Self-ID FAQs

• UMD first asks for self-identification information during the application process. Answering is voluntary.
• After an employment offer is made, UMD asks the new employee to self-identify again. 
• UHR also sends an invitation to all employees to self-identify twice a year.
• Employees can update their self-identification at any time.

• Self-identified demographics are private. With the exception of specific job functions, such as HR; managers and coworkers will not have access to this information. 
• UMD reports data grouped by job type to federal and state agencies as part of our compliance requirements.
• Self-id information grouped by job or department may be used to help develop or refine diversity and inclusion programs.
• Information may be shared with the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct or other government agencies, as required.

• A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity, or if you have a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition. 

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
• Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS • Blind or low vision
• Cancer (past or present)
• Cardiovascular or heart disease
• Celiac disease • Cerebral palsy
• Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
• Diabetes
• Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
• Intellectual or developmental disability
• Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
• Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
• Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
• Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
• Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
• Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
• Short stature (dwarfism)

• No. You do not need a doctor’s note to self-identify as having a disability.
• No. Lots of people with disabilities do not need accommodations to perform their jobs. 

• Great information about accessibility at UMD is available on the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s Accessibility website.
• If you think you need an accommodation, please follow the instructions for Disability Accommodations.

• Faculty and staff should review UHR’s Disability Accommodation page.
• Students should contact the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services.

• A Protected Veteran is one who:

1. served on active duty in the U.S. military, and
2. was discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable.

• Protected Veterans may be classified as Disabled Veterans, Recently Separated Veterans, Active Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veterans, Armed Forces Service Medal Veterans, or another official veteran status.
• Veterans can belong to more than one category, but do not need to identify which categories they belong to.