Workplace Accommodations

Tulane University provides reasonable accommodations for faculty and staff with disabilities who request them under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

What is an accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a person with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by staff without disabilities.

For example, a reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to:

• Acquiring or modifying equipment or devices.
• Job restructuring.
• Modified work schedules.
• Removing readily achievable barriers.

ADA Flyer

New Directions: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

New Directions is our new EAP provider. New Directions offers programs and services to help individuals achieve better health and overcome barriers in life. Tulane employees will have access to webinars, onsite trainings, and mobile applications that can assist with work-life services, mental health & therapy and professional training.

New Directions Flyer

What if I’m not sure if I need a reasonable accommodation?

The Reasonable Accommodation Process, following the guidelines established by Title I of the ADAAA, is a collaborative and interactive process.

If you are not sure if you qualify for accommodations, contact the Executive Director for Campus Accessibility & ADA/504 Coordinator to have a confidential conversation about your condition and the requirements of your job. The Executive Director will not share the fact that you contacted her, or your medical information, without your permission.  

What is the process for requesting a reasonable accommodation?

The process is a confidential, interactive one, with possibly several individuals involved.

• The employee is responsible for initiating requests for a disability-related workplace accommodation by contacting the ADA/504 Coordinator, and/or their supervisor or designated human resources business partner (HRBP).
   
• A request for reasonable accommodation is the first step in an informal, interactive process between the employee and the employer.
   
• The employee will be asked to fill out the Reasonable Accommodations Request Form and return it to the ADA/504 Coordinator by email to Kathryn Lafrentz or by fax at 504-862-8435. The contents of the form are confidential, and the form will not be placed in the general HR employment record.
   
• The ADA/504 Coordinator may request medical documentation to support the request. Employees should not give medical records to their supervisor.
   
• The ADA/504 Coordinator will then review the request form and medical documentation and engage in an interactive process with the employee before making a determination on the requested accommodation.
   
• The supervisor and the department will implement the recommended accommodation, maintaining the confidentiality of the employee who has requested the accommodation.
   
• The ADA/504 Coordinator is available to assist with the implementation of the recommended accommodation.

Reasonable Accommodations Request Form

If you have any questions about the ADA, reasonable accommodations, or require assistance completing the request form, please contact the Executive Director for Campus Accessibility & ADA/504 Coordinator, Kathryn Lafrentz by phone at 504-247-1751, by fax at 504-862-8435 or by email at klafrentz@tulane.edu.