|
Under the guidelines of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University is obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, to enable them to fully participate in all University programs, services, and activities. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is available to assist faculty in the delivery of services and materials needed for classroom or field experiences. Utah State University is committed to the full participation of students with disabilities in University programs.
Each student served by the DRC is required to submit documentation from a qualified professional, who must clearly state the nature of the disability and the limitations presented by the condition. This information is used in determining which services and accommodations should be provided to the student. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis and may vary, depending on the nature and purpose of the course. Accommodations include, but are not limited to, readers, scribes, extended testing time, interpreters for the deaf, course modification, alternatives to print media (braille, large print, audio, or CD format), assistive technology, relocation of classrooms, and others as indicated by the specific disabling condition.
Although students are encouraged to state their needs for accommodation early in the semester, a qualified student cannot be required to disclose a disability or be denied accommodation if he or she asks at any point in the academic process. The DRC will determine if the student qualifies under the ADA and which services a student is eligible to receive. If a faculty member feels that a requested accommodation is unreasonable, he or she should contact the DRC prior to denying the request.
In order to help USU comply with a federal requirement, faculty members should announce one of the following statements in their classes and should also include similar statements in their course syllabi:
“In cooperation with the Disability Resource Center, reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified students with disabilities. Please meet with the instructor during the first week of class to make arrangements. Alternative format print materials (large print, audio, CD, or braille) will be available through the Disability Resource Center.”
or
“Any student with a disability who requires accommodation must contact the instructor. The disability must be documented by the Disability Resource Center. Course materials may be requested in alternative formats.”
Faculty members having questions about these policies should contact the Disability Resource Center for additional information.
|
