1. Help
2. Campus map
3. Find people
4. Search OSU

• Disability Studies
• ASL
• Disability Services

Workplace Accommodation Fund

It is the policy of The Ohio State University that discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities is prohibited. Pursuant to Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the University provides equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
In the context of employment, reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to a job, the work environment, or the way things are done that enables a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential job functions. The determination of what accommodation is reasonable in a particular situation involves a process in which the department and the employee identify the impacts of the disability and explore potential accommodations that would overcome those limitations. Human Resources Consulting Services and The ADA Coordinator’s Office are available to assist in determining disability, evaluating its impacts, identifying reasonable accommodations, and resolving disputes related to the accommodation process.

As suggested above, the accommodation process is expected to be interactive with participation from the employee, the supervisor and the units Human Resources contact. Accommodating employees is considered a shared responsibility between hiring units and central administration.

Employing units are expected to fund expenses normally provided for all employees, independent of disability status (such as phones, computers, technology upgrades, professional development opportunities, and other tools of the position.)

When there is an accommodation request, The ADA Coordinator’s Office is available to assist in evaluating the presence and impact of a disability, determining appropriate accommodations and, when appropriate, seeking outside funding for accommodations.

Employing departments are typically expected to cover accommodation expenses under $500.00.

Employing Departments are expected to initiate the purchase of needed equipment or services once they are identified as reasonable accommodations.

Employing departments can request a subsidy from the Workplace Accommodation Fund for accommodations expenses above $500.00; the expectation will be a 50% subsidy from the fund for one time or ongoing expenses that could not have been anticipated for the current budget cycle.

Employing departments are expected to build continuing and anticipated expenses into their next budget.

When submitting a request for subsidy the employing unit’s Human Resources Contact (or departmental designee) will provide the following information to the ADA Coordinator ’s Office:

• Name of employee, the accommodation requested and any documentation already collected in support of the request.
• A copy of the employee’s current job description.
• Available information on any previous accommodations provided.