Disability Information

Faculty & Staff Information

Cornell University is committed to diversity and nondiscrimination and supports the full employment of qualified individuals with disabilities in its workforce. Cornell University is also committed to hire, advance in employment and otherwise treat qualified individuals with disabilities without discrimination in all employment practices.

Faculty and staff can initiate requests for any desired disability-related workplace accommodation by contacting their human resources representatives or the Medical Leaves Administration Office in the Office of Human Resources to engage in an interactive process. This office will review such requests in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the New York State Human Rights Act.

The Medical Leaves Administration Office is responsible for administering all employment-related requests for accommodation for individuals with disabilities, providing assistance for all ADA and NYSHRL-eligible requests for accommodation (including medical verification), and making determinations regarding appropriate and reasonable accommodations for employees with ADA- and NYSHRL-defined disabilities.

Additionally, Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Life Quality (WDELQ) may be contacted as a resource for funding options and for consultative services for the university community in regard to employment-related accommodations for individuals with disabilities. WDELQ is also available to assist employment applicants with requests for disability accommodations for the employment selection process.

Short-Term Disability/Return-to-Work Accommodation Procedures:

Requests regarding return-to-work situations or short-term disability should be referred to the Medical Leaves Administration Office, as they are responsible for providing advice, guidance, and assistance in the needs of employees who are returning from leave, including requests that are covered under short-term disability, long-term disability, worker's compensation and related supportive policies. When appropriate, this office will coordinate accommodation efforts with WDELQ.