T HE A CCOMMODATION P ROCESS AT CSU Lindsay Varkula, M.A. Graduate Assistant Office of Disability Services Cleveland State University

P RESENTATION O VERVIEW Federal law Disability Services values AHEAD and best practices for disability services in higher education Registration/intake process Types of accommodations and services

D ISABILITY L AW 1960s: People considered “crippled” – Few services and no legal protection 1973: Rehabilitation Act, Sections 501, 504, and : Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Civil rights law designed to prevent discrimination – Applied to individuals with a physical/mental disability that substantially limited a major life activity 2008: Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) – Court rulings from 1990 – 2008 made the ADA “too restrictive” – ADAAA broadens previous definition of disability – Determine accommodations by worst case scenario

D IFFERENCES BETWEEN G RADE S CHOOL AND P OST -S ECONDARY D ISABILITY S ERVICES Elementary & High School Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – Created in 1970 and updated in 1997 Required to identify, test, and accommodate students with disabilities (IDEA & Section 504) Modifications of curriculum and expectations Students progress at their level Post-Secondary Student bears the task of providing documentation to verify existence of a disability Accommodations cannot alter the fundamental elements of a course or program Can fail to proceed – Law guarantees ACCESS NOT SUCCESS Completion of requirements for graduation or licensure

D ISABILITY S ERVICES V ALUES Empower students to self-advocate Focus on students’ personal strengths Advocate for universal design Educate the university community about disability compliance, issues, and responsibilities Prepare college students with disabilities for careers

A.H.E.A.D. – Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) – AHEAD creates Best Practices guidelines for working with individuals with disabilities in a higher education setting CSU’s Office of Disability Services utilizes AHEAD guidelines

R EGISTRATION /I NTAKE P ROCESS Documentation review – Minimum documentation requirements – Verification forms Interview – Impact on performance – Knowledge of disability and diagnosis – Medication and side-effects Determination of appropriate accommodations

M INIMUM D OCUMENTATION R EQUIREMENTS Current (generally within the past 3 years) Completed by a licensed professional Includes a diagnosis

E XAMPLE V ERIFICATION F ORM : Medical Disability and Chronic Health Licensed medical professional Diagnosis Severity & potential changes/flare-ups Medications & side effects Influence on academics Other recommendations

A CCOMMODATION M EMOS After registering with ODS, students receive memos Students give memos to all instructors A short conversation with instructors is recommended ODS students must be given to all instructors at the beginning of each semester to receive accommodations  No accommodations can be granted retrospectively Instructors are expected to provide all accommodations listed on memos  Instructors encouraged to contact ODS if accommodations are not effective  Instructors encouraged to contact ODS with concerns (attendance, exams, assignments)  Instructors encouraged to call ODS for recommendations/collaborat ive problem-solving

G RIEVANCE P ROCESSES For students – Share concerns with ODS – Appeal to the CSU Affirmative Action Office For faculty/instructors – Contact ODS ASAP with any questions and concerns about accommodations – Regulations under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

A CCOMMODATIONS AND S ERVICES Testing accommodations – Extended time – Distraction-reduced environment – Reader/scribe – Computer – Alternative formats Alternative text – Learning Alley and Victor Readers – Kurzweil and screen readers – Accessible course documents and websites Universal design – Physical barriers (example: lab classes) – Universal design in academics

A CCOMMODATIONS AND S ERVICES Computer programs – Jaws – Zoom text/Magic – Dragon Naturally Speaking – Word processer (spell/grammar check) – Inspiration and writing programs CCTV and magnification devices Recording devices Pulse pen Ergonomic devices Braille Tactile images Communication boards Mobility aids: canes wheelchairs, walkers Adaptive Technology

A CCOMMODATIONS AND S ERVICES Note-taking Sign Language Interpreting/FM systems Alternative assignments Attendance modifications Residence halls Service animals

U SING T HE O FFICE OF D ISABILITY S ERVICES AND O THER CSU R ESOURCES Considerations for ODS students Considerations for CSU faculty and staff

Office of Disability Services Cleveland State University 2121 Euclid Avenue MC 147 Cleveland, OH Phone: (216) Fax: (216)