RE:   Policy Memorandum 
 

The University of Georgia is a government contractor subject to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which requires contractors to apply affirmative action guidelines to the employment and advancement of qualified disabled persons.  The University is also a covered entity under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits discrimination in employment, programs, services, and activities against a qualified individual with a disability on the basis of that disability. 

Any person addressed in this memorandum who wishes to be considered under this institution's program of affirmative action may so notify UGA Human Resources Division (if a classified employee or applicant) or the UGA Equal Opportunity Office (if a faculty or administrative employee or applicant).  Submission of this information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject the individual to discharge or disciplinary treatment.  The University will make no pre-employment inquiries about disabilities.  Information obtained concerning covered individuals shall be kept confidential, except that (1) supervisors and managers may be informed regarding restrictions on the work or duties of a disabled person and regarding necessary accommodations; (2) first aid and safety personnel may be informed, when and to the extent appropriate, if the condition might require emergency treatment; and (3) government officials investigating compliance with the Act shall be informed.  No use shall be made of such information which is inconsistent with the above laws. 

Any disabled person who notifies one of the above offices of his or her desire to be included under the UGA program of affirmative action can assist responsible officials by making them aware of (1) the skills used or intended to be used to perform the job notwithstanding the disability and (2) the accommodations this institution could make to enable proper and safe performance of the job, to include special equipment, changes in the physical layout of the job, elimination of certain duties relating to the job, or other accommodations. 

Inquiries or complaints involving this policy may be addressed in accordance with the UGA Dispute Resolution Program, copies of this brochure which are available from the Human Resources office, the Equal Opportunity Office, or the Office of Legal Affairs. 
 
 

Claude-Leonard Davis 
Director
July 2003