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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Americans with Disabilities Act, As Amended? 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.
  • How does the ADAAA define disability? 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.
  • What is the definition of accommodation? 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.
  • What type of healthcare provider can provide documentation? 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.
  • What is the university's policy on Service and Assistance Animals? 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. 

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