Office of Accessibility

The Office of Accessibility – Background

 Students with Disabilities – represent 11% of the college student population 1 1 U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2011).

Digest of Education Statistics, 2010

015), Chapter 3 . Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=60 (2011-

Types of Disabilities

Systemic (H.R.) Mobility LD/ADHD Types of Disabilities Sensory Psychiatric Acquired Brain Injury

Curriculum Transformation and Disability. Funded by U.S. Department of Education. Project #P333A990015. Copyright 2000.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 706(8) of this title, shall, solely by reason of her or his handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

 Mandates that any entity that receives federal funds must provide full access to programs and services for individuals with disabilities.

 Colleges and Universities, including private institutions, have been required to provide access and services to students with disabilities since 1973 because of participation in Federal Student Aid programs.

Curriculum Transformation and Disability. U.S. Department of Education (2000).

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

 Modeled on the Civil Rights Act

“…Subject to the provisions of this title, no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by such entity.”

 All public services must be fully accessible to people with disabilities (regardless of participation in federal aid programs).

 Provides civil rights through fully inclusive equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

 Overseen by the Office of Civil Rights Curriculum Transformation and Disability. U.S. Department of Education (2000).

Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA Amendments Act)

    The Act emphasizes that the definition of disability should be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of the ADA and generally shall not require extensive analysis.

The effect of these changes is to make it easier for an individual seeking protection under the ADA to establish that he or she has a disability within the meaning of the ADA.

The Act retains the ADA’s basic definition of “disability” as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.

The Act expands the definition of “major life activities” by including two non-exhaustive lists: o o The first list includes many activities that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recognized (e.g., walking) as well as activities that EEOC has not specifically recognized (e.g., reading, bending, and communicating); The second list includes major bodily functions (e.g., “functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions”)

Four Implications of the Laws

1.

Those who are otherwise qualified for admission have a right to be here.

2.

Students, once admitted, have a right to access academic and non-academic programs.

3.

Qualified students are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations that relate to their disability.

4.

Faculty have the responsibility to protect the privacy of all students disability-related information according to the guidelines of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Office of Accessibility – Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Accessibility at The University of Akron is to provide students with full access to and the opportunity for full participation in the academic environment.

We are advocates of social justice for students with disabilities and work to end oppression by examining the social, cultural and institutional barriers to inclusion of all students. We embrace the diversity of our student body and celebrate a culturally sensitive and accessible campus through outreach, partnership, and advocacy with many university departments.

The Office of Accessibility – Mission Statement

 This mission goes well beyond the legal requirements and supports the University’s commitment to create an accessible and welcoming environment for all students.

 Our goal is to provide reasonable accommodations and a supportive, well resourced environment to students with disabilities in order to promote student success in the university environment.

Types of Disabilities

317 Learning Psychological Cognitive Neurological Pervasive Developmental Disorder Communication Disorder ADHD Health Related Sensory Physical Mobility Temporary Medical Conditions Deferred 284 151 121 78 73 55 51 36 31 10 5

**As of August 2012

Learning Disabilities

Examples include:  Reading  Written Expression  Math  Central Auditory Processing

Psychological

Examples include:  Depression  Anxiety  Bipolar  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

ADD/ADHD

 ADHD,

Combined Type

 ADHD,

Predominantly Inattentive Type

:  ADHD,

Predominantly Hyperactive Impulsive Type

Health Related

Examples include:  Diabetes  Fibromyalgia  Cancer  Heart Conditions

Cognitive

Examples include:  Borderline Intellectual Functioning  Developmental disability

Physical Mobility

Examples include:  Paraplegia / Quadriplegia  Arthritic Disorders  Spina Bifida  Chronic Back Conditions

Neurological

Examples include:  Multiple Sclerosis  Cerebral Palsy  Traumatic Brain Injury  Muscular Dystrophy

Visual

Examples include:  Visual Impairment  Legally Blind  Totally Blind

Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Examples include:  Autism  Asperger’s

Hearing

Examples include:  Hearing impaired  Deaf

Communication

Examples include:  Expressive Language  Mixed Receptive

Temporary

Examples include:  Broken arm  Broken leg  Concussion

Provision of Academic Accommodations



While creating equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities is a collaborative effort between the student, faculty, and the Office of Accessibility, faculty are responsible for providing many of the academic accommodations to students with disabilities in their classes.

How students may be referred

1.

Prior to enrollment by parents, high school counselor, transferring institution, or community service agency 2.

By University Employee referral (faculty/staff/or department) 3.

By an Accommodation

statement on syllabi

or other university documents.

Getting to the Office of Accessibility

There are several reasons why this syllabus statement is critical. 1) This statement both normalizes the accommodation process and helps to create a positive and welcoming environment for students with disabilities. 2) The statement creates a collaborative vehicle for making legally mandated accommodations. 3) It also serves as a reminder to students who need the accommodations that these arrangements need to be made.

Standard Syllabus Statement

The Office of Accessibility recommends the following syllabus statement:

Standard Syllabus Statement

In pursuant to University policy #33-59-20-01 subsection C, The University of Akron recognizes its responsibility for creating an institutional atmosphere in which students with disabilities have the opportunity to be successful. Any student who feels he/she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility at 330-972-7928 (v), 330-972-5764 (tdd) or [email protected]

. The office is located in Simmons Hall Room 105.

Out of Classroom Learning Experiences Statement The Office of Accessibility recommends that courses which have out of classroom experiences such as internship, Co-op, and clinical settings utilize the Out of Classroom Learning Experiences Statement in conjunction with the Standard Syllabus Statement. This statement should be used to address the uniqueness of these settings.

Out of Classroom Learning Experiences Statement

The information contained in accommodation letters is limited to classroom accommodations only. Internship, co-ops, clinicals and other out of classroom learning experiences are often very different than a typical classroom format. As a result, the University recognizes the types of academic accommodations reasonable for these experiences will often differ from those used in the classroom setting. Any student who feels he/she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility at 330-972-7928 (v), 330-972-5764 (tdd) or [email protected]

. The office is located in Simmons Hall Room 105.

Steps in the Accommodation Process

Students must….

 Self Identify to register with the Office of Accessibility  Submit documentation from a qualified treating medical practitioner to substantiate the nature of the disability  Meet eligibility requirements defined by the law   Diagnosed impairment Current substantial limitation to a major life activity

Reasonable Accommodations

 Those that would not fundamentally alter certain academic or technical standards  Those that do not substantially alter the nature of the course, program or service  Those that do not present an undue hardship  Those that do not pose a risk to self or others

Out of Classroom Learning Experiences Statement The Office of Accessibility recommends that courses which have out of classroom experiences such as internship, Co-op, and clinical settings utilize the Out of Classroom Learning Experiences Statement in conjunction with the Standard Syllabus Statement. This statement should be used to address the uniqueness of these settings.

Out of Classroom Learning Experiences Statement

The information contained in accommodation letters is limited to classroom accommodations only. Internship, co-ops, clinicals and other out of classroom learning experiences are often very different than a typical classroom format. As a result, the University recognizes the types of academic accommodations reasonable for these experiences will often differ from those used in the classroom setting. Any student who feels he/she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility at 330-972-7928 (v), 330-972-5764 (tdd) or [email protected]

. The office is located in Simmons Hall Room 105.

How to Register with the Office of Accessibility … Easy as 1, 2, 3!!

1) Get Started at The University of Akron

 Applying for admission to The University of Akron and applying for services with the Office of Accessibility are two different processes.

 It is recommended that students apply, be accepted, and enroll in classes before attending an intake appointment.

 Students can register with the Office of Accessibility at The University of Akron.

at any point

while enrolled

2) Submit documentation

 Students are encouraged to submit documentation to the Office of Accessibility 3 months prior to enrollment.

 Complete the Preliminary Intake History Form.

 Submit current documentation of your disability(ies) completed by a qualified professional. Specific guidelines are located at Simmons Hall 105.

www.uakron.edu/access or in

How to Register with the Office of Accessibility … Easy as 1, 2, 3!!

3) Schedule an intake appointment

 Once all documentation has been received and the student is registered for classes, the student should schedule an intake appointment with their assigned Disability Specialist.

 During the intake appointment, the student will discuss:  Eligible services based upon documentation and disability-related needs.

 Training on our online accommodation request system (STARS).

 Any other questions/concerns about The University of Akron, our office, and preparation for attending college.

Implementing Accommodations

 Students will request and coordinate all of their accommodations through the Student Testing and Request System (STARS) website, https://gunadiframework.com/akron/ . o This system will manage the requesting of accommodation letters, testing, note taking, alternative media and equipment electronically.

o

Additionally, instructors will receive the requested accommodation letters via email.

o Students may also choose to hand deliver their accommodation letter to their faculty member(s).

Implementing Accommodations

 The Office of Accessibility would recommend that faculty

not

provide an accommodation to a student unless an official accommodation letter has been received. If the student has not requested services through the Office of Accessibility, refer him or her to the office.

 Students are advised to discuss privately with faculty the implementation of the accommodations within the classroom.

The Office of Accessibility is dedicated to supporting faculty when implementing accommodations. We encourage faculty to call the office with questions on how a students accommodation plan may be implemented within their course.

Implementing the Accommodations (when Office of Accessibility initiates)

 Request for required course material o Textbooks, course packets, journal articles o Materials needed for captioning: videos, CDs/DVDs  Request for syllabus o Alternative format  Accessibility of E-Learning materials  Email Notifications (*Specific Disabilities)

Examples of

Reasonable

Accommodations

            Adaptive Technology (Alt Txt) Classroom Accessibility (relocation) Exam Accommodations (space, time) Auxiliary Aids (PowerPoint slides) Equipment (tape recorder) Transcribers/ Interpreters Priority Registration Communication Notetakers Proctors Accessible on-campus Housing Attendance

Notetakers

 Notetakers are students who are enrolled in the same class as the student. Notetakers simply provide a copy of their notes to the student(s) to whom they are assigned within a day or two of each class session. Students use the notetaker’s notes to supplement their own notes.

 Students requesting notetakers must select the course(s) needing a notetaker through STARS every semester.

Notetaker Recruitment

 In an effort to secure notetakers as soon as possible for students who have requested notetaking accommodations, the Office of Accessibility begins the recruitment process prior to the start of each semester. The process begins as follows: 1. Recruitment email is sent to class roster multiple times 2. If a notetaker is not secured by email recruitment, the instructor is given guidelines for securing a notetaker in class that include: o Reading a notetaker memo o Identifying a student who would be a good notetaker o Providing their own notes to the student (the student may still opt to receive a notetaker in addition to instructor notes) 3. If a notetaker is still not identified, a staff member from the Office of Accessibility may be sent to class to recruit a notetaker

Notetaker Memo

The following is an announcement from the Office of Accessibility: We have a great opportunity available to you. There is a student in this class who requires the services of a note taker. As a notetaker, you can receive the benefits of a one-time stipend of $100 on your All Campus Zip Card Account, priority registration, and enhancing your resume. It is very convenient to be a notetaker since you are already taking notes and the Office of Accessibility can provide you with notetaking materials such as carbon copy paper, a copy card, and instructions for uploading notes. If you are willing to provide a copy of your notes to this person for the rest of the semester, please let me know or email the Notetaker Coordinator at [email protected] for registration information.

Notetaker Hiring

 Notetakers are hired each semester by the Office of Accessibility.  When a potential notetaker signs up through STARS, she/he will be hired as the notetaker if the employment criteria are met. These include: o Submitting the completed Instructor Verification Form to the Office of Accessibility with a page of notes o Completing the Notetaking Training and Quiz that is available on the Office of Accessibility’s website  All requirements must be completed in order for the notetaker to be paid.

Testing Services at The University of Akron

Students options for Testing Location

 Take tests with the class without utilizing accommodations.

 Take tests with appropriate accommodations by working with instructors to agree on time/place.  Take tests at

Counseling Center-Testing Services,

(330) 972 7084, in Simmons Hall 304, if that is what is decided between the student and his/her Disability Specialist.

 Take tests at the

Office of Accessibility,

(330) 972-7928 in Simmons Hall 105, if that is what is decided between the student and his/her Disability Specialist.

* Some classes require students to take tests at

Computer Based Assessment & Evaluation

, (330) 972-6511, in Schrank Hall North 152. The instructor is responsible for adjusting students extended time.

Testing Accommodations

 There are several basic accommodations provided by our office regarding tests. They are as follows: o Extended time o Distraction reduced space o Test proctors o Use of technology on tests o A reader and/or writer  The testing accommodations and need of the student determines their assigned testing location.

 Students need to inform their instructors

in advance

they will be using their testing accommodations.

for each test that

Testing Services at The University of Akron

To better centralize our services, improve efficiency and manage cost, the Office of Accessibility collaborates with Counseling Center Testing Services to administer testing to students with disabilities.

 Test requests must be made

at least four business days

to allow for coordination of services.

prior to the testing  Once an exam request is submitted in STARS, the instructor will receive an automated email that includes the date/time of the test request, along with the accommodations that the student is requesting. The email will request that the instructor send a

copy of the test

, along with a

proctor sheet

to the appropriate testing location . The email will also include the student’s specific testing location.

 If a student requests a test less than

four business days before the test

, we will attempt to fulfill the request based on availability. If there is no availability, students are to contact their instructor and discuss possible testing options. Students can discuss with their instructor a different test date through the office or make testing arrangements with the instructor directly.

Examples of additional campus resources

 Tutoring  Counseling Center  Career Center  Math Lab/Writing Lab  Adult Focus/Non-traditional Programs  Student Health Services  Military Services Center

Faculty Has The Right To…

 Request verification of student's eligibility for any requested accommodations. 

Verification is in the form of an accommodation letter, written by a Disability Specialist from the office and delivered to you by the student.



The Office of Accessibility is the only office designated to review disability documentation and determine eligibility for appropriate accommodations.



If this disability documentation (rather than the accommodation letter) is presented directly to you, please refer the student to the office.

 Expect the student to initiate accommodation requests. The student is encouraged by the office to present the accommodation letter to you during the first two weeks of the semester (*exceptions apply).

 Expect the student and the Office of Accessibility to work with you to coordinate the provision of the appropriate accommodations when asked to.

Inappropriate Behavior

Students with disabilities are subject to the same Code of Student Conduct required of any student at UA. If there are incidences of inappropriate behavior, meet privately to discuss issues of behavior and encourage students to seek help. Give concise and honest feedback about behaviors that are inappropriate. If there are situations involving threats or abusive behavior, call the University Police. If the student is so disruptive that he/she prevents you from effectively teaching your class, call Student Judicial Affairs (330)972-6380 and/or fill out a referral through the CARE team. You are always welcome to consult with the Office of Accessibility. These situations are not likely to occur, but it is wise to have a plan.

Faculty Responsibilities…

 Identify and establish

essential functions

of your courses and evaluate students on this basis. Students with disabilities should meet the same course expectations as their peers. Do not have a special grading scale or other criteria for them.

 Provide accommodations only to students who are registered with the Office of Accessibility and whom you have received an accommodation letter dated for the current semester.

* It is NOT your responsibility to provide accommodations other than those listed on the accommodation letter or to provide an accommodation that is incompatible with fundamental course objectives

Faculty Responsibilities…

If immediate medical assistance is needed by trained medical personnel.

 Our recommendation is that you call 911 from any

campus phone

, or (330)972-2911 from any non-campus phone if a student has a medical emergency during class. Due to the mobile nature of cell phones, dialing 911 from a non-campus phone will not immediately transfer your call to the UA dispatch center, and may delay emergency response. UAPD recommends that you enter their number into your cell phone’s contact list, or even better yet, enter 330-972-2911 into your speed dial so that in the case of an emergency you can get in touch with them as quickly as possible.  UA police and Akron EMS medical personnel will respond promptly to assess whether there is a need for additional medical attention or treatment. Please note that the University does not require, instruct, or direct instructors or any other students to provide care, assistance, or other services in the event of an emergency.

Teaching Strategies

 Integrate natural supports for learning (e.g., group and individual work)  Use a variety of instructional methods when presenting material  Allow for multiple methods of demonstrating understanding of essential course content  Use technology to increase accessibility  Invite students to contact you if they have questions or concerns Please see www.osu.edu/grants/dpg/fastfact/undesign for more information on how universal design can benefit your students

The Office of Accessibility values the collaborative relationship between faculty, students and our office.

Office of Accessibility Simmons Hall 105 The University of Akron Akron, Ohio 44325-6213 Phone: 330-972-7928 TDD: 330-972-5764 Fax: 330-972-5422 E-mail: [email protected]