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Reasonable Accommodation

NOTICE

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is committed to providing individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from DNR programs, activities and services.

Individuals may request reasonable accommodations from the DNR that they believe will enable them to have an equal opportunity to participate in our programs, activities and services.

To request reasonable accommodations, please contact the facility hosting the event or the person listed as the event contact with specific information on your request before the event date.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

The following FAQ provides information on requesting reasonable accommodations for DNR programs and activities.

  1. What is a reasonable accommodation for a DNR program?
    A reasonable accommodation is a change or modification to afford a qualified individual with a disability full enjoyment of the DNR’s programs or activities unless modifications of policies, practices and procedures would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, service or activity or result in undue financial and administrative burdens to the DNR.
  2. How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
    If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the facility hosting the event or the person listed as the event contact with specific information on your request before the event date. You do not need to put your request in writing; however, making a written request can be helpful documentation for ensuring that the DNR provides the desired accommodation. In addition, you do not need to use the specific words “reasonable accommodations” when making your request.
  3. When should I request a reasonable accommodation?
    You may request a reasonable accommodation from the DNR at any time. However, making the request in advance of a meeting, conference call or visit will help ensure that the DNR can fulfill the request for an accommodation. For certain requests, such as sign language interpretation, the DNR requires at least two weeks' advance notice.
  4. May someone request a reasonable accommodation on my behalf?
    Yes, anyone can request a reasonable accommodation on behalf of an individual with a disability who seeks to interact with the DNR’s staff or participate in its programs or activities.
  5. What will the DNR do upon receiving my request for a reasonable accommodation?
    The DNR may contact you to obtain more information about your request and to better understand your needs. In addition, the DNR may review your request to determine:
    • Whether the requested accommodation will effectively allow you to participate in the activity or program in which you are seeking participation.
    • Whether the requested accommodation is reasonable or an equally effective alternative to the requested accommodation is available.
    • Whether providing you with the requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the DNR’s program or impose undue financial or administrative burdens on the DNR.
    In addition, in some cases, the DNR may consult with you in an interactive process to determine on a case-by-case basis what accommodations can be made.
    If the DNR determines that your requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or impose an undue financial or administrative burden, the DNR may deny your request. However, in the unlikely event that this occurs, the DNR will work with you to identify an alternative accommodation that allows you to effectively participate in the DNR program, activity, or service.
  6. May the DNR request medical documentation from you after receiving your request for a reasonable accommodation?
    No, the DNR may not request medical documentation after receiving your request for a reasonable accommodation. The DNR’s questions will be limited to understanding the barrier to your ability to participate in the program or activity you are interested in and the nature of an accommodation that will remove this barrier.
  7. May the DNR charge you the cost of providing a reasonable accommodation?
    No, you are not responsible for the cost of an auxiliary aid or accommodation the DNR provides.
  8. What are some examples of reasonable accommodations?
    There are many types of reasonable accommodations. Some examples of how the DNR provides reasonable accommodations include:
    • Arranging for qualified sign language interpreters.
    • Providing on-site captioning.
    • Producing alternate formats of print materials in braille, large print or in an electronic format.
    • Providing remote conference captioning services.
    • Furnishing a temporary ramp to access the dais or other areas with one or more stairs to ensure accessibility for individuals who have physical disabilities and may be using a wheelchair or walker.