Frequently Asked Questions
ADA FAQ's
Q. What is the Americans with Disabilities Act, As Amended?
A. The Americans with Disabilities Act, As Amended (ADAAA) is a federal law that provides protections for individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, public access, and housing. In the employment context, the ADAAA requires employers (such as UMass Amherst) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they can perform the essential functions of their jobs.
Q. How does the ADAAA define disability?
A. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
- An impairment includes any physiological disorder or condition or any mental or psychological disorder such as an intellectual disability, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.
- Major life activity refers to activities that an average person can perform, including, but not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, communicating, or interacting with others.
Q. What is the definition of accommodation?
A. An accommodation is any change in the work environment (or in the way things are usually done) to help a person with a disability apply for a job, perform the essential duties of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment. Eliminating a necessary function of a position is not a reasonable accommodation.
Q. What type of healthcare provider can provide documentation?
A. Under federal regulations, a "healthcare provider" is defined as a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, podiatrist, dentist, chiropractor, clinical psychologist, optometrist, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, clinical licensed social worker, or Christian Science practitioner.
Q. What is the university's policy on Service and Assistance Animals?
A. The university supports using service and assistance animals on campus in compliance with applicable federal and state laws. At the same time, it recognizes the health and safety risks potentially created by unrestrained animals on campus. The University's Service Animal and Assistance Animal Policy sets forth the roles and responsibilities of individuals bringing animals on campus.
Salesforce ADA FAQ's
Q. When requesting multiple accommodations, do I need to submit multiple requests?
A. No. Only one submission is needed for multiple accommodations. All accommodations can be requested within a single submission.
Q. Can I submit an accommodation request if I don’t have supporting documentation at the time of submission?
A. Yes. You may submit your request without documentation. However, you may be asked to provide supporting documentation later during the intake process.
Q. What should I do if I entered incorrect information in my request?
A. After submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation email. Use the link in that email to return to your case and update your information.
Q. Can I still submit an accommodation request through AskHR?
A. No. Effective May 1, accommodation requests can no longer be submitted through AskHR.
Q. Do we still submit FMLA leave requests through AskHR?
A. No. FMLA requests must be submitted through the FMLA website. Sick Leave Bank requests should still be submitted through AskHR.
Q. Do I need to download an accommodation request form?
A. No. Visit the ADA accommodation website to submit your request directly online.
Q. Is this system secure?
A. Yes. The system is designed to protect your personal and medical information and complies with applicable privacy and security standards.
Q. How will I be notified of the status of my request?
A. You will receive an email notification once the interactive process is complete and a decision has been made.
Q. After my case is completed (e.g., Approved, Approved with Modifications, or Denied), can I make changes to my request?
A. No. Once a case is closed, changes cannot be made. You will need to submit a new accommodation request.
Q. If my case is denied, how long do I have to submit an appeal?
A. You have 10 business days from the date of your decision to submit an appeal.
Q. How do I submit an appeal?
A. Refer to your status notification email and locate the denied accommodation. Follow the instructions provided to submit your appeal. A new appeal case will be created.