Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. Section 504 states:
"No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . "
OPHD’s Commitment to Meaningful Access
OPHD is committed to making our website, resource materials, complaint resolution processes, and training accessible for all students, staff, and faculty. Anyone may request disability adjustments or flexibility to participate in OPHD’s complaint resolution processes, programs, or training. You may also request OPHD’s published materials in alternate formats for accessibility. If you have already been in touch with an OPHD staff member, please contact them for assistance. Alternatively, please email ophd@ucmerced.edu to make your request.
Disability-Related Accommodations
Accommodations are adjustments to policies, procedures, and practices that remove barriers, ensuring equal access for students and employees with disabilities to participate fully in their academic programs and workplace. To request accommodations or to find more information related to accessibility in University services, activities, and facilities, please refer to the following campus resources:
- Student Accessibility Services
- For Student access to all University programs (academic, housing, transportation, dining, etc.)
- The mission of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is to promote equal educational access and full participation by and for students with disabilities in the rich academic and campus life environment at UC Merced.
- Email: access@ucmerced.edu
- Location: ACS 140 cubicle 128
- Phone: 209-228-6996
- Disability Management Services
- For Employee Accommodations
- UC Merced Disability Management Services (DMS) staff consult university employees (faculty, staff and academic appointees) in need of reasonable accommodation due to a disability or religious belief in order to perform the essential functions of their jobs.
- Email: benefits@ucmerced.edu
- Job Applicants
- For applicants requesting accommodations during the interview or search process
- Email: ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu
- Phone: 209-228-8247
- Facilities Management Services
- For building or physical access
- Email: fmhelp@ucmerced.edu or FABS@ucmerced.edu
- Phone: 209-228-2986
- Web Accessibility Concerns
- UC Merced aims to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and follow the University of California Information Technology Accessibility Policy.
- If you have difficulty accessing or using features on any UC Merced websites due to a disability, please reach out via our Web Access Barrier Report form.
- Visitors and Public Access
- Accommodation requests for public access or needs during campus-sponsored events open to the public should be facilitated through the event coordinator responsible for coordinating the specific event.
- If you are experiencing difficulty requesting accommodations, please contact ophd@ucmerced.edu
Discrimination on the Basis of a Disability
UC policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Students, academic and staff employees, and members of the public who believe they have been denied access or discriminated against due to their disability are encouraged to bring their concerns to the attention of the appropriate party who will make every attempt to address the issues raised and/or will refer the matter for investigation per campus policies and procedures. You may also make a report to OPHD.
UC policy also prohibits retaliation against individuals who request disability accommodations, raise concerns regarding possible disability discrimination or failure to accommodate, and participate in investigations related to those concerns.
If you encounter difficulties requesting reasonable accommodations and/or you feel like you are experiencing retaliation, please reach out to ophd@ucmerced.edu to discuss the challenges you are experiencing with your accommodation request. In addition, you may file a complaint with OPHD. OPHD can offer you supportive measures, resources and assistance to re-engage in the interactive process.
Confidentiality
Information related to discrimination consultations and complaints is shared only on a business need-to-know basis. Confidentiality is maintained whenever possible regarding consultations and complaints. However, complete confidentiality is not possible in cases where illegality or gross malfeasance is alleged.
External Resources for Complaint Resolution
The following agencies may serve as neutral fact-finders to facilitate the voluntary resolution of complaints against the University. Contact information for the nearest office is available on the agencies’ websites.
Complaints of Discrimination of Students in Educational Programs or Activities
Complaints of Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment in Employment
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- California Civil Rights Office (CRD)
- Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment in the Clinical, Health, Research, Education and Employment Programs
Relevant UC Policies and Procedures
- Guidelines Applying to Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability (PACAOS 140),
- Personnel Policies for Staff Members 81 (Reasonable Accommodation)
- Academic Personnel Manual – 711 (Reasonable Accommodation for Academic Appointees with Disabilities)
- UCM Human Resources Local Accommodation Procedures
