The Laws Faculty are Expected to Uphold
American's with Disability Act (ADA) - A civil rights law protecting a person with a disability from discrimination.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act - Federally funded higher education institutions must provide equal access and opportunities for students with disabilities for all programs, activities, and services.
Implications Regarding the Laws:
There are four main implications regarding the laws governing disability-related services in higher education.
-
Students with disabilities must meet the same admission standards as other students.
-
Once admitted, they have the same rights to all programs and facilities and are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations that relate to their disability.
-
They have a right to confidentiality of all disability-related information.
-
Students with disabilities are responsible to meet the same academic standards as other students. While students may receive some reasonable accommodations intended to mitigate the educational impact of their disabilities, these accommodations should not water down the curriculum, alter the standards for performance nor waive any course or class activity that provides students with essential knowledge or skills.
Faculty are expected to:
-
Include a statement in your syllabus informing students about reasonable accommodations through EAS.
-
Refer students to EAS to verify a documented disability and determine appropriate accommodations.
-
Ensure reasonable accommodations are implemented in your classroom for the student.
-
Ensure all communication and learning is done in a fully accessible environment for students.
-
Keep all disability-related information confidential.
-
Maintain the same academic standards and rigor expected of all your students for those with a disability.
-
Contact EAS or the ADA Coordinator regarding accommodation or disability concerns. You are not alone!
Learn More about the ADA:
Regional ADA Network Learning and Posts
Rocky Mountain ADA Center Course Catalog: Create a Free account to enroll in these ADA training modules to learn more about things like "Service Animals and the ADA," "Introduction to Assistive Technology," "Document Accessibility," and more.
New England ADA Center ADA Title II Action Guide: Overview reading of the responsibilities of institutions under Title II of the ADA using plain language and examples.
ADA National Network Posts:
Questions and Answers: Explore various questions and answers according to ADA.
Post-secondary Institutions and Student with Disabilities: Brief overview of higher education obligations to the ADA including specific examples of accommodation rights such as service animals.
Research Brief: Digital Access for Students in Higher Education and the ADA: Brief discussion of challenges and benefits of online learning and the impact of accessibility.
Research Brief: Higher Education and the ADA: Information about students transiting from high school to college with accommodations and universal design's impact in a diverse classroom.