Employee Reasonable Accommodations
CUNY Procedures for Implementing Reasonable Accommodations for Employees
The City University of New York (“CUNY”) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to allow qualified individuals the opportunity to participate in programs, activities, and employment. CUNY recognizes that there may be times when employees and their supervisors can resolve accommodation requests informally. However, in many cases, such requests require a more formal process with the request being made to and considered by a designated decision-maker, with the opportunity for an appeal, as provided for in these procedures.
The following procedures apply to reasonable accommodations in connection with:
- a disability
- pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth
- religious practices, and status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offense or stalking
CUNY will thoroughly review all requests on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable federal, state and New York City law.
CUNY prohibits retaliation against individuals for requesting reasonable accommodations appealing decisions concerning such requests, or for making or participating in claims of discrimination.
All requests for accommodations and academic adjustments, and all supporting documentation, including but not limited to medical information, are considered confidential and will be shared with college officials only on a need-to-know basis. Such documentation will only be used to evaluate the requested accommodation.
Requesting an Accommodation
Applicants for Employment:
Applicants are given an opportunity to self-identify as disabled. Applicants for employment seeking an accommodation to participate in the application/interview process should contact the Director of Human Resources at the College or unit to which they are applying. Applicants may be asked to complete an intake form and provide supporting documentation concerning their disability. The Director of Human Resources will refer the applicant to the Employee Accommodations Specialist and the applicant will engage in an interactive process, which may include a consideration of a number of factors, such as the applicant’s limitations and the application process and requirements, with the goal of finding an acceptable accommodation.
Current Employees
Current Employees
Current employees seeking reasonable accommodations should contact the Employee Accommodations Specialist. Employees may be asked to complete an intake form and provide supporting documentation. The Employee Accommodations Specialist and the employee will engage in an interactive process, which may involve a consideration of a number of factors, such as the employee’s limitations and the job requirements, essential duties, and office size and structure, with the goal of finding an acceptable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to, modifying work schedules, granting breaks or providing leave, relocating the employee, reconfiguring work spaces or equipment, providing assistive technology or equipment, or reassigning the employee to a vacant position for which the employee is qualified.
A grant or denial of the employee’s request must be made as soon as practicable, considering the urgency of the request, and sent to the employee in writing, either stating the accommodation to be provided, or for denials, the reason(s) the request was denied.
Reasonable Accommodations Appeal Process
Employees and job applicants may appeal a denial of a request for an accommodation by following the procedures listed below:
- First step: File a written complaint with The Director of the Office of Accessibility Services.
- The Employee Accommodation Specialist and The Director of the Office of Accessibility Services will schedule a meeting to try to resolve the issues between the employee and college or unit to find an acceptable accommodation.
- Email: accessemployee@csi.cuny.edu
- Second step: If the denial is upheld, the employee or job applicant can submit a written request to the Title IX & Section 504 representative.
- Third step: A written appeal can be submitted to the President of the College.
- Email: president@csi.cuny.edu
Visitor Accommodations
Visitors seeking accommodations should contact in a timely manner the 504/ADA Coordinator at the College or unit they are visiting. The 504/ADA Coordinator may refer the request to the relevant campus office(s) for processing. Notices about campus events should include contact information for the 504/ADA Coordinator of the College or unit where the event is being held.
FAQs
How long does the Employee Accommodations Specialist have to respond to my request?
Time restricted requests (i.e. per semester or per academic year, event specific) should be made as soon as the person becomes aware that they will need an accommodation to ensure the request is reviewed in a timely manner.
What does the process of requesting an accommodation look like?
The interactive process is the procedure through which the Employee Accommodations Specialist and an individual requesting an accommodation work together to identify what barriers exist within the individual’s ability perform the essential functions of a particular job or participate in an activity within the campus. The intention is to find a reasonable accommodation that would enable the employee to perform the job.
The interactive process is a flexible and individualized approach and often includes a:
- review of the individual’s abilities and limitations (including supporting documentation)
- the essential functions of the job
- factors or job tasks that may pose a difficulty
- how the person may be accommodated without creating an undue hardship on the employer
Can I request a provisional or a temporary accommodation while I wait to receive medical documentation to support my request?
Yes. In some cases, the Employee Accommodation Specialist may approve certain requests on a provisional basis prior to receiving medical documentation.
Will my health information be shared with my supervisor?
All requests for an accommodation and all supporting documentation, including but not limited to medical information, are considered confidential and will be maintained in the Office of Accessibility Services database. Accommodation information will only be released when appropriate to fulfill an accommodation request.
Is the accommodation permanent or does it need to be reviewed? How often does the request have to be reviewed?
This is addressed on a case-by-case basis during the interactive process.
Contact Information
Anjail Ameen-Rice
Employee Accommodations Specialist