The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications. Fair, swift, and effective enforcement of this landmark civil rights legislation is a high priority of the Federal Government.
What constitutes a disability?
A disability is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. If you have a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition, or a condition which may be considered by others as substantially limiting, you may have a legally defined disability.
What does substantially limiting mean?
According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, substantially limiting is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people.
What is a major life activity?
According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a major life activity is defined as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
What are academic adjustments?
Appropriate accommodations (academic adjustments) create an equal access to education, as long as it doesn’t require a substantial change in an essential element of the curriculum (fundamental alterations). Such modifications may include an adjustment in the amount of time allowed to complete a degree, substitution of degree requirements (non-essential and available to all students), and adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted, extra-time on testing, etc.
How are appropriate accommodations for a student determined?
To determine appropriate accommodations for a student, the student must submit acceptable documentation to the Office of Accessibility (see "The First Step"). The Accessibility Coordinator reviews the information and determines appropriate accommodations based upon the substantial limitations of the student and the recommended modifications suggested by the supporting specialist.
What constitutes a disability?
A disability is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. If you have a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition, or a condition which may be considered by others as substantially limiting, you may have a legally defined disability.
What does substantially limiting mean?
According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, substantially limiting is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people.
What is a major life activity?
According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a major life activity is defined as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
What are academic adjustments?
Appropriate accommodations (academic adjustments) create an equal access to education, as long as it doesn’t require a substantial change in an essential element of the curriculum (fundamental alterations). Such modifications may include an adjustment in the amount of time allowed to complete a degree, substitution of degree requirements (non-essential and available to all students), and adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted, extra-time on testing, etc.
How are appropriate accommodations for a student determined?
To determine appropriate accommodations for a student, the student must submit acceptable documentation to the Office of Accessibility (see "The First Step"). The Accessibility Coordinator reviews the information and determines appropriate accommodations based upon the substantial limitations of the student and the recommended modifications suggested by the supporting specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions from Parent/Future Student
Are students with disabilities treated differently?
Reasonable accommodations may change the manner in which a person gains access to course information or is tested however, the essential requirements in a course and rules within the campus community is the same for everyone. For example, you may need accessible parking, a tape recorder, interpreter, or extra time on tests and assignments – these accommodations aim to level the playing field without giving unfair advantage. Persons with a disability are not different – they are simply differently-able.
How do the responsibilities of working with students with disabilities at Higher Education institutions differ from those of high schools?
The responsibilities towards students with disabilities in Higher Education institutions are very different from those of high schools. High schools are required under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to identify the educational needs of students with a disability and provide a free and appropriate education. This responsibility is not required of higher education institutions. Higher Education institutions are required to provide appropriate academic accommodations to ensure that a student with a disability is not discriminated against. The student is responsible for disclosing his or her disability to the institution and making specific accommodation requests. See "The Office of Accessibility Handbook-Rights and Responsibilities" section for more information.
What are the responsibilities of a student with a disability if he or she would like to receive accommodations?
A student with a disability is responsible for requesting accommodations through Office of Accessibility (OA). OA will not seek students out. A student with a disability is also responsible for providing acceptable documentation of his or her disability that supports the accommodation requests.
Can I request accommodations for my child?
No. All requests for accommodations must come directly from the student.
Can I speak with the Accessibility Coordinator in regards to my child’s disability/academic case?
As a young adult, the student may choose to have information about his or her case discussed with his or her parent(s) through signing a FERPA release. The release cannot be a blanket release for the student’s entire college career and the Accessibility Coordinator may discuss your student's case, but can choose not to discuss any part of the accommodations process and information at her discretion.
Since the student is now in charge of his or her educational planning, what are some self-advocacy skills he or she should develop?
The Office of Accessibility strongly encourages students to develop these self-advocacy skills:
What is the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Higher Education of 1990?
The Americans with Disabilities Act on Higher Education of 1990 impacts the whole institution including activities, facilities, programs, employment, and housing. For more information please go to http://www.ada.gov.
Does a student have to inform Siena Heights University that he or she has a disability?
A student with a disability does not have to disclose his or her disability to SHU. Disclosure of a disability is on a voluntary basis. However, a student will not receive accommodations unless he or she discloses this information. Moreover, accommodations are not granted retroactively. To disclose a disability to the Accessibility Coordinator, or to discuss the accommodations process, click here.
What can a student with a disability expect in regards to admissions procedures?
In regards to admissions procedures, a student with a disability:
Will a student’s admission to Siena Heights University be denied because he or she has a disability?
A student meeting the essential requirements for admission to Siena Heights University will not (and can not by law) be denied admission solely on the basis of disability.
Does the Office of Accessibility provide tutoring services?
OA does not provide tutorial services. There are options on campus for math tutoring (Math Cave) and Writing help (Writing Center) for all students. For students who qualify, there is the Student Support Services program (click here) and the Freshman Transition Summer Program (click here). In addition, students who are accepted on condition will be automatically referred to the Pathways for Academic Saints Success (PASS) program--any student is able to self-refer to this program through their academic advisor. Tutorial services may also be obtained and funded privately.
Is there a charge for receiving accommodations from the Office of Accessibility?
There is no charge for receiving accommodations from the OA.
What are some examples of accommodations offered at the University?
In the University’s commitment to accessibility, we provide accommodations on an individually determined need. For individuals with print disabilities such as dyslexia and blindness or low vision, technology is available to read materials (coursework, emails, and campus announcements) from a computer screen, using MAC Voice Over, Kurzweil. Reasonable accommodations may also include proctored testing in a small, quiet, yet secure room, digital recorders, note-taking process, extended time for testing, scribes, interpreters, accessible parking, flexible diet meal plans, visual alerts in housing units, accessible bathrooms, football stadium seating, accessible entry and seating for basketball games, commencement and other events held in the Field House, and a plethora of reasonable services. Referrals are easily made to secure alternative text books, ASL interpreters. Documentation and advance notice helps the University to arrange services for your success.
Reasonable accommodations may change the manner in which a person gains access to course information or is tested however, the essential requirements in a course and rules within the campus community is the same for everyone. For example, you may need accessible parking, a tape recorder, interpreter, or extra time on tests and assignments – these accommodations aim to level the playing field without giving unfair advantage. Persons with a disability are not different – they are simply differently-able.
How do the responsibilities of working with students with disabilities at Higher Education institutions differ from those of high schools?
The responsibilities towards students with disabilities in Higher Education institutions are very different from those of high schools. High schools are required under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to identify the educational needs of students with a disability and provide a free and appropriate education. This responsibility is not required of higher education institutions. Higher Education institutions are required to provide appropriate academic accommodations to ensure that a student with a disability is not discriminated against. The student is responsible for disclosing his or her disability to the institution and making specific accommodation requests. See "The Office of Accessibility Handbook-Rights and Responsibilities" section for more information.
What are the responsibilities of a student with a disability if he or she would like to receive accommodations?
A student with a disability is responsible for requesting accommodations through Office of Accessibility (OA). OA will not seek students out. A student with a disability is also responsible for providing acceptable documentation of his or her disability that supports the accommodation requests.
Can I request accommodations for my child?
No. All requests for accommodations must come directly from the student.
Can I speak with the Accessibility Coordinator in regards to my child’s disability/academic case?
As a young adult, the student may choose to have information about his or her case discussed with his or her parent(s) through signing a FERPA release. The release cannot be a blanket release for the student’s entire college career and the Accessibility Coordinator may discuss your student's case, but can choose not to discuss any part of the accommodations process and information at her discretion.
Since the student is now in charge of his or her educational planning, what are some self-advocacy skills he or she should develop?
The Office of Accessibility strongly encourages students to develop these self-advocacy skills:
- Understand Your Disability: A student should be able to articulate what his or her disability is.
- Communicate Disability: A student should also be able to describe how the disability limits his or her functioning (functional limitations). A student should also be able to express some ways that he or she could be accommodated.
- Be Proactive: A student should provide acceptable documentation to Accessibility Coordinator and request accommodations. A student should learn to work collaboratively with instructors to ensure his or her success with the accommodations. A student should also be able to identify if his or her accommodations are not being met.
What is the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Higher Education of 1990?
The Americans with Disabilities Act on Higher Education of 1990 impacts the whole institution including activities, facilities, programs, employment, and housing. For more information please go to http://www.ada.gov.
Does a student have to inform Siena Heights University that he or she has a disability?
A student with a disability does not have to disclose his or her disability to SHU. Disclosure of a disability is on a voluntary basis. However, a student will not receive accommodations unless he or she discloses this information. Moreover, accommodations are not granted retroactively. To disclose a disability to the Accessibility Coordinator, or to discuss the accommodations process, click here.
What can a student with a disability expect in regards to admissions procedures?
In regards to admissions procedures, a student with a disability:
- Must apply through normal channels
- May not be asked about disability status during application by Admissions
- May choose to disclose the disability in his or her personal statement, but this information cannot be used to discriminate against your admission. As a general rule of thumb, if your application is marginal, then disclosing your disability and special circumstances in the essay portion of the application may help you.
- May take a standardized test with accommodations. For standardized tests:
- Be prepared to submit documentation--each standardized testing company has differing requirements.
- Admissions may not take any review action based upon submission of standardized test score
- As a note, SHU is a test optional admissions school
Will a student’s admission to Siena Heights University be denied because he or she has a disability?
A student meeting the essential requirements for admission to Siena Heights University will not (and can not by law) be denied admission solely on the basis of disability.
Does the Office of Accessibility provide tutoring services?
OA does not provide tutorial services. There are options on campus for math tutoring (Math Cave) and Writing help (Writing Center) for all students. For students who qualify, there is the Student Support Services program (click here) and the Freshman Transition Summer Program (click here). In addition, students who are accepted on condition will be automatically referred to the Pathways for Academic Saints Success (PASS) program--any student is able to self-refer to this program through their academic advisor. Tutorial services may also be obtained and funded privately.
Is there a charge for receiving accommodations from the Office of Accessibility?
There is no charge for receiving accommodations from the OA.
What are some examples of accommodations offered at the University?
In the University’s commitment to accessibility, we provide accommodations on an individually determined need. For individuals with print disabilities such as dyslexia and blindness or low vision, technology is available to read materials (coursework, emails, and campus announcements) from a computer screen, using MAC Voice Over, Kurzweil. Reasonable accommodations may also include proctored testing in a small, quiet, yet secure room, digital recorders, note-taking process, extended time for testing, scribes, interpreters, accessible parking, flexible diet meal plans, visual alerts in housing units, accessible bathrooms, football stadium seating, accessible entry and seating for basketball games, commencement and other events held in the Field House, and a plethora of reasonable services. Referrals are easily made to secure alternative text books, ASL interpreters. Documentation and advance notice helps the University to arrange services for your success.
Frequently Asked Instructor Questions
What if a student claims to have a physical or mental disability and request classroom and testing accommodations, but does not have an accommodations letter from the Office of Disability Services?
Refer the student to the Office of Accessibility, located in Sacred Heart Hall Room 302C, where the individual may present documentation indicating the type of disability, severity, limitations, medications, and discuss possible accommodation needs. You can also refer them to our website http://accessibility.sienaheights.edu/.
What if a student is receiving accommodations and is not doing well in class?
Treat the student as you would any other student. Enter into interactive processes with the student to try to identify the problem and appropriate alternative format, support service and/or referral. If you feel that more needs to be done, please refer the student to the CARE team here.
What if a student feels he or she has been discriminated against because of their disability?
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Try to resolve the complaint at the lowest level by meeting with the key people involved. You may contact the University EEO Officer and/or the Director of Student Support Services for if further assistance is warranted. In addition, you can reference the Student Code of Conduct Grievance procedure.
How does a faculty member give students information about accommodations?
Teachers will include a disability statement on their syllabi (see below) with information about how to receive classroom accommodations for a disability.
Suggested Faculty Syllabus Statement
Approved by the Siena Heights University, each class syllabus should include the following statement:
Siena Heights University values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to a climate of mutual respect and full participation. Our goal is to create learning environments that are usable, equitable and inclusive. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or accurate assessment, please notify the instructor as soon as possible. Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Accessibility (517) 264-7683, or accessibility@sienaheights.edu, to discuss a range of options for removing barriers in the course, including accommodations. This process is initiated and driven by the student. It is to your advantage to begin the process in a timely manner, since accommodations are not retroactive. Grades earned before verification of a disability by the Office of Accessibility will not be changed.
What are the rights and responsibilities of an instructor when working with students with disabilities?
An instructor has the right to confirm a student’s request for accommodations and to ask for clarification about a specific accommodation with the OA. Instructors do not have the right to refuse to provide an accommodation or to review a student’s documentation including diagnostic data. Instructors have a responsibility to work with the OA in providing reasonable accommodations, keep all records and communications with students confidential, and to refer a student to the OA who requests accommodations but is not currently registered. Instructors do not have to provide accommodations for students not registered with the OA.
If an instructor feels that a particular student may have a substantially limiting disability, where should he or she refer the student?
If an instructor feels that a particular student may have a substantially limiting disability, he or she should refer the student to the Office of Accessibility located in Sacred Heart Hall, Room 302C.
What if a student with a disability is disruptive in class?
A student with a disability who is disruptive in class should be treated as an instructor would treat any student who is disruptive in class. If an instructor feels that there is a disability-related reason for the student’s behavior, the instructor can discuss this with the Accessibility Coordinator in the OA to determine if there is a solution to the problem or strategies for addressing the behavior. The Coordinator can be reached at accessibility@sienaheights.edu, or 517-264-7683.
What if a student with a disability is failing?
It is important for instructors to remember that providing reasonable accommodations to a student with a disability does not guarantee success in the course. Students with disabilities may not master the course material, just like any other student. Students with disabilities have the same right as other students to fail as part of their educational experience. If you feel it is a life-altering situation, or that there is a need for further intervention, please refer to the CARE team (here).
Refer the student to the Office of Accessibility, located in Sacred Heart Hall Room 302C, where the individual may present documentation indicating the type of disability, severity, limitations, medications, and discuss possible accommodation needs. You can also refer them to our website http://accessibility.sienaheights.edu/.
What if a student is receiving accommodations and is not doing well in class?
Treat the student as you would any other student. Enter into interactive processes with the student to try to identify the problem and appropriate alternative format, support service and/or referral. If you feel that more needs to be done, please refer the student to the CARE team here.
What if a student feels he or she has been discriminated against because of their disability?
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Try to resolve the complaint at the lowest level by meeting with the key people involved. You may contact the University EEO Officer and/or the Director of Student Support Services for if further assistance is warranted. In addition, you can reference the Student Code of Conduct Grievance procedure.
How does a faculty member give students information about accommodations?
Teachers will include a disability statement on their syllabi (see below) with information about how to receive classroom accommodations for a disability.
Suggested Faculty Syllabus Statement
Approved by the Siena Heights University, each class syllabus should include the following statement:
Siena Heights University values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to a climate of mutual respect and full participation. Our goal is to create learning environments that are usable, equitable and inclusive. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or accurate assessment, please notify the instructor as soon as possible. Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Accessibility (517) 264-7683, or accessibility@sienaheights.edu, to discuss a range of options for removing barriers in the course, including accommodations. This process is initiated and driven by the student. It is to your advantage to begin the process in a timely manner, since accommodations are not retroactive. Grades earned before verification of a disability by the Office of Accessibility will not be changed.
What are the rights and responsibilities of an instructor when working with students with disabilities?
An instructor has the right to confirm a student’s request for accommodations and to ask for clarification about a specific accommodation with the OA. Instructors do not have the right to refuse to provide an accommodation or to review a student’s documentation including diagnostic data. Instructors have a responsibility to work with the OA in providing reasonable accommodations, keep all records and communications with students confidential, and to refer a student to the OA who requests accommodations but is not currently registered. Instructors do not have to provide accommodations for students not registered with the OA.
If an instructor feels that a particular student may have a substantially limiting disability, where should he or she refer the student?
If an instructor feels that a particular student may have a substantially limiting disability, he or she should refer the student to the Office of Accessibility located in Sacred Heart Hall, Room 302C.
What if a student with a disability is disruptive in class?
A student with a disability who is disruptive in class should be treated as an instructor would treat any student who is disruptive in class. If an instructor feels that there is a disability-related reason for the student’s behavior, the instructor can discuss this with the Accessibility Coordinator in the OA to determine if there is a solution to the problem or strategies for addressing the behavior. The Coordinator can be reached at accessibility@sienaheights.edu, or 517-264-7683.
What if a student with a disability is failing?
It is important for instructors to remember that providing reasonable accommodations to a student with a disability does not guarantee success in the course. Students with disabilities may not master the course material, just like any other student. Students with disabilities have the same right as other students to fail as part of their educational experience. If you feel it is a life-altering situation, or that there is a need for further intervention, please refer to the CARE team (here).
GRIEVANCE PROCEDUREThe Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was enacted to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in several critical areas including education. Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting the Office of Accessibility if reasonable accommodations are not implemented in a timely and effective manner. The Office will work with university personnel to resolve the issue. If no effective resolution to the complaint can be reached, the student then has the option to file a formal complaint with the ADA compliance officer. The student will secure and complete the “Formal Grievance” form that is available from the coordinator of the Office or from the university compliance officer. The form should be completed, signed, dated and delivered to the university ADA compliance officer: the director of Human Resources.
If the student believes the grievance has not yet been resolved to his or her satisfaction, he/she may appeal the decision to the office of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
If the student believes the grievance has not yet been resolved to his or her satisfaction, he/she may appeal the decision to the office of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.