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Accessibility FAQs

Accessibility FAQs

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended) (“ADA”) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”)?

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended) (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal statutes that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and require that individuals with disabilities be provided with equal access to goods and services and effective accommodations.

What conduct is prohibited by the University’s Policy?

The University’s Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of a person’s status as an individual with a disability (in addition to other protected classes under the law). Discrimination on the basis of this characteristic is unlawful. The Policy also prohibits retaliation.

What is retaliation?

Retaliation is an adverse action taken against a person participating in a protected activity because of the person’s participation in that protected activity. Retaliation against an individual for alleging harassment, supporting a party bringing a complaint, or assisting in providing information relevant to a claim of harassment is a serious violation of University policy and will be treated as another possible instance of harassment or discrimination. Acts of alleged retaliation should be reported immediately to Bridget Collier, Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity Programs and ADA/ Section 504 Coordinator for the University and will be promptly investigated.

How do I request a reasonable accommodation?

The University is committed to making sure its programs are accessible to studentsfacultyother academic appointeesstaffpostdoctoral researchers, and visitors with disabilities. For more detailed information on how to request an accommodation, visit the Request an Accommodation Page.

For students seeking an accommodation. Contact Student Disability Services. 

For faculty, other academic appointees, or postdoctoral researchers seeking an accommodation. Contact Elizabeth Honig, Director, Office for Access and Equity.

For staff seeking an accommodation. Contact the Employee and Labor Relations Team.

For visitors seeking an accommodation. Contact your event sponsor or Elizabeth Honig, Director, Office for Access and Equity.

Questions? Contact Elizabeth Honig, Director, Office for Access and Equity.

What can I expect after I request a reasonable accommodation?

After a student has contacted Student Disability Services to request a reasonable accommodation, the student will work with SDS to complete the disability determination process and, where appropriate, to identify any reasonable accommodation according to the process set forth in the Student Manual. Likewise, faculty, other academic appointees, staffpostdoctoral researchers, or visitors seeking an accommodation, will work closely with the Office for Access and Equity and/or the Employee and Labor Relations Team to make a disability determination and, where appropriate, to identify reasonable accommodation(s). The University will provide equal opportunities in accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable state and federal laws. For more information, visit the Request an Accommodation Page.

How can I report problems with the disability determination process or my reasonable accommodation(s)?

Students concerned about the disability determination process and/or their reasonable accommodations are encouraged to first contact Charnessa Warren, Director for Student Disability Services in accordance with the process set forth in the Student Manual. If the student’s concerns or problem(s) persist, the student may contact Liz Honig, Director, Office for Access and Equity, to request review. Likewise, faculty, other academic appointees, staff, or postdoctoral researchers, with concerns about the disability determination process and/or their reasonable accommodations may contact Liz Honig, Director, Office for Access and Equity, to request review.

How can I report an incident of discrimination or discriminatory harassment on the basis of disability?

All members of the University community are encouraged to report incidents of discrimination, including on the basis of a person’s status as an individual with a disability. To raise concerns or to file a complaint under our Policy on Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, you may report an incident online, by phone (773.834.6367), or by email (equalopportunity@uchicago.edu).

For more information on Discriminatory Harassment, including information on the available options for pursuing a complaint of discriminatory harassment on the basis of disability, visit the Discriminatory Harassment page and its FAQs.

Is there a time limit for reporting an incident?
There is no time limit for reporting incidents. We do encourage reporting an incident as soon as possible in order to maximize our ability to respond promptly and effectively.