Inclusion Policy for Employees with Disabilities

Authority: Inclusive Excellence
Date Enacted or Revised: Enacted May 14, 2018; Revised March 16, 2022; January 3, 2023

Purpose

McNeese State University does not discriminate against a qualified individual on the basis of disability and is committed to providing access to its programs, services, and activities. Efforts to ensure non-discrimination and academic adjustments for students, accommodations for applicants and visitors, and reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities are based on the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. Inquiries may be directed to the director of inclusive excellence, Burton Business Center, Room 404, (337) 475-5428; (337) 475-5960 Fax; (337) 562-4227 TDD/TYY, hearing impaired; or cdo@mcneese.edu.

Scope

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability is an individual who, with or without a reasonable accommodation or an accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position. Essential functions are those duties that are so fundamental to the position that the individual cannot do the job without being able to perform the essential functions. An employer is required to make an accommodation or a reasonable accommodation to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee if it would not impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer’s business. Undue hardship is generally defined as an action requiring significant difficulty or expense when considered in light of factors such as an employer’s size, financial resources, and the nature and structure of its operation. An employer is not required to lower quality or production standards to make an accommodation, nor is an employer obligated to provide personal use items such as glasses or hearing aids.

The determination of whether a person has an ADAAA disability will not take into consideration whether the person is substantially limited in performing a major life activity when using a mitigating measure. This means that if a person has little or no difficulty performing any major life activity because they use a mitigating measure, then that person may meet the ADAAA’s definition of disability.

Mitigating measures may not be considered in determining whether an individual has an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. An exception is made for ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses that may be taken into account. Limitations that are episodic or in remission are considered in their active state. The fact that a person’s limitations go into remission or come and go is not relevant to determining whether the impairment substantially limits a major life activity.

The University’s definition of disability aligns with the ADAAA. An individual with a disability is a person who:

  • Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include but are not limited to caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. Major life activities also include major bodily functions, such as functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, and digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions;
  • Has a record of such an impairment; or
  • Is regarded as having such an impairment.

Title I of the ADAAA also covers:

  • Medical Examinations and Inquiries: Employers may not ask job applicants about the existence, nature, or severity of a disability. Applicants may be asked about their ability to perform specific job functions. A job offer may be conditioned on the results of a medical examination, but only if the examination is required for all entering employees in similar jobs. Medical examinations of employees must be job related and consistent with the employer’s business needs; and
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Employees and applicants currently engaging in the illegal use of drugs are not covered by the ADAAA when an employer acts on the basis of such use. Tests for illegal drugs are not subject to the ADAAA’s restrictions on medical examinations. Employers may hold illegal drug users and alcoholics to the same performance standards as other employees.

It is also unlawful to retaliate against an individual for opposing employment practices that discriminate based on disability or for filing a discrimination charge, testifying, or participating in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or litigation under the ADAAA.

Consequences

A harassment or discrimination policy violation by any faculty or staff member of the University may result in and may not be limited to the following: discharge, termination of appointment or contract, demotion, or written reprimand. In addition, that individual as well as the University may be held responsible for any legal claims that may arise.

Training

The University and the state of Louisiana will provide training in the areas of inclusion, diversity, and equity, and the prevention of sexual misconduct.

Communication

This policy is distributed via the University Policies webpage.