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Working with Individuals with Disabilities at Texas A&M. Kristie Orr, Ph.D. Director, Disability Services Texas A&M University **Much of this presentation is taken from a University Risk and Compliance presentation with the permission of Ms. Annette Wallis. Why this topic?.
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Working with Individuals with Disabilities at Texas A&M Kristie Orr, Ph.D. Director, Disability Services Texas A&M University **Much of this presentation is taken from a University Risk and Compliance presentation with the permission of Ms. Annette Wallis.
Why this topic? • Vision 2020 Imperative 6 • Campus Diversity Plan • Americans with Disabilities Act/ADA Amendments of 2010 • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1976
ADA Compliance Committee -ADA Coordinator- Associate Vice President for University Risk and Compliance -Students- Disability Services -Faculty- Dean of Faculties -Staff- Human Resources
ADA Requirements • Texas A&M provides a welcoming environment to individuals with disabilities • Reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified employees or prospective employees with disabilities • Reasonable accommodations for visitors attending university events
What is a disability? • A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. • Major life activities: walking, breathing, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning, performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, etc.
What if someone discloses? • Employees are responsible for disclosing their disability and accommodations needs • Typically immediate supervisor will be informed • Requests don’t have to be in writing • Work with employee in interactive decision-making process
Interactive Process -Employee discloses disability and requests accommodations -Employee and supervisor discuss reasonable accommodations, often can be worked out easily -Determine all accommodations on a case- by-case basis -If no agreement reached, involve next level supervisor
Examples of Reasonable Accommodations -Making existing facilities accessible -Modified work schedules/flex schedules -Acquiring or modifying equipment -Changing tests, manuals, procedures -Sign language interpreting -Changing work location
Contact Us Department of Disability Services Cain Hall, Room B118 Phone/TTY: 979.845.1637 Fax: 979.458.1214 Email:disability@tamu.edu Website:http://disability.tamu.edu/