Non-Discrimination and Accommodation

Non-Discrimination and Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities (Excerpted from the Policy on Affirmative Action, 8/2020)

Non-Discrimination and Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities

It is illegal to discriminate against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability. The College recognizes the multitude of barriers that confront persons with disabilities in access to both employment and education. Consistent with state and federal statutes that affirm and protect the equal opportunity rights of persons with disabilities, the College adopted a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

The College will take constructive measures to ensure equal opportunity in all areas of employment including recruitment, selection, upgrading, opportunities for training and development, rate of compensation, benefits and all other terms and conditions of employment. The College will periodically examine all existing employment policies, practices and facilities to ensure that they do not pose a disparate impact for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Where such disparity is found, it will be corrected as quickly and completely as is reasonable under existing conditions. Accordingly, all College facilities may not be available and accessible at a particular time.

The College will periodically examine all existing admissions, student support and other student life policies, practices and facilities to assure that they do not pose a disparate impact for otherwise qualified disabled students. Where disparity is found, it will be corrected as quickly and completely as is reasonable under existing circumstances. Accordingly, all College facilities may not be available and accessible at a particular time. The College will adopt a policy of non-discrimination with respect to admissions, access to programs and facilities and services for all otherwise qualified disabled persons

A “reasonable accommodation” under state and federal law is defined as “modifications or adjustments to an application process, job, work environment, the way work is customarily performed, or a course of study that permit a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a position or to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment or education equally with persons without disabilities.”

State and federal laws define the “interactive process” as an ongoing communication between, among other parties, employer and employee, college and student, with a known disability in an effort to provide a reasonable accommodation. Both parties must engage in the interactive process and communicate directly with each other in order to formulate an effective accommodation plan. Neither party can delay or interfere with the process.

The College is required to make reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would make an undue hardship on the operation of a College’s business or result in a fundamental alteration of a job or academic course or program. Undue hardship means an action that requires significant difficulty or expense when considered in relation to factors such as the College’s size, financial resources, and the nature and structure of its operation. Fundamental alteration is a change that is so significant that it alters the essential nature of a job or an academic course or program.

A student or student applicant seeking a reasonable accommodation for a disability may contact the College’s Student Access and Support Services Office. Inquiries and requests related to 504/ADA accommodations and services should be directed to Leonard Russ, Assistant Dean of Student Support Services, 978-656-3348, russl@middlesex.mass.edu Lowell campus, Cowan Center Room 407.

An employee or job applicant seeking a reasonable accommodation may contact Pamela Medina, Assistant Director of HR/AAO, 781-280-3536, medinap@middlesex.mass.edu Bedford campus, Cataldo Building (Building 10).

Students or employees who feel that they have been harassed or discriminated against on the basis of their disability, in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or other applicable law, may file a formal or informal complaint. Complaints should be directed to Pamela Medina, Assistant Director of HR/AAO, 781-280-3536, medinap@middlesex.mass.edu Bedford campus, Cataldo Building (Building 10).

Last Modified: 1/9/24