If the decision is that the request should be denied on the basis that accommodation would impose an undue financial hardship on USM, the request will be forwarded to the ADA Coordinator in the System Office for review by the appropriate members of the System ADA Committee before the individual is notified. Departments that offer programs or events which are open to the public will invite participants with disabilities to request in advance any accommodations needed to allow them to participate. Public events and programs include, for example, noncredit courses, public lectures and cultural events, graduation, and athletic competitions. It will be deemed that a reasonable advance notice of ten day notice be given by anyone needing accommodations. However, any reasonable requests, regardless of the time frame will be responded to with the goal of providing access to, and participation in, all USM programs, services and activities.
Employees are responsible for requesting accommodations.
The University may not impose accommodations on any individual. However, anytime that non-reappointment or other adverse action involving an employee is being considered, if the supervisor has reason to believe that a disability may be involved, the supervisor should ask the employee if an accommodation is needed. If no disability exists or it is not affecting job performance, USM may proceed with the disciplinary or non-reappointment process. If an employee's disability is affecting the performance of marginal functions of the job, a reasonable accommodation should be made to enable the employee to perform these functions, or the functions should be eliminated from the job. If a disability makes an employee unable to perform essential functions of the job even after all possible accommodations have been considered, the University must reassign the employee to a vacant position if the employee is qualified for the job and the job is available within a reasonable amount of time.