Human Resources | Americans with Disabilities (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability just as other civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs.
STATE AS A MODEL EMPLOYER (SAME)
The State of Louisiana is committed to serving as a model employer by improving hiring, recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities. Effective May 25, 2022, the SAME initiative was codified into state law by Act 103 of the 2022 Regular Session and expanded applicability to all executive branch state agencies. La. R.S. 46:2597.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), job applicants or employees can request job modifications, and the disability laws require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants who have or had an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, unless doing so would cause undue hardship for the employer. Moreover, the EEOC reminds us that “a reasonable accommodation can help a person with a disability apply for a job, perform the duties of a job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment.
Furthermore, the information that is obtained about an employee’s disabilities must be treated as confidential.
A copy of the Southern University System’s policy can be found here: Americans with Disabilities Act policy.
Employees or applicants in need of an accommodation may make a request with the Office of Human Resources by contacting:
Office of Human Resources
Bernette Taylor, Director
6400 Press Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70126
Phone Number: 504-286-5273
E-mail: ttaylor@suno.edu
AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES (ADA) TOOLBOX
Access this link to review a list of resources compiled by Louisiana’s Office of ADA Coordinator to assist individuals with disabilities regarding such topics as accommodations, employment and emergency preparedness.
Access this link to review a list of available resources compiled by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Use this link to access the ADA’s website and to review important content and resources.