UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Accessibility and Accommodations Information
The University of Wisconsin–River Falls is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to permit employees, students and visitors access to employment, programs, activities and facilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a national mandate that requires UW–River Falls to provide reasonable access to all of its facilities, programs, and services to people with disabilities.
For student accessibility and accommodations, visit the Ability Services web site.
For employee or guest accommodations information, contact Michelle Benedict, ADA coordinator, michelle.benedict@uwrf.edu.
Employee Disability Accommodation
The University of Wisconsin–River Falls is committed to providing a workplace for our employees where they can be successful. This includes providing reasonable accommodations in order for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities. The Human Resources Office is responsible for UW–River Fall's compliance with the employment provisions of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
- An anti-discrimination law for individuals with disabilities.
- A national mandate to provide access to all aspects of American life to people with disabilities.
What does the ADA Cover?
- Employment
- Access to facilities, programs, services, activities
- Telecommunications
- Transportation
- Other miscellaneous provisions
What do ADA Provisions Require?
Employment provisions of the ADA require good faith efforts by an employer and an employee who is a qualified individual with a disability to identify reasonable accommodations that permit the employee to perform the essential functions of the position.
Who is covered under the ADA Employment Provisions?
- Academic Staff
- University Staff
- Faculty
- Interns
- Limited Appointees (e.g., deans, directors)
- Postgraduate Trainees
- Program/Project Assistants
- Research Associates
- Student Hourly Employees
- Undergraduate Assistants
- Undergraduate Interns
ADA Responsibilities
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides that no qualified individual with a disability be denied access to or participation in services, programs, and activities at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. This act applies to virtually all aspects of campus activities, including employment, student programming, and services provided to the community at large.
ADA Employment Provisions: Key Terms
Qualified Individual with a Disability:
An applicant or employee with a disability who has the qualifications for the position desired or held (through training, education, experience) and who can perform the position's essential functions with or without accommodations.
Disability:
A mental or physical impairment, or record or perception of a mental or physical impairment, that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., the ability to walk, talk, see, hear, breathe, learn, sleep, take care of oneself, or work).
Reasonable Accommodation:
Any modification that permits a qualified individual (applicant, employee) with a disability to perform the essential functions of a position without imposing undue hardship on the employer.
Undue Hardship:
An accommodation that is unduly costly, extensive, or disruptive to the employer.
Essential Functions:
Those duties that exist as the very purpose for the position and must be performed by the person holding the position. Essential functions must be distinguished from marginal functions which may be eliminated or reassigned to other employees. Factors to consider are:
- the number of employees available to perform the function
- the consequences of not having the function performed
- whether the function requires special skills for which the employee was hired
Forms and Publications
