Accommodations Policy

Responsible Unit: Human Resources | Executive lead: CHRO
Created: 5/2008 | Revised: 11/4/2019, 3/14/2023 | Effective: 3/14/2023
Compliance: Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008, RCW 162-30-020; Chapter 49.60 RCW; Chapter 162-22 WAC; and WAC 357-46-160 through 357-46-175, WAC 250-61-110 (3), NWCCU 2.C.2, 2.F.1
Approving Body: PAC | Classification: Institution-wide 

Policy:  
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences will not discriminate in its services, programs, or activities against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability. PNWU also does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Dept. of Education, the U.S. Dept. of Justice, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.   

Discriminatory harassment directed at students and employees with disabilities because of their disabilities is strictly prohibited. 

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences reasonably accommodates employees, employment applicants, and students (who are otherwise qualified for admission and can meet the minimum technical standards) with disabilities as long as there is evidence establishing a relationship between the disability and the need for accommodation, and the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the University. All reasonable accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis by conducting an individualized assessment. 

Definitions:

Disability: The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability.

Reasonable Accommodation: Modifying or adjusting practices, procedures, policies, or job duties; or the work, assessment, learning, or application environment so that a qualified individual with a disability can perform a position’s essential functions, and/or enjoy equal employment or education opportunity.

Undue Hardship: An excessively costly, extensive, substantial, or disruptive modification, or one that would fundamentally alter the nature or operation of the University or program. 

Procedure:
Student Accommodations Procedure 
Employee Accommodations Procedure  

Related Documents:
Enforcement Guidance: Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Washington State Pregnancy Accommodations
Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
PNWU Nondiscrimination Policy

Policy Resources

For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Lori Fulton
lfulton@pnwu.edu