Student Employment Accommodations

Disability Services supports both undergraduate and graduate students with accommodations for their on-campus employment. Non-student UMass employees can receive accommodations through the Accessible Workplace Unit within Human Resources.

Just as with academic accommodation, employment accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Accommodations cannot constitute a substantial alteration of the job duties; rather, they are modifications or adjustments that enable the employee with a qualifying disability to participate equally. In addition to disability-related documentation, students are encouraged to share with Disability Services their written job description or contract to support the accommodation review process. In many cases, it is also necessary for Disability Services to connect with the student’s supervisor directly to discuss the feasibility of accommodations, so students should also be prepared to share contact information for the supervisor.

In most cases, the department employing the student is just looking for verification from Disability Services that the student’s requested accommodation is reasonable and appropriate. The employer is typically responsible for any costs incurred related to the accommodation, such as the purchase of ergonomic furniture.

Students who are already registered with Disability Services for housing or academic accommodations can reach out to their assigned Access Coordinator via email or schedule a check-in meeting with them to discuss workplace accommodations. Students who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so, and should articulate the request in the Accommodation Request section.