Providing Information in Alternative Formats, Policy on

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Title: Providing Information in Alternative Formats, Policy on
Policy Owner: Office of Institutional Equity
Applies to: Workforce Members, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: All Campuses, including UConn Health
Approval Date: August 20, 2024
Effective Date: August 21, 2024
For More Information, Contact Office of Institutional Equity
Contact Information: equity@uconn.edu
(860) 486-2943
Official Website: https://accessibility.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

The University of Connecticut, including the School of Law, Regional Campuses, and UConn Health, is committed to ensuring effective communication to all individuals, including those with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act and its Amendments (2008) as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  This policy looks to address the needs of persons with disabilities who require access to University materials in alternative formats.

DEFINITIONS

University Workforce Members: Employees, volunteers, trainees, and other persons whose conduct, in the performance of work for the University, is under the direct control of the University, whether or not they are paid by the University.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University engages in an interactive process with each person making a request for accommodations and reviews requests on an individualized, case-by-case basis.  In keeping with these standards, the University requires that:

  • Printed materials be made available in alternative formats upon request. Printed materials include, but are not limited to, departmental/program brochures, announcements of events and activities, newsletters, exams, applications, forms, and any other printed information made available to the public.
  • Films and videos promoting departmental and program information, or related items acquired by a department or program, be closed captioned;
  • Departments and programs that sponsor public speakers, conferences, information sessions, or public performances provide qualified interpreters for people with hearing disabilities and printed materials in alternate formats upon request;
  • Departments and programs establish procedures to respond to requests in a timely fashion and promptly notify the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) of student accommodation requests, and the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) of employee accommodation requests.
  • Departments and/or organizations should plan accordingly to use normal budgetary channels to provide assistive technology or alternative formats

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Persons requesting materials in alternative formats, captioning for video and/or live speakers, or other assistive technology should submit their request to the appropriate entity at the University for review.  The designees are as follows:

Student Requests:

Students, including students enrolled at the School of Law, School of Social Work, School of Medicine, and School of Dental Medicine, should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities at their earliest convenience.  Students will be assigned a Disability Services Professional to assist them with their educational access throughout their time at the University.  More information on CSD and its process can be found here: csd.uconn.edu.

Contact:

Center for Students with Disabilities
Wilbur Cross Building, Room 204
233 Glenbrook Rd. Unit 4174
Storrs, CT 06269-4174
Phone: 860-486-2020
Video Phone: 860-553-3243
Email: csd@uconn.edu

Workforce Requests:

Any employee, including those at UConn Health, should submit their requests to Human Resources at their earliest convenience. Employees will have the opportunity to work with the ADA Case Manager to discuss their needs and make requests through the interactive process.  More information on HR’s process can be found:

UConn ADA Compliance & Accommodations
UConn Health ADA Compliance & Accommodations

Contact UConn:

ADA Accommodations Case Manager

Allyn Larabee Brown Building

9 Walters Ave Depot Campus – Unit 5075

Storrs, CT 06269-5075

Phone: (860) 486-2598

Email: tiffanie.roback@uconn.edu

 Contact UConn Health:

ADA Case Manager

16 Munson Road, 5th Floor

Farmington, CT 06032

Phone: (860) 679-2426

Email:  moreland@uchc.edu

 

The University’s Interim ADA Coordinator is:

Sarah Chipman
Interim Associate Vice President, Interim Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Interim ADA Coordinator, Director of Equity Response and Education, Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Office of Institutional Equity
Storrs: Wood Hall, First Floor
UConn Health: Munson Road, Third Floor
sarah.chipman@uconn.edu
(860) 486-2943

All other requests should be made directly to the facilitator or organizer of the program in question.  This information can often be found on the event’s website or other promotional materials.  Event organizers should make every effort to accommodate requests as needed and should work to promote accessible design within their program.  This can include producing large print programs, hiring captioning services or utilizing high contrast materials.

POLICY HISTORY

Revisions:
07/28/2015
08/20/2024 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and President)