Lehigh University is committed to diversity and nondiscrimination and supports the full employment of qualified individuals with disabilities in its workforce in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), and all applicable local fair employment practices laws.
All reasonable accommodation requests for Faculty and Staff, including exempt and nonexempt, can be submitted to Kelly Woodbridge, Accommodations Specialist, in Human Resources. Student requests should be directed to the Assistant Dean of Students, Academic Support Services and/or to the Associate Director, Disability Support Services.
Disability Accommodation Policy
To ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, Lehigh University will provide a reasonable accommodation, including auxiliary aids, to disabled applicants and employees (exempt staff, non-exempt staff, and faculty) to enable them to participate in the application/interview process, perform the essential functions of their jobs, and to participate in all University programs and activities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship on the University.
If a faculty or staff member believes they need an accommodation, it is their responsibility to initiate a request for a reasonable accommodation by contacting the Accommodations Specialist (located in the Human Resources (HR) Department), either orally or in writing.
Lehigh University encourages all supervisors to notify HR immediately of any faculty or staff accommodation request(s) brought to their attention to ensure that the proper process is followed. Supervisors should not implement accommodations without consulting with HR and ensuring the proper accommodation request process has been followed. Supervisors shall implement reasonable accommodations that HR recommends (in consultation and coordination with HR), keep the disability request confidential, and monitor any interactions with the requesting individual to ensure that such interactions are not legitimately construed as retaliatory.
Human Resources Role
Human Resources (HR) shall:
- Inform applicants and employees of the disability accommodation request process
- Coordinate requests for disability accommodations
- Refer employees to appropriate offices for assistance in evaluating their requests
- Oversee the disability accommodation process for employment-related requests
- Provide advice, guidance, and assistance in ADA accommodation requests, including determining what type of medical documentation is necessary
- In consultation with the supervisor, other appropriate offices, and other resources as needed, decide if requested accommodations are appropriate and effective
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Role
The EAP is responsible for providing confidential counseling to employees who seek assistance in resolving concerns, including work-related concerns.
Lehigh University provides employee assistance via the confidential services of HealthAdvocate. HealthAdvocate will refer employees with disability accommodation requests or concerns to Human Resources.
Resources and Information
- Accommodate
- ADA.gov
- Employee Assistance Program (HealthAdvocate)
- Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion
- Job Accommodation Network
- Lehigh University Disability Accommodation Policy for Faculty and Staff (login required)
- Medical Information Request and Verification Form
- Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
- Situations and Solutions Finder
- United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission