DISABILITIES AND ACCOMODATIONS

Disabilities & Accommodations Section 504 & ADA Civil Rights Statutes do not: Mandate affirmative action Create special programs Promise accommodations

Disabilities & Accommodations Eligibility Determination Documentation from appropriate professional Counselors professional judgment Functional limitation rather than diagnosis Case-by-case decision making

Disabilities & Accommodations It is not possible to include a list of all the specific conditions, contagious and noncontagious diseases or infections that would constitute physical or mental impairments because of the difficulty of ensuring the comprehensiveness of such a list, particularly in light of the fact that other conditions or disorders may be identified in the future. (ADA regulations)

Disabilities & Accommodations Examples of disabilities Blindness/visual impairments Deafness/hearing impairments Learning disabilities Orthopedic conditions Epilepsy Cerebral Palsy Mental Retardation Emotional Illnesses Temporary Impairments Femoral Hypoplasia with Unusual Facies Syndrome

Disabilities & Accommodations Accommodations Modification to policy or procedure Change in physical environment Provision of auxiliary aid or service

Disabilities & Accommodations Law mandates: Primary consideration Student involvement

Disabilities & Accommodations Reasonable accommodation: Does not change essential requirement of the course. Does not substantially alter the way services are provided. Does not cause undue financial or administrative burden. Does not pose direct threat to health and safety of others.

Disabilities & Accommodations Choosing an accommodation Flexibility in selection Equally effective Rational relationship

Disabilities & Accommodations Low tech……reversed polarity on computer monitor Cheap……….preferential seating High tech……Jaws software Expensive…...ASL services; building renovations

Disabilities & Accommodations Examples of accommodations: ASL interpreters; CART Readers; scribes; notetakers Audiobooks; e-text; Braille Extended time on tests; testing in a quiet area CCTV Jaws; Dragon Naturally Speaking; WYNN Assistive Listening Device Adjustable tables and chairs Copies of instructor notes and overheads Exception to the attendance policy

Disabilities & Accommodations Examples of disability and possible accommodation: Strike keys by mistake due to tremors ---- keyguard for computer Inability to use hands for input ---- alternate input devices, such as voice recognition program, scanner, headpointer Limited or poor speech ---- spell check, word prediction Impaired reading ability ---- reader, extended time, books in alternate format, software Impaired ability in written expression ---- computers, voice recognition software, scribe, oral responses

Disabilities & Accommodations

Resources for accommodations: Disability Services Resource Guide (NCCC System Office) Job Accommodation Network College & university disability services websites (University of Montana, University of Washington) Disability websites (LD, autism, deaf) NCDDS and DSSHE listserves NC-Vital Federal & state agencies (OCR, VR, DSB) AHEAD

Disabilities & Accommodations It is not the diagnosis that is important but rather how the unique circumstances and functional limitations affect equal access.

Disabilities & Accommodations Presented by CAROLINE SMITH Wayne Community College