Accommodation Process for Disabilities and Pregnancy-Related Conditions

These guidelines set out the process for making and assessing employee requests for accommodation of disabilities and pregnancy-related conditions. The process is a collaborative and interactive one that fosters information sharing, constructive communication, and thoughtful decision making.

Employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job. A “disability” is generally defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. In order to be covered by applicable law, the employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. The decision to grant an accommodation does not necessarily imply an acknowledgment that the employee is disabled within the meaning of applicable law.

Employees with limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions also may request reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job. In order to be covered by applicable law, the employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations; however, an employee may be considered qualified if their inability to perform an essential function is for a temporary period, the essential function could be performed in the near future, and the inability to perform the essential function can be reasonably accommodated.

To request accommodations, employees should submit the applicable accommodation request to Human Resources using the link or QR code below. The form will be maintained separately from the employee’s personnel file. Upon receipt of the request form, Human Resources will determine what additional information may be necessary to consider the request, such as information from the employee’s healthcare provider. Human Resources will then facilitate discussion involving the employee and department management to evaluate the request and determine whether and what type of accommodation is warranted. Qualifying employees will be provided a reasonable accommodation, but not necessarily the accommodation of their choice. If the employee is not satisfied with the decision, they may request further review by the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources or their designee.

Assistance Information for Questions

Contact EmployeeRelations@wustl.edu if you have any questions or need assistance completing the form. If prompted, please enter your WUSTL email and login using your WUSTL key to access the request form. If you are requesting accommodation before being assigned a WUSTL key, please email EmployeeRelations@wustl.edu.

For religious accommodation requests, please email EmployeeRelations@wustl.edu.

Additional Forms (If requested)

These guidelines are not applicable to students, who should contact Disability Resources with questions about disability accommodations.