Disability Resource Center Facts & Information

1. Disability Resource CenterFacts & Information www.drc.pdx.edu/facultyresources.html 503-725-4150 drc@pdx.edu

2. Academic Accommodations • Modify or change nonessential course requirements to provide students with disabilities equal access and opportunity to participate in campus programs and activities. • Modifications may include changes in the length of time permitted for completion of degree requirements, substitution of a specific course required for completion of degree requirements, or adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted.

3. Academic Accommodationsare NOT reasonable if they • Make a substantial change in an essential element of the curriculum (educational perspective). • Pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others. • Require a substantial alteration in the manner in which you provide services (educational opportunities). • Impose an undue financial or administrative burden (NOTE: it is not easy to prove this one). • ALWAYS consult before informing a student that an accommodation is not reasonable.

4. The Faculty Letter • A sample copy of the DRC faculty letter can be found at: http://www.drc.pdx.edu/Forms/sampleletter.rtf • The faculty letter has two parts: • a bullet-point listing of the service the student has selected for the class • Specific notes about ALL services for which the student is eligible

5. When students ask for accommodations • DO – ask if they are registered with the DRC • DO – talk with them in private about their accommodations and discuss ways to make the class fully accessible • DO – consult with the DRC if you have questions or concerns about a student’s accommodations • DO – hold students with disabilities accountable to the same standards you hold every other student • DO NOT – ask about the student’s diagnosis • DO NOT – tell students that they cannot have a service animal in the classroom (always consult with the DRC)

6. Video and Online Content • All videos must be captioned • Check movies, YouTube, DVDs, or other videos for captioning BEFORE presenting it to the class or posting online • AV Services can help instructors who need assistance with video technology and switching on captioning in class (http://www.cavs.pdx.edu/avs/) • Online – All online content must be accessible • Closed Captioning and/or transcripts for video content • Screen-reader accessible

7. PDFs – the simple litmus test for accessibility • ACCESSIBLE • NOT ACCESSIBLE

8. Service Animalshttp://www.drc.pdx.edu/Forms/ServiceAnimalPolicy.pdf • Definition • “Any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” • In some cases, miniature horses are considered service animals • PSU may pose some restrictions on, and may even exclude, a service animal or emotional support animal in certain instances. Restrictions or exclusions will be considered on a case-by‐case basis in accordance with applicable laws, but an animal may be excluded if: • It is out of control and effective action is not taken to control it; • It is not housebroken; • It poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be reduced or eliminated by reasonable modifications; or • Its presence fundamentally alters the nature of a program, service or activity.

9. Service Animals • What to ask: • Is the dog (or horse) required because of a disability? • What work or task has the dog (or horse) been trained to perform? • What NOT to ask: • What is your disability? • Can I see the dog (or horse’s) certification as a service animal? • Where is the animal’s jacket or harness?

10. Testing Serviceshttp://www.pdx.edu/testing/services-for-psu-faculty-students • Testing Services is part of SHAC and is located in UCB 310 • Who is responsible for providing Testing Accommodations? • Guidelines and Responsibilities for using Testing Services • Students • Faculty • Testing Services

11. Who do I contact if… • I need to know whether student is eligible for accommodations and/or have questions about a faculty letter? • Disability Resource Center 503-725-4150 • I have questions about testing procedures? • SHAC Testing Services 503-725-5301 • I’m not sure I can accommodate the student? • Disability Resource Center 503-725-4150 • Office of Equity and Compliance 503-725-5919

12. Resources • Disability Resource Center – questions about students, information about Universal Design • http://www.drc.pdx.edu • Center for Academic Excellence - Teaching, learning, assessment, research, and community-university partnerships • http://www.pdx.edu/cae/ • Classroom Audio/Visual Services - AV Services (AVS) offers audio visual equipment check-out for instructional use as well as training on the use of equipment within technology classrooms • http://www.cavs.pdx.edu/ • Center for Online Learning – The Center has a service model designed to develop best-practices. • http://pdx.edu/psuonline/ • Instructional Development Support Center – Training for D2L and other programs used in development of course materials • http://www.pdx.edu/oit/training

13. Resources • Office of Equity and Compliance • http://pdx.edu/diversity/office-of-equity-compliance • Human Resources - If you need reasonable accommodations for yourself • contact Kristin Smith at 503-725-9686 or ksmith@pdx.edu