I. Policy
Illinois State University is committed to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in University programs and activities. The University strives to continually improve the accessibility of our campus, programs and activities to individuals with disabilities. Illinois State University recognizes that individuals with disabilities may require reasonable accommodations to have equally effective opportunities to participate in or benefit from our educational programs, services, activities, and employment opportunities.
No Illinois State University student, employee, or member of the public attending a University-sponsored event shall be excluded from participating in or denied the benefits of any University program or activity on the basis of his or her disability. Illinois State University will not tolerate harassing behavior related to a person's disability that is sufficiently severe or pervasive such that it interferes with an individual's participation in a University program or activity or unreasonably interferes with an individual's work or academic performance, by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment. Whether the harassing conduct is considered severe or pervasive depends upon the context, nature, scope, frequency, duration, and location(s) in which the behavior occurred, as well as, the person(s) involved. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal employment opportunities and access to University academic programs, services, and facilities in accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
A reasonable accommodation is any adjustment made to provide an equal opportunity to an individual with a disability. While there are some requests that are not considered reasonable accommodations (e.g., removal of an essential job function or personal use items such as a hearing aid that is needed on and off the job), an acceptable reasonable accommodation will enable an otherwise qualified individual to apply for a job, perform a job, or have equal access to the University's academic programs, services, and facilities.
Under applicable state and federal law, an individual with a disability is a person who:
- Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
- Has a record of such an impairment; or
- Is regarded as having such an impairment.
Reasonable accommodations must also be made to members of the public who attend University-sponsored events. The sponsoring University department is responsible for accommodating the needs of participants in any public event. This means conducting events in accessible locations and may mean providing sign-language interpreters, printed material in Braille, or alternative formats such as audio recordings if requested in advance. Departments will include an accommodation statement in publications inviting participation in University-sponsored events. Additional information and assistance are also available at Student Access and Accommodation Services who will work with the Sponsoring Department.
Procedures can be found at the Student Access page.
II. Requesting an Accommodation
The University has designated the following offices to administer the reasonable accommodation process. All requests for reasonable accommodation will be handled by these offices.
For applicant or employee requests:
Office of Equal Opportunity and Access
Procedures can be found at: 1.3.1 Reasonable Accommodation Procedures for Employees or Applicants.
For student or members of the public requests:
Student Access and Accommodation Services
Procedures can be found at: the Student Access page.
III. Complaints
Illinois State University has adopted grievance procedures to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging a violation of the University's Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy. The complaint procedures can be found at the Equal Opportunity reports page.