Students with disabilities

Thomas J. Ebert, associate vice president for Academic Personnel, has issued the following reminder to all faculty members, full and part-time, regarding their responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of students with disabilities:

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides that students with disabilities be given reasonable accommodation in order to pursue their educational goals. It is the responsibility of the university and its employees to adhere to the provisions of this federal law and cooperate in its implementation on campus.

Each faculty member is required to provide students with disabilities with appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services that are necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in the educational programs of the university.

Examples of auxiliary aids that may be required are taped texts, note takers, interpreters, readers, and access to specialized equipment. While faculty members are obligated to provide students with disabilities reasonable accommodations, faculty members are not required to accommodate personal preferences of students.

To assist faculty and students in complying with the law, the university has established the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) located on the first floor north of the Madden Library. The office can be reached at Ext. 8-2811. Ms. Carole Snee is the Director. The SSD staff is available to assist you with any questions you may have.

If a student approaches you with a letter from Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), the letter will state that the student is registered with the SSD office and has a verified disability and needs accommodation(s) in your classroom. Because even the fact that the student has a disability is confidential, it is a good idea to make an appointment with the student to discuss the student's needs privately and to decide how effective and efficient arrangements can be made. You may not refuse to accommodate such a student. If you have any questions about what constitutes a reasonable accommodation, you should contact the SSD office prior to discussing accommodations with the student.

You should be aware that academic accommodations may not fundamentally alter what is considered by Academic Affairs to be essential to a course. If you believe that a requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the essential nature of a course, the request should first be discussed with the office of Services for Students with Disabilities, for any necessary clarification, and with the chair of your department.

If a student claims that s/he has a disability and asks for an accommodation but does not have a letter from the SSD office, it may be that s/he has not registered with the office or has not submitted a schedule so a letter can be produced. In that case, do not tell the student that s/he will not be accommodated but instead inform them that they must first register with the SSD and receive an accommodation letter. Inform the student that the accommodation letter assures you that the student has verified the disability with the university and that the accommodation being requested is, in fact, necessary. Assure the student that when an accommodation letter is provided from SSD that you will work with the student and the SSD office to provide reasonable accommodations.

It should be noted that all students, with or without disabilities, are expected to abide by the university's Code of Conduct. It is recommended that you review the following information that can be found on the website of Services for Students with Disabilities.

• Services for Students with Disabilities
• Accommodations in the Classroom
• Interacting with Persons with Disabilities

Your cooperation in providing students with disabilities a positive and welcoming educational environment is appreciated.