Reasonable Accommodation - About

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is currently launching the NIH Reasonable Accommodation Program (NIH RAP) for all NIH customers. The NIH RAP will implement NIH’s new Reasonable Accommodation Policy and Procedures as approved by the EEOC. EDI is prepared to provide guidance to NIH supervisors and employees on inquiries or requests regarding reasonable accommodation.

In accordance with established Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-discrimination law, the NIH has a legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodation(s) concerning the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees, applicants, and visitors with disabilities unless it can be shown that such accommodation(s) would impose an undue hardship.

A Reasonable Accommodation is any change or modification in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done, including an exception to a particular office policy and/or procedures, which would enable a qualified individual with a disability to apply for a position, perform the essential functions of a position, and/or enjoy equal employment opportunities.

EDI has established a model RA program, staffed with skilled Reasonable Accommodation Consultants (RACs) who work in collaboration with NIH managers and employees to provide well informed guidance and assistance with processing RA requests. The mission of the RA program is to ensure that the NIH provides every employee the requisite tools that will enable each and every employee to perform at their very best.

Requesting Accommodation

Submitting a request means that you have a disabling medical condition and need an accommodation to apply for a position, to perform an essential job function, or to have equal access to the benefits and privileges of your employment at the NIH.

Ready to request an Accommodation?

If you are ready to submit your request for accommodation, please use our Entellitrak online request portal. Upon receipt, an Reasonable Accommodation Consultant (RAC) will review your request carefully and initiate an interactive communication with you and/or your supervisor to facilitate an effective and timely processing of your request.

Effective January 3, 2018, amendment to regulations implementing Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, require the provision of Personal Assistance Services or PAS to certain employees with targeted disabilities who request and require non-medical and non-work task personal assistance, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the agency. NIH anti-discrimination policies apply to this new affirmative action requirement, and no employee should be discriminated against based on need for PAS. The Personal Assistance Services policy defines PAS and qualifying factors to receive PAS support; how to request PAS, and the Agency’s PAS support delivery options.

Reasonable Accommodation Consultants

Every NIH Institute or Center is paired with a skilled consultant to support and educate employees and managers through the reasonable accommodation request process. If you have questions or need resources, you can reach out to the EDI Reasonable Accommodation Consultant partnered with your organization.

If your Institute or Center does not currently have an assigned consultant, please contact edi.ra@nih.gov and a consultant will be assigned to work with you.

Chikeia Boykin

Chikeia Boykin
chikeia.boykin@nih.gov

Please submit your reasonable accommodation requests to edi.ra@mail.nih.gov

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Coming Soon

Davian Morrell

Davian Morrell
davian.morrell@nih.gov

Please submit your reasonable accommodation requests to edi.ra@mail.nih.gov

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Coming Soon

Ilycia Schwartz

Ilycia Schwartz
ilycia.schwartz@nih.gov

Please submit your reasonable accommodation requests to edi.ra@mail.nih.gov