UTMB HANDBOOK OF OPERATING PROCEDURES

Section 3 Human Resources Policies Subject 3.9 Leave Administration Policy 3.9.11 Assistance Dog Training Leave for Employees with a Disability

02/06/02 -Originated -Reviewed w/ changes 02/17/06 -Reviewed w/o changes Human Resources -Author

Assistance Dog Training Leave for Employees with a Disability

Audience

The information in this document is for use by all employees.

Definition

For the purpose of this policy, a disability is defined as a mental or physical disability, including mental retardation, hearing impairment, deafness, speech impairment, visual impairment, or any health impairment that requires special ambulatory devices or services. A training program must be recognized for providing specific focus on training disabled individuals to work with an assistance dog for his or her disabling medical condition.

Policy

Employees with a disability are entitled to leave with pay for the purpose of attending a training program to acquaint the employee with an assistance dog to be used by the employee for the employee's disabling medical condition. Leave may not exceed ten (10) working days in a fiscal year.

Guidelines

Employees must provide their supervisor with adequate documentation to support the leave request in advance of the leave.

References

Texas Human Resources Code, §121.002 Texas Government Code, §661.910