{"id":269,"date":"2025-08-14T17:01:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T21:01:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/?page_id=269"},"modified":"2026-02-17T15:21:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T20:21:34","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/accommodations\/resources\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs for Employees"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Who is covered by the reasonable accommodation policy?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>This process applies to all employees of Boston University, as well as applicants for employment.<\/li>\n<li>Students seeking accommodation should contact Disability and Access Services at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:access@bu.edu\">access@bu.edu<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What is a reasonable accommodation?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to the work environment or to the way job duties are performed that enables an individual with a disability to carry out the essential functions of their position and enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What is considered a disability?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an employee with a disability is defined as a person who:\n<ul>\n<li>Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;<\/li>\n<li>Has a record of such an impairment; or<\/li>\n<li>Is regarded as having such an impairment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do I know if I need an accommodation?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you are having difficulty completing your job duties related to your own medical condition or disability, you may submit a Request for Accommodation.<\/li>\n<li>Your supervisor, an HR representative, or a staff member from Occupational Health may suggest you apply for an accommodation and refer you to EOO.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What documentation do I need to provide?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Employees will be asked to submit a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cm.maxient.com\/reportingform.php?BostonUniv&amp;layout_id=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Request for Accommodation<\/a>, detailing their request and identifying their supervisor.<\/li>\n<li>The EOO will need to receive supporting medical documentation in order to review any request for reasonable accommodation. Upon submission of a request, we will email you the required form, which must be returned within 14 days. You can also access the form ahead of time here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/files\/2024\/10\/Request-for-Medical-plus-Provider-FAQs-Sept-2024.pdf\">Request for Medical Information for ADA Accommodations<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What if my medical provider does not complete the form?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Depending on the request, the EOO may be unable to complete its review without supporting medical documentation. While you may reopen a request, the EOO will close the review if documentation is not received from your medical provider within 14 calendar days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Why do I need to have an accommodation through EOO? My department already recognizes my need for accommodation.<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Boston University does not recognize informal agreements as official accommodations. If you are unable to perform the essential functions of your position due to a disability or medical condition, the process housed within EOO is required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What happens after a request is made?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>When an employee makes a request to our office for reasonable accommodation due to a disability, our office is charged with facilitating the interactive dialogue between the employee and their supervisor.<\/li>\n<li>The interactive dialogue is designed to explore accommodations that will allow an employee to complete the essential functions of their position.<\/li>\n<li>Our office does not have the authority or knowledge to determine how an accommodation would impact a college or department, or to make decisions about appropriate accommodations independent of the employee\u2019s college or department.<\/li>\n<li>After our office reviews the employee\u2019s request, we work with the employee and the employee\u2019s school\/college (or administrative unit) to determine whether or not potential accommodations are reasonable and ask for the school\/college\u2019s (or administrative unit\u2019s) approval.<\/li>\n<li>Our office shares the decision of the school\/college (or administrative unit) to approve or not approve a proposed accommodation and the interactive dialogue may continue or conclude depending on the outcome of the conversations with the employee and school\/college (or administrative unit).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How long does it take to review an ADA accommodation request and make a determination?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>There is no established time period for processing, as each request must be examined on an individualized basis. The processing timeline also depends on how quickly the required forms completed by the employee and the healthcare provider are returned, and the availability of the employee and the supervisor to begin the interactive process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What if I need Medical Leave?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You would apply for leave through Sedgwick, which manages this process for BU Human Resources. Please use this link:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/lifebu\/paid-family-and-medical-leave\/for-staff\/how-to-access-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to Access Benefits<\/a>\u00a0for the information you need. If you have questions regarding leaves, contact the HR Service Center at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:hr@bu.edu\">hr@bu.edu<\/a>\u00a0or 617-353-2380.<\/li>\n<li>If you have exhausted your PFML\/FMLA, or are ineligible for PFML\/FMLA, then you may seek medical leave as an accommodation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">I had an approved accommodation but then went out of work on medical leave. Upon my return, will my previous accommodation still be active?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Once you go out on leave, a previously established accommodation cannot accurately reflect whether it meets your current needs. As such, our office asks that you submit a new request and updated medical documentation which will allow us to engage in the interactive dialogue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What if I\u2019m not sure if I need an accommodation?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You can contact EOO at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:accomm@bu.edu\">accomm@bu.edu<\/a>\u00a0if you have questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Will I be paid if I miss time from work?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Any questions about your compensation should be directed to your HR Business Partner or the HR Service Center at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:hr@bu.edu\">hr@bu.edu<\/a>\u00a0or 617-353-2380.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Will my medical information be shared?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Information is shared on a need-to-know basis. Only the individuals working on your accommodation request will have access to your medical information.<\/li>\n<li>For confidentiality reasons, employees should not share any medical information with their supervisors.<\/li>\n<li>The discussion with your supervisor will center around your limitations as confirmed by your medical provider, and the EOO will not share information regarding your disability or medical condition with your supervisor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What do I do if I no longer need my accommodation(s)?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you would like to make any changes to your accommodation, contact EOO directly at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:accomm@bu.edu\">accomm@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">I am a caregiver for a family member with a disability. Can I request a reasonable accommodation?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>No. Caregivers of individuals with disabilities are not entitled to receive workplace reasonable accommodations under the ADA. For leave options related to caring for a family member, contact\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:hr@bu.edu\">HR.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do I request a religious accommodation?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Religious accommodations are administered through Human Resources. If you would like to request religious accommodation, please contact your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/home\/contacts\/hrbp-contact\/\">HR Business Partner<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Students seeking religious accommodations should contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/chapel\/students\/religious-holidays-policies\/\">Marsh Chapel and Religious Life<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":8780,"featured_media":0,"parent":63,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8780"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=269"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1000,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269\/revisions\/1000"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/63"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}