NIH Reasonable Accommodation Program
EDI’s, NIH Reasonable Accommodation Program (NIH RAP), implements NIH’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy and Procedures as approved by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The NIH RAP provides guidance to NIH decision makers and requestors on inquiries and/or requests regarding reasonable accommodation. EDI’s NIH RAP has established a model reasonable accommodation program, staffed with skilled Reasonable Accommodation Consultants (RACs) who work in collaboration with NIH decision makers and requestors to provide well-informed guidance and assistance with processing reasonable accommodation requests. The mission of the RA program is to ensure that NIH provides every applicant, visitor, and employee with the requisite tools that will enable them to perform at their very best.
In accordance with established EEO and non-discrimination law, NIH has a legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodation(s) concerning the known physical and/or mental limitations of qualified employees, applicants, and visitors with disabilities, unless it can be shown that such accommodation(s) would pose an undue hardship.
What is a Reasonable Accommodation?
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, that 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.
How can I make a request?
A request for reasonable accommodation can be made either orally or in writing. Though you are not required to use any specific words or format for your request, you are responsible for notifying your decision maker of your need for accommodation. Depending on the nature of your disability/disabling medical condition you may be asked to provide information and/or documentation to establish that you are an individual with a disability. The information must identify and describe the limitations you have, as a result of your medical condition, that require accommodation.
How long does it take to process an RA request?
A reasonable accommodation request is submitted and processed.
As a general rule, NIH shall process all reasonable accommodation requests as expeditiously as possible, per Executive Order 13164 §2. The time required to process a request for accommodation depends on many factors, such as what information is needed to be clear about the request, the time it takes to obtain the necessary supporting documentation, and the availability of all parties involved.
The accommodation is granted.
Consistent with Executive Order 13164, timeframes for timely processing have been established, which allow a maximum of 45 business days to process a request and provide any approved accommodation.
Request a Reasonable Accommodation
Submitting a request means that you have a disabling medical condition and need 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. If you are ready to submit your request for accommodation, please use our online intake form. Upon receipt, a 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.
Personal Assistance Services
Effective January 3, 2018, amendments 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 a 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.
