Accommodations

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OHSU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is central to our mission and a key part of our success. 

OHSU is an equal-opportunity employer. Unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship, OHSU makes accommodations for employees and prospective employees for:

  • Physical or mental disabilities.
  • Limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or lactation.
  • Religious expression.
  • Experiencing domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking.

We know not every disability is visible. OCIC can help ensure equal access to the OHSU workplace. 

If you’re thinking about requesting an accommodation, consider reaching out to:

Ability Resource Group for peer support. This group seeks to improve accessibility at OHSU and to create a culture of inclusion.

Request an accommodation

For employees and job applicants

You can use one of the forms below or contact OCIC at ocic@ohsu.edu or 503-494-5148 for help.

Disability accommodations forms:

Pregnancy accommodations forms:

Religious accommodations forms: 

Workplace accommodations notice: 

    For students

    Disability accommodations:

    Pregnancy accommodations:

    Religious accommodations forms: 

      Report a physical barrier

      Types of accommodations

      OCIC makes sure OHSU complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal and state laws related to accessibility.

      The ADA has a wide definition of disability to make sure that employees can request and get the reasonable accommodations they need to do their job and have equal employment opportunities.

      OHSU will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants who have limitations related to pregnancy. Many laws protect employees who are pregnant or caregivers:

      • The Family & Medical Leave Act and the Oregon Family Leave Act protect employees who are expecting or adopting.
      • Title IX prohibits discrimination due to pregnancy.
      • Paid Leave Oregon provides paid time off to employees to care for themselves or others.
      • The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees.

      If a sexual-misconduct situation threatens your safety, you may qualify for safety accommodations under Title IX and Oregon law.

      Learn more

      Accommodations process for employees

      We give each request for accommodation a fair evaluation. The process includes discussion about:

      • Physical or mental limitations
      • Barriers to access in your work
      • Your work environment and job duties
      • Coming up with solutions

      It’s important to know:

      • Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of their job even if they have accommodations. 
      • OHSU is not required to provide accommodations that create an undue hardship to operations.
      • Employees with disabilities must meet the same performance and conduct standards as their peers.
      • Lowering these standards is not a reasonable accommodation.

      Are you a student? The Office for Student Access handles accommodations for students.

      The most common steps for employees are below. Keep in mind that each situation is unique. You may not need to follow all of these steps in this order.

      1. Notice. You inform your supervisor or Human Resources of the need for a workplace modification or accommodation due to a mental or physical condition. Or you submit a request form to OCIC.
      2. OCIC interview. OCIC meets with you to learn more about your situation and needs and to advise you on options.
      3. Notification. OCIC notifies your supervisor and HR of the request. OCIC gets a position description from your department.
      4. OCIC meets with your supervisor and HR. OCIC will meet with relevant parties to discuss your job duties and accommodation request.
      5. Health care provider input. OCIC may ask you to sign a release to contact your health care provider. OCIC may request your health information to better understand your request for accommodation. We will not request medical information for known or obvious impairments. We will keep any information your provider shares confidential.
      6. OCIC provides determination. By the end of the process, OCIC will inform you and your manager if you have a qualified disability and will get a reasonable accommodation plan.

      Communications

      All OHSU communications should include information about reasonable accommodations.

      Events:

      All publications and announcements (posters, flyers, ads, web announcements, registration materials, etc.) for OHSU-sponsored events on or off campus should contain this statement:

      If you have a disability and need an accommodation to attend or participate in this event, please contact [name and phone number of department or organization responsible for the event] at least five business days before the event.

      All publications:

      All OHSU publications (brochures, flyers, posters, etc.) must contain this statement:

      This information is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact [name and phone number of department or organization responsible for the publication].

      Submit a report to OCIC

      Contact OCIC

      We can:

      • Answer your questions
      • Provide forms and resources in other languages or with improved digital access
      • Help you request accommodations
      • Help you report a barrier

        Questions, concerns