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The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to providing students, faculty, staff and visitors with access to its programs, services and facilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodations that ensure qualified applicants and employees with disabilities have equal employment opportunities.

The Employee Disability Resources (EDR) office serves as the campuswide hub for information on the disability accommodation process for employees and applicants. We recognize that all UW–Madison applicants and employees with disabilities have a right to ask for a reasonable accommodation, and we advocate for a process to identify if one can be made. If you are experiencing difficulty in the hiring process, while performing duties of your job, or accessing an employment benefit, you can consider requesting an accommodation.

We offer essential information, consultation, education, and referral services to employees and applicants, Divisional Disability Representatives (DDRs), and supervisors and managers to help minimize barriers in the workplace. We’re guided by our belief that disability is an important aspect of diversity, and we support full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment and participation at UW–Madison.

As of June 27, 2023, the EDR office offers the same services to employees and applicants who are covered under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This includes those that have limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. We are in the process of updating materials as well as creating policy, resources, and training. If you have questions, please contact us.

Learn more

Find out more about the services offered by the office of Employee Disability Resources in our new brochure.

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COVID-19 Accommodations and Leave

The university is providing reasonable accommodations, workplace flexibility and leave options for those who need it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn About Your Options

Report an Accessibility Barrier

Report an accessibility barrier, including physical or digital barriers that prevent access for people with disabilities.

Report an Accessibility Barrier

Resources

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Employee Resources

If you are having difficulty successfully performing duties of your job due to limitations from a disability or medical condition or if you need leave related to a disability, contact your Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) for a confidential conversation.

Disability and Medical Leave Resources: A Guide for Employees | English Guide

All Languages Summary Guide

Chinese, Tibetan, Spanish, and Hmong

Employment Provisions of the ADA: Guidelines for Compliance

Report a physical or digital accessibility barrier

Americans with Disabilities Act

Job Interview: Disability-Related Questions

Examples of Possible Accommodations

Roles in Disability Employment Matters

Supervisor Resources

Applicant Information

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to providing a workplace for our employees where they can be successful. This includes providing reasonable accommodations in order for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities. The Employee Disability Resources Office is responsible for UW–Madison’s compliance with the employment provisions of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).

Please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) for the School, College or Division at which you are applying for a position if you are an applicant and need reasonable accommodation to assist you in the application process.

An accommodation request can be due to a disability or known limitation related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, child birth, or related medical condition, including lactation needs. DDRs are designated by their deans/directors to facilitate requests for reasonable accommodation. The DDRs receive training on accommodation processes and are authorized to request, receive and maintain confidential medical records for employing units.

Disability Accommodation Policies

Accommodation Forms

The following forms are PDFs that may be filled in Adobe Acrobat. They must be printed and signed for submission.

Divisional Disability Representatives (DDR)

List of Divisional Disability Representatives

What is a Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)?

  • DDRs are designated by their deans/directors to receive accommodation requests forms from employees and to assist managers, supervisors, and employees in their divisions in responding to disability matters in a way that complies with the ADA.

  • DDRs can also assist with reasonable accommodations related known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).
  • Only DDRs are authorized to request, receive and maintain confidential medical information and records on behalf of employing units in their divisions.

    ADA confidentiality requirements apply to medical information and records for disability, pregnancy-related requests, Workers Compensation, Income Continuation Insurance, and all medical leave.

  • DDRs are required to consult with the Employee Disability Resources Office (PWFA) before modifying or denying an accommodation request.

  • DDRs have received extensive training on ADA requirements and campus disability policies and procedures.

    The University of Wisconsin-Madison has separate disability accommodation policies and procedures for classified staff, academic staff and faculty.

Pregnant Worker's Fairness Act (PWFA)

Employees or applicants with known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions can make accommodation requests to their employer.

The employee or applicant should tell the employer that they have a limitation and that they need an adjustment or change in their working conditions due to the limitation. Once the employer knows, the employer will engage in the “interactive process” to talk about the known limitation and the adjustment or change needed at work.

If employees have questions about this process, they can contact the Employee Disability Resources Office or their DDR.

Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please see a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding disability-related matters.