Overview
What is disability?
At the University of Oregon, disability is a consequence of environmental, social, and attitudinal barriers that may prevent people from fully participating in society.
Guided by the legal foundations of federal laws, we strive to remove systemic barriers and make changes to facilitate access and inclusion for students and employees with disabilities.
Learn more about the legal definition of disability on the Accessible Education Center's website.
I have a disability. What resources are available for me at the UO?
At UO, graduate students can request disability-related support through the Accessible Education Center and the Office of Human Resources.
Accessible Education Center (AEC)
AEC supports your academics as a graduate student through individualized plans for reasonable accommodations.
Phone: (541) 346-1155
Email: uoaec@uoregon.edu
Office of Human Resources (HR)
HR supports your work as a GE in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Phone: (541) 346-3159
Email: workplaceADA@uoregon.edu
I'm unsure if I need accommodations. Who should I contact?
For academic support: Make an appointment with an AEC Advisor to discuss your situation. Dedicated staff for graduate students can help you to figure out what academic accommodations, if any, might work for you. Even if you do not have current documentation of your disability, you are still encouraged to meet with an Advisor.
For work-related support: Contact ADA Coordinator by phone at (541) 346-3159 or email at WorkplaceADA@uoregon.edu.
How do I get support for my academics as a student?
Make an appointment with an AEC Access Advisor to discuss your situation.
The Access Advisor will ask about your educational and medical history, current concerns, and anticipated areas of support. You will review any documentation of disability (psychoeducational evaluation, letter from medical provider, etc.) at this appointment.
If you do not have current documentation, there is no problem. You are still encouraged to meet with an Access Advisor.
How do I get support for my work as a graduate employee (GE)?
Visit the workplace ADA website and complete an Accommodation Request Form online or submit a PDF form to WorkplaceADA@uoregon.edu.
In most circumstances, you will be asked to meet with HR and discuss the circumstances surrounding your need and request for accommodation.
Visit HR's workplace ADA website
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AEC support accommodations for GE positions?
No. AEC supports accommodations for UO graduate students in their capacity as a student. If you are seeking accommodations related to their GE, you should contact HR.
Do I have to go through both AEC and HR processes?
Yes, if you have a disability-related need for both academic accommodations related to your coursework and workplace accommodations related to your graduate appointment.
Will future employers know that I had accommodations at the UO?
AEC does not disclose disability accommodation information to future employers, unless the student or former student has specifically requested and consented to AEC providing that information or AEC becomes legally required to disclose it.
Do accommodations apply to comprehensive exams (oral, written, exam comps)?
Accommodations may be available for oral presentation, written, exam, and other types of comps. Access Advisors will speak to registered students with disabilities about their specific needs, classes, comps, exams, and other academic requirements to determine what reasonable accommodations may be available.
Do accommodations apply to clinical settings or external placements (EP)?
Students can work with their Access Advisor to discuss reasonable accommodations for an external placement (EP). An EP is a required internship, clerkships, field work, practicum, clinicals, or rotations, or otherwise experience that is attached to a specific course or program. An EP satisfies a university degree, and at times, licensure requirements. EP’s ordinarily are not paid and students are not considered employees of the third party organization.
Why are there two different processes for AEC and HR accommodations?
Academic accommodations are intended to ensure students have equal access to education. Workplace accommodations are intended to ensure individuals are able to perform the essential functions of their position and have equal access to employment and appointment opportunities. These assessments are different.
Contact
If you have any other questions, email us at gegradstudies@uoregon.edu.