Hello. My name is Rachel Large, and I am the Accommodations Coordinator in University Human Resources (UHR). In my role, which I have held since November 2021, I receive all requests for workplace accommodation at ISU and work with employees and departments to evaluate individual needs and implement creative and reasonable accommodation solutions. Please read on for a brief Q&A to learn more about ISU's accommodations program and helpful resources available to ISU employees.

Rachel

What should we know about “disability” accommodations?

When we talk about workplace accommodations, most people immediately think of support for disabilities — and that’s definitely a big part of it. But accommodations can actually cover a wide range of needs, like religious practices or pregnancy-related conditions. Even within disability-related accommodations, there’s a lot of variety. Some are short term, others are long term, some deal with workspace modification, and some involve how to manage tasks or distractions — it really depends on what best supports the individual.

At Iowa State University, when we refer to ‘disability accommodations,’ we’re specifically talking about adjustments that help someone complete their work when a health condition impacts their ability to do so. This is all guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as we’re required to provide reasonable accommodations through an interactive process — but for us, it’s more than just a requirement. We truly believe that when we support our employees in this way, we’re helping them meet the expectations of their role — and often, we discover creative solutions that benefit the whole campus community.

And here’s something important: accommodations are more common than you might think. Just like Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or Employee Assistance Program (EAP), they’re a resource that’s here to help. The more people know about them, the better — whether it’s for themselves or to help a colleague connect with UHR for support.

What resources are available to Iowa State Employees? If employees find themselves experiencing a potential need for accommodation, what should they do?

When it comes to workplace accommodations, my role is all about helping employees navigate the process with ease and confidence. Whether someone is ready to request accommodations or just wants to learn more about what’s involved, I’m here as a resource and am happy to help.

The process typically starts with submitting documentation to support the request, which helps us determine the best way to provide the right support. As part of the UHR team, I want to reassure everyone that any health-related information shared with me is kept strictly confidential. My focus is solely on identifying and coordinating the accommodations that will help employees thrive in their roles.

If you think you might need an accommodation, the best first step is to reach out to UHR. You can start by connecting with your local UHR Delivery team or reaching out to me directly — whatever feels most comfortable for you. For disability-related accommodations, there are a few forms to complete with your healthcare provider, and once those are submitted, we can get the ball rolling.

Sometimes, the process may also include referrals to other helpful campus resources. For example, if someone needs time away from work, we might explore options like FMLA. I also frequently share information about programs like the EAP, or I help to connect folks with my colleagues in the UHR Benefits office to talk about Catastrophic Leave.

Why is accommodations awareness important?

As I said before, accommodations are common — more common than people realize — so sharing this information is important so people know they aren’t alone, and we have resources that can be provided. Workplace accommodations play a key role in helping employees perform at their best. Whether it’s access to assistive technology, modified workspaces, or flexible scheduling, these supports are designed to remove barriers and promote productivity. Knowing that accommodations are available — and how to request them — can make a big difference in day-to-day work life. By staying informed, we not only support our colleagues but also contribute to a healthier, more responsive work environment for everyone on campus.

Thank you for the opportunity to pass along more information and details about our accommodations options and resources. If you have questions, want to learn more, or would like to discuss an accommodation request, please reach out to me at rlarge@iastate.edu.