Accommodations for Disabilities Policy
Dartmouth-Hitchcock is committed to the fair and equal employment of people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation is the key to this non-discrimination policy. While many individuals with disabilities can work without accommodation, other qualified applicants and residents face barriers to employment without the accommodation process. It is the policy of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities when such accommodations are directly related to performing the essential functions of a job, competing for a job, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. This policy applies to all applicants, residents, and residents seeking promotional opportunities.
Definition
Disability: For purposes of determining eligibility for a reasonable accommodation, a person with a disability is one who has a physical or mental impairment that materially or substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Reasonable accommodation
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, an employment practice, or the work environment that makes it possible for a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy an equal employment opportunity.
Examples of accommodations may include acquiring or modifying equipment or devices; modifying training materials; making facilities readily accessible; modifying work schedules; and reassignment to a vacant position.
Reasonable accommodation applies to three aspects of employment:
- To assure equal opportunity in the employment process;
- To enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job; and
- To enable a resident with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.
Procedure – Current residents
The resident should notify the Benefits Administration office (3-1400) of a need for an accommodation.
- Both the resident and their physician will need to complete the ADA application and return it to the Benefits Administration Office.
- When a qualified individual with a disability has requested an accommodation, Dartmouth-Hitchcock shall, in consultation with the individual and the department:
- Discuss the purpose and the essential functions of the particular job involved. Completion of a step-by-step analysis may be necessary.
- Determining the precise job-related limitation,
- Identify the potential accommodations and assess the effectiveness each would have in allowing the individual to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Select and implement the accommodation that is the most appropriate for both the individual and the employer. While an individual's preference will be given consideration, Dartmouth-Hitchcock is free to choose among equally effective accommodations and may choose the one that is less expensive or easier to provide.
- The ADA Team designee will work with the resident to obtain technical assistance, as needed.
- The ADA Team will provide a decision to the resident within a reasonable amount of time.
