Student Rights and Responsibilities Under the ADA and Section 504

At the University of Vermont, we are committed to ensuring equal access to education for all students, including those with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act establish the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities and the obligations of institutions to provide reasonable accommodations.

Student Rights

As a student with a disability at UVM, you have the right to:

• Equal access to academic programs, services, and activities.
• Reasonable accommodations to ensure access to learning environments and materials.
• Confidentiality regarding your disability status and related accommodations.
• Self-advocacy and participation in decisions regarding accommodations and support services.
• Protection from discrimination or retaliation based on your disability.

Student Responsibilities

To receive accommodations, students must:

• Disclose their disability and request accommodations through the Office of Accommodations and Services (OAS): Student Accessibility Services.
• Provide appropriate documentation from a qualified professional to support accommodation requests.
• Communicate with instructors and SAS staff about their needs and any accommodation-related concerns.
• Follow university procedures for implementing accommodations and report any challenges in a timely manner.
• Uphold the academic and behavioral standards of the university.

University Responsibilities

UVM is responsible for:

• Providing reasonable accommodations that do not fundamentally alter academic programs.
• Ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to all university programs and services.
• Maintaining confidentiality and respecting students’ privacy regarding disability information.
• Offering resources and support through OAS to facilitate an inclusive learning environment.

• Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Accommodations (PDF)
• Documentation Requirements

• Time Management and Organization Tips
• Note-Taking and Study Techniques
• Test-Taking Strategies for Different Learning Styles

• Available Assistive Technology and Software (Screen Readers, Text-to-Speech, etc.)
• How to Access Digital and Alternate Format Materials
• Using Accessibility Features in Common Platforms (Microsoft, Google, LMS, etc.)

• UVM Undergraduate Tutoring Center
• Mental Health and Counseling Services (CAPS)
• Career Center

• Common Questions About Accommodations (PDF)
• Contact Information for Accessibility Services

• How to Talk to Professors About Accommodations – I have it in pdf – but it has us in CFAS – and need to update it.
• Knowing When and How to Ask for Help (PDF)

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, employees with disabilities have key rights and protections in the workplace. Here’s an overview of those rights:

1.  Protection from Discrimination
   1. Employers cannot discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in hiring, promotion, firing, compensation, or any other aspect of employment.
2. Right to Reasonable Accommodations
   1. Employees with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations that enable them to perform essential job functions.
   2. Examples include:
      1. Modified work schedules
      2. Assistive technology
      3. Remote work options
      4. Accessible workspaces
      5. Employers must provide accommodations unless they cause an undue hardship (significant difficulty or expense).
3. Right to Confidentiality
   1. Employers must keep medical information confidential and separate from general personnel files.
   2. Information can only be shared with supervisors or safety personnel on a need-to-know basis.
4. Protection from Retaliation
   1. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for requesting accommodations, filing a complaint, or exercising their rights under the ADA or Section 504.
5. Coverage Under Section 504
   1. If you work for a federally funded employer, Section 504 provides similar protections as the ADA.
   2. It applies to federal agencies, public schools, universities, and organizations receiving federal grants.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, employees with disabilities also have responsibilities to ensure a fair and cooperative workplace. Here are the key responsibilities:

1. Requesting Accommodations
   1. Employees must inform their employer if they need a reasonable accommodation to perform their job.
   2. This request can be made in writing or verbally, but clear communication helps ensure timely and appropriate adjustments.
   3. Employees should be prepared to discuss how their disability affects their job and suggest possible accommodations.
2. Providing Necessary Documentation
   1. Employers may request reasonable medical documentation to confirm the need for an accommodation.
   2. Employees should provide this documentation in a timely manner and work with their employer to determine an appropriate accommodation.
3. Engaging in the Interactive Process
   1. Employees should actively participate in discussions with their employer about accommodation options.
   2. If a suggested accommodation does not work, employees should communicate their concerns and explore alternatives.
4. Meeting Essential Job Functions
   1. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of their job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
   2. The ADA and Section 504 do not require employers to remove essential job duties or lower performance standards.
5. Following Workplace Policies
   1. Employees with disabilities must adhere to workplace rules, policies, and conduct standards that apply to all employees.
   2. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to help meet these expectations, but they do not exempt employees from following company policies.
6. Reporting Discrimination or Retaliation
   1. If an employee experiences discrimination or retaliation for requesting an accommodation, they should report it to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

• How to Request an Accommodation (Step-by-Step Guide)
• Examples of Common Workplace Accommodations
• Required Documentation and Deadlines
• What to Expect in the Accommodation Process

• Assistive Technology and Ergonomic Resources
• Flexible Work Arrangements and Remote Work Accommodations
• Accessible Workplace Design and Modifications

• Training on Accessibility and Inclusive Work Environments
• Time Management and Productivity Tools
• Career Advancement Resources for Employees with Disabilities

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Counseling Services
• Stress Management and Work-Life Balance Tips
• Disability Affinity Groups and Employee Resource Networks

• How to Talk to Your Supervisor About Accommodations
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation Services
• Knowing When and How to Ask for Help

• Common Questions About Workplace Accommodations
• What to Do If an Accommodation Request Is Denied
• Contact Information for Accessibility and HR Support