What is Wayne State's policy on protections for persons with disabilities?

Wayne State University supports the rights of all persons, including those with disabilities.  If you have a question about equal opportunity for persons with disabilities, including requests for reasonable accommodation, please contact the OEO. 

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities.  It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation and government services.

What is the purpose of the ADA?

If you are a qualified person with a disability, the ADA protects you from discrimination and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees. 

What does "qualified" mean?

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability is an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question.

Who is a "person with a disability"?

A person with a disability under the ADA is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment.

What is a "major life activity" under the ADA?

Examples of major life activities listed in the ADA regulations include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, sitting, standing, lifting, and mental and emotional processes such as thinking, concentrating, and interacting with others.

A major life activity also includes the operation of a major bodily function, included but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine and reproductive functions.

What is a reasonable accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment in the workplace that permits a qualified  person with a disability apply for a job, perform the essential functions of a job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment.  An employer is required to make a reasonable accommodation to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee if it would not impose an "undue hardship" on the operation of the employer's business.

What resources are available?

Those seeking more information on disabilities, accommodation and/or the ADA are welcome to contact the OEO by phone or e-mail.  Further technical information can be found by visiting the Department of Justice's ADA Home Page at http://www.ada.gov/.   

Where can I request an accommodation or get more information?

If you are a student in need of more information on disabilities or academic accommodations at Wayne State University, contact the Student Disability Services Office (SDS) at by filling out the SDS new student registration request form.

If you are an employee in need of more information on disabilities or a reasonable accommodation, contact the OEO at (313) 577-2280.