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HEALTH PROMOTION, RETURN TO WORK, DISABILITY, SICK LEAVE

INTERIM ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURES

As faculty and staff return to work at our campuses over the next few months, there may be an increase in applications for the accommodation (Accommodation) of limitations associated with protected characteristics under the Human Rights Code, other than physical or mental disability (Protected Characteristic), in the workplace.  

To optimize the University’s ability to respond in a timely, effective, consistent, and transparent manner to these applications (Applications), we are introducing Interim Accommodation Procedures (IAPs).

Accommodation for physical or mental disability

The IAPs do not apply to applications for the accommodation of a limitation associated with a physical or mental disability. Applications for the accommodation of a limitation associated with a physical or mental disability will continue to be addressed by the University's Organizational Health office using existing procedures. 

If you require a medical accommodation due to a physical or mental disability, please contact the Organizational Health office at Org_health@sfu.ca to review your accommodation needs and next steps. If you belong to a Union or APSA, you may also choose to involve your Union or APSA in the accommodation process.

What is an Accommodation?

An Accommodation is an adjustment, for a specific person, to the usual application of an employer rule or practice. The adjustment is designed to address the negative impact that the usual application of the rule or practice has on that person, because of the interaction between the usual application of the rule or practice, and a limitation that the person has in connection with a Protected Characteristic. It is not possible to generalize about whether an Accommodation is always necessary, or what a particular Accommodation will look like, since each Application must be addressed on the facts associated with the Application.  

What are the Protected Characteristics under the Human Rights Code?

For purposes of employment, the Protected Characteristics are: race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, and conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to a person’s employment or intended employment. Physical or mental disability are also protected under the Human Rights Code but, as noted above, the accommodation of limitations associated with those characteristics will not be addressed under the IAPs. 

What if I my limitation arises from a physical or mental disability?

You should apply for the accommodation of a limitation associated with a physical or mental disability. Please contact the Organizational Health office at Org_health@sfu.ca to review your accommodation needs and next steps.

What if my limitation arises from a Protected Characteristic?

1. Complete an IAP Application - If you believe you have a limitation arising from a Protected Characteristic for which you require accommodation, complete an IAP Application.
   
   
2.  Submit your Application - Once you have completed your Application, you should provide it to your manager or supervisor. 

Once you become aware of a need to submit an Application, please do not delay. The AC is not able to guarantee assessment of any Application by a particular date (see FAQ below).

What should I expect?

• Your supervisor will work with Human Resources or Faculty Relations, as appropriate, to submit your Application to the Accommodations Committee (AC) established by the IAPs

• Submit your Application to the Accommodations Committee via email at iacpei@sfu.ca, 4 months prior to the date of the requested accommodation.
  • ie. For a Spring Semester accommodation beginning in January, submit your Application in the Fall Semester prior (in September), to ensure the process can be completed by your requested accommodation date.

• After submitting your Application, you should receive a confirmation email within 3 days of your submission, if you don't, please resend your application. 

• The IAC meets regularly to review Applications, and may ask you to provide additional information, including supporting documents, to support your Application and/or may consult with you, your manager or supervisor, and/or Human Resources or Faculty Relations, to make a decision on the Application.
  

• If you belong to a Union or APSA, and you have chosen to involve your Union or APSA in your Application, the AC may also consult with your Union or APSA representative.
  
  
• If the AC approves your Application, the AC will work with your supervisor or manager to design an Accommodation, will oversee the implementation of the Accommodation, and may review the Accommodation with you from time to time, especially if there has been a change in your circumstances.

• Applications can only be approved or denied by the AC. Decisions should not be made by managers or supervisors before the AC has issued its decision.

Formal Procedures

The formal IAPs that govern the application, decision, and accommodation design and implementation process can be found here.

WORKPLACE ACCOMMODATION FAQs

Please note: This webpage and FAQs use defined terms as a form of shorthand for a longer phrase. A defined term is identified in brackets and boldface type and is capitalized when used . A defined term means the same thing whenever it is used here.