of Institutional Equity provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, facilitates accommodations for university-sponsored events and responds to campus accessibility concerns.
Accommodation Overview
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a process or environment which removes barriers. In the workplace, a reasonable accommodation will enable a qualified person with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities and perform the essential functions of their job.
Employee Accommodations
If you are an employee with a disability and need a workplace accommodation, please:
- Employee requests reasonable accommodation(s) under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). To initiate the process, employee contacts Tim Griffin, Associate Director of OIE, (219) 989-2163, timothyg@pnw.edu
- Employee meets with the Associate Director at respective campus. During this meeting the following will occur:
- The Associate Director explains the interactive process to the employee;
- Employee completes the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form; and
- Employee completes the Authorization for Use, Disclosure or Release of Protected Health Information and Medical Records for Evaluation Under the Americans with Disabilities Act Form
- The Associate Director faxes to the employee’s health care provider(s) the following:
- Authorization for Use, Disclosure or Release of Protected Health Information and Medical Records for Evaluation Under the Americans with Disabilities Act Form;
- Employee’s Position Description; and
- Health Care Provider Evaluation Form
- The health care provider completes the Health Care Provider Evaluation Form and returns to the Associate Director.
- The Associate Director determines if the employee is an individual with a disability by reviewing the evidence provided on the Health Care Provider Evaluation Form and by making a decision if the employee has an impairment and if the impairment substantially limits a major life activity as defined in the ADA requirements.
- If the outcome is the individual does not have a disability per the ADA, then the Associate Director communicates this in a letter to the employee and no further action is taken.
- If the outcome is the employee is an individual with a disability, then the Associate Director, employee, and supervisor meet to discuss possible reasonable accommodations. Once the accommodations have been identified, the Associate Director communicates this in letters to the supervisor and employee and the accommodations are implemented.
Individuals who are employed at Purdue University and are requesting reasonable accommodation(s) under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) are encouraged to complete this form in its entirety. If you are unable to complete this form on your own, someone else may complete the form on your behalf.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified applicant’s or employee’s known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, absent undue hardship on the University. The PWFA does not replace federal, state, or local laws that are more protective of workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
PWFA key provisions and resources for employees and supervisors can be found here.
PNW ADA Coordinator
Contact the ADA Coordinator to discuss your request.
Additional Access Requests & Concerns
In the classroom (on-campus or online), an accommodation will allow you an equal opportunity to engage in the educational experience. If you are a student who needs an accommodation, please contact the PNW Accessibility Center.
If you are participating in or attending a University sponsored activity or event, an accommodation ensures you enjoy equal access and an equal opportunity to take part. To request a disability-related accommodation for events, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity at oie@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2163 five days prior to the event.
Please help us maintain an accessible campus. If you should see anything which prevents you from accessing or participating in any University program, activity, service , or event; please let us know by reporting your Campus Accessibility Concern or contacting your campus ADA Coordinator.