What is a DDR?
Divisional Disability Representatives are designated human resources staff members who do the following:
- Receive accommodation requests forms from employees and assist managers, supervisors, and employees in their divisions
- Respond to disability matters in a way that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Can request, receive, and maintain confidential medical information and records on behalf of our departments at SMPH
- Consult with the Employee Disability Resources staff on cases to ensure adherence to the ADA
Who are the workplace accommodation DDRs for SMPH?
Kasey Hoffman
Kasey Hoffman is one of the two DDRs who specializes in workplace accommodations for SMPH and has been with the division since 2021. She has a doctoral degree in Education Leadership from Edgewood College, and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, she is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Wisconsin. Prior to her work with SMPH, she spent five years providing student accommodations at the Edgewood College.
Outside of the office Kasey enjoys spending time with her family and her three pets (two cats and a dog), reading books, doing DIY projects around her house, sewing, and creating fun crafts with her Cricut. Her favorite vacations include trips to Disney or Disney cruises with her family.
Ann Kowaliczko
Ann Kowaliczko is the second of the two DDRs who specializes in workplace accommodations for SMPH and has been with the division since 2019. She has a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the Rehabilitation Institute at Southern Illinois University (SIU-C). In addition, she has a bachelor’s degree in photography from SIU-C and a certification in mindfulness from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Prior to her work with SMPH, she spent 15 years providing student accommodations at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of DuPage (in her hometown, Glen Ellyn, Illinois), and Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas.
Outside of the office Ann enjoys reading, attending silent retreats, and doing anything outside with her family (husband & 4 kids) and her dog. She’s an avid beach glass collector and dabbles in photography and writing.
When to contact the DDRs?
Below are examples of reasons to reach out to the DDRs:
- An employee shares that they have a medical condition that is affecting their ability to perform essential functions of the job
- You are unsure whether a medical condition (physical or mental) is covered under the ADA
- With questions about employee and supervisor rights and responsibilities under the ADA
- You need assistance with the accommodation process
- You have concerns about discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on disability or the need for accommodations
Contact information for SMPH Workplace Accommodation DDRs: smph-accommodation@med.wisc.edu
How can I learn more?
Divisional Disability Representatives, Kasey Hoffman and Ann Kowaliczko, will be hosting their first “Get to Know your DDR” virtual Lunch & Learn on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. This virtual event is for SMPH employees who are interested in learning more about the accommodations process.