Disability and Reasonable Accommodations for Residents and Fellows

What are “accommodations”? 

Many residents and fellows are living with disabilities and illnesses that require modifications to the standard resident or fellow schedule or environment in order to be able to fulfill their program responsibilities- these modifications are called accommodations. The residency and fellowship programs are required by law to make reasonable accommodations for residents or fellows with a disability. 

 

Do I have a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

An individual with a disability is defined in the ADA as someone who has “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.” 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not set forth an exclusive list of conditions covered by the ADA. 

 

If I have a disability, how do I get accommodations from the Residency or Fellowship Program? 

You may submit a request for the accommodation(s) that you believe are necessary for you to fulfill your responsibilities in the Residency or Fellowship Program.

Each request for reasonable accommodations is considered on an individual basis. Residents and fellows who are found to be eligible for reasonable accommodations are given the accommodations that are most appropriate for their individual needs and that allow performance of the essential functions of the residency and fellowship program requirements. 

 

To whom do I submit a request for accommodation? 

Your request for accommodation may be submitted in writing to the: 

• Residency Program Director 

• Fellowship Program Director  

• Disability Management Services (DMS) DMS is housed within Human Resources and can be reached at (415) 476-2621.  

You do not need to include your diagnosis or any personal health information with this request. 

If your request is submitted to the Residency or Fellowship Director, the Program Director, the Director will coordinate with DMS to initiate the interactive process. 

 

Do I need to provide documentation from a physician to request an accommodation? 

Medical documentation from a qualified healthcare professional will be requested as part of this process.  A qualified healthcare professional is one who treats the area of disability or impairment for which you are seeking accommodations. 

Please note that qualified healthcare professionals should be independent (i.e., not your relative, even if otherwise qualified) and should have personally evaluated you. 

There will be no request for disclosure of PHI, the documentation solely needs to outline the functional limitations imposed by the health condition(s).