The University of Vermont determines reasonable workplace accommodations through an individualized, interactive process involving the employee, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS), the employee’s supervisor, or other appropriate University representatives, and, when necessary, Human Resources or others with relevant information.
An employee may disagree with a decision concerning a requested workplace accommodation. Additional discussion, clarification, or documentation may sometimes resolve the concern. Employees may request reconsideration or appeal an accommodation decision without fear of retaliation.
Informal Reconsideration
An employee who disagrees with an accommodation decision is encouraged to contact OAS within ten (10) business days after receiving the written decision.
The employee should explain the basis for the disagreement and may provide additional information or suggest alternative accommodations. OAS may meet with the employee, request additional documentation, consult with appropriate University representatives, or explore other effective accommodations through the interactive process.
OAS will generally provide the employee with a written response within ten (10) business days after receiving the request for reconsideration and any information needed to evaluate it.
Participation in informal reconsideration does not prevent an employee from pursuing a formal appeal or another applicable University complaint or grievance process.
Formal Appeals
An employee who wishes to file a formal appeal may submit it in writing to the University ADA/504 Coordinator. If the ADA/504 Coordinator was substantially involved in the original accommodation determination or has another conflict of interest, the University will designate another qualified and impartial reviewer who was not involved in the original decision.
Whenever practicable, the appeal should be submitted within ten (10) business days after the employee receives the accommodation decision or the result of informal reconsideration.
The appeal should include:
- The employee’s name and contact information
- The date and description of the accommodation decision being appealed
- An explanation of why the employee believes the decision should be reconsidered
- Any additional supporting information
- The accommodation or other outcome requested
- A copy of the decision, if available
The ADA/504 Coordinator or designated impartial reviewer will review the appeal and may request additional information from the employee, OAS, Human Resources, the employee’s department, or others with relevant knowledge. The reviewer may request additional information from the employee, OAS, Human Resources, the employee’s department, or others with relevant knowledge.
The University will generally provide a written determination within ten (10) business days after receiving the appeal and the information necessary to review it. If additional time is required, the employee will be notified.
The University may consider appropriate interim measures while an appeal is pending. Filing an appeal does not automatically delay implementation of the original accommodation decision.
Concerns About Implementing an Approved Accommodation
An employee who is having trouble obtaining or using an approved accommodation should contact OAS as soon as possible. OAS will work with the employee and appropriate University representatives to address implementation concerns promptly.
Disability Discrimination or Retaliation
This appeal process applies only to decisions regarding workplace accommodations. Concerns alleging disability discrimination, harassment, or retaliation are addressed through the University’s applicable discrimination complaint process. Employees may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity for information or assistance.
Confidentiality and Accessibility
Information related to an accommodation request or appeal will be maintained and shared in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements.
OAS will provide assistance or an alternative method for submitting an appeal upon request. Employees will not be subject to retaliation for requesting an accommodation, seeking reconsideration, filing an appeal, or raising an accessibility concern.
Contact
UVM Office of Accessibility Services
University of Vermont
633 Main Street, Burlington VT 05405
Email: access@uvm.edu
Phone: (802) 656-7753