Accommodations

It is Oakland University's (OU) policy to ensure equal opportunities to students, faculty, and staff. As a university committed to diversity and non-discrimination, OU provides academic and employment accommodations for those with disabilities. Oakland University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008) and The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and upon request, will arrange reasonable accommodations to those qualified. With these efforts, we hope to create a safe and welcoming environment.  

Am I Qualified as an Individual with a Disability?:

The ADA's definition of a disability includes having "...an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment." The ADA also states that "a substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, walking, caring for oneself, learning or working." Individuals that fit these criteria are qualified as a person with a disability.

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?:

A reasonable accommodation is any adjustment to a job, work environment, work policy or practice that would help a person with a disability and does not cause an undue hardship to the university. In a workplace or job environment, any change or adjustment that enables qualified candidates or employees with disabilities to apply for jobs, perform essential functions, and enjoy equal rights and benefits qualifies as a reasonable accommodation. Accommodations are unique to each individual and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What are Examples of Reasonable Accommodations?

Some common accommodations include:
●    Assistive technology 
●    Flexible work arrangements 
●    Workspace/office adjustments and/or reassignment
●    Furniture accommodations
●    American Sign Language interpreter services
●    Job restructuring materials in alternate formats (large print, braille, etc.)

Am I Protected by the ADA?:

Qualified individuals with disabilities are protected from employment discrimination under Title I of the ADA.

What if I am an OU Student with a Disability?:

If you are a student with a disability, please contact the Disability Support Services (DSS) office at (248) 370-4327 or by email at [email protected].

Where Can I Report an Accessibility Barrier?:

If you have an accessibility barrier to report, please fill out the Report an Accessibility Barrier form.

How can I request an accommodation? 

If you are a person with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request using the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

Medical Inquiry Form (Online)

Medical Inquiry Form (Print)

Oakland University must provide accommodations to pregnant students and employees, as well as those recovering from childbirth. These accommodations can take several forms, including: excusing absences, providing reasonable adjustments to the regular program, allowing students to make up missed work, and allowing students to return to the same academic and extracurricular status they had before any pregnancy or birth-related absence(s) began.

Those who feel they have been discriminated against for pregnancy or birth-related events should contact the Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible. More information on the Pregnancy Discrimination Act can be found on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission page.