Documentation Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for faculty and staff members is determined on a case-by-case basis based on the guidelines as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).

Employees must self-disclose their medical condition by contacting the DAS office.

Completing the registration process in its entirety requires that medical documentation be submitted for review and validation. DAS adheres to strict confidentiality guidelines. Please contact our office with any questions.

What is the ADAAA?

Passed in 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), is a comprehensive federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

The ADAAA has a three-part definition of disability that is based on the definition under the Rehabilitation Act and reflects the specific types of discrimination experienced by people with disabilities. Accordingly, it is not the same as the definition of disability under other laws, such as state workers' compensation laws or other federal or state laws, that provide benefits for people with disabilities and disabled veterans.

Under the ADAAA, an individual with a disability is a person who meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
  • Has a record of such an impairment
  • Is regarded as having such an impairment

The ADAAA consists of five titles that outline required access and accommodations: employment, state and local governments, places of public accommodations, telecommunications, and miscellaneous provisions.

Documentation Criteria

DAS provides reasonable accommodations for eligible Emory University faculty and staff and Emory Healthcare employees with temporary or chronic medical conditions and/or disabilities.

To ensure that our procedures are fair and equitable, an accommodation or access (in most cases) will not be considered or granted unless the appropriate documentation is submitted to DAS. In addition, you must meet the eligibility criteria and follow the registration process in its entirety.

When requesting an employee accommodation, the employee must provide DAS with valid and complete documentation which substantiates the individual's chronic medical condition and/or disability. Documentation will state the nature and impact of the medical condition and/or disability and will be used to assist DAS staff in establishing what reasonable accommodation is warranted. All documentation must be current (medical statements must fall within the calendar year for which accommodations and/or related services have been requested). Signature of the qualified healthcare professional(s) must be included.

DAS will work cooperatively with Human Resources and department/unit leadership to ensure that accommodations allow the employee to meet the essential functions of his/her job assignment.

Documentation Requirements

Download these PDF files that include specific information on documentation criteria:

DAS maintains confidentiality, particularly the diagnosis(es) as appropriate. However, in some instances DAS may be required to disclose (employee's permission granted in advanced) information that is pertinent to the successful negotiation of reasonable access and workplace accommodations. Please contact our office with any questions.