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The Accommodation Process at CSU

The Accommodation Process at CSU. Lindsay Varkula, M.A. Graduate Assistant Office of Disability Services Cleveland State University. Presentation Overview. Federal law Disability Services values AHEAD and best practices for disability services in higher education.

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The Accommodation Process at CSU

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  1. The Accommodation Process at CSU Lindsay Varkula, M.A. Graduate Assistant Office of Disability Services Cleveland State University

  2. Presentation Overview • Federal law • Disability Services values • AHEAD and best practices for disability services in higher education • Registration/intake process • Types of accommodations and services

  3. Disability Law • 1960s: People considered “crippled” • Few services and no legal protection • 1973: Rehabilitation Act, Sections 501, 504, and 508 • 1990: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • Civil rights law designed to prevent discrimination • Applied to individuals with a physical/mental disability that substantiallylimited 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

  4. Differences between Grade School and Post-Secondary Disability Services Elementary & High School 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 • 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

  5. Disability Services Values • 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

  6. A.H.E.A.D. • Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) • http://www.ahead.org/ • 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

  7. Registration/Intake Process • Documentation review • Minimum documentation requirements • Verification forms • Interview • Impact on performance • Knowledge of disability and diagnosis • Medication and side-effects • Determination of appropriate accommodations

  8. Minimum Documentation Requirements • Current (generally within the past 3 years) • Completed by a licensed professional • Includes a diagnosis

  9. Example Verification Form: Medical Disability and Chronic Health • Licensed medical professional • Diagnosis • Severity & potential changes/flare-ups • Medications & side effects • Influence on academics • Other recommendations

  10. Accommodation Memos • 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/collaborative problem-solving

  11. Grievance Processes • 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)

  12. Accommodations and Services • 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

  13. Adaptive Technology Accommodations and Services • 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

  14. Accommodations and Services • Note-taking • Sign Language Interpreting/FM systems • Alternative assignments • Attendance modifications • Residence halls • Service animals

  15. Using The Office of Disability Services and Other CSU Resources • Considerations for ODS students • Considerations for CSU faculty and staff

  16. Office of Disability Services Cleveland State University2121 Euclid AvenueMC 147Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 Phone: (216) 687-2015Fax: (216) 687-2343ods@csuohio.edu

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