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Explore the accommodation process at CSU, including federal laws, types of accommodations, and differences with K-12 services. Learn about AHEAD guidelines, registration procedures, documentation requirements, and grievance processes. Discover adaptive technology, services, and resources for students.
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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 • Registration/intake process • Types of accommodations and services
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
Differences between Grade School and Post-Secondary Disability Services Elementary & High School Post-Secondary 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 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
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
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
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
Minimum Documentation Requirements • Current (generally within the past 3 years) • Completed by a licensed professional • Includes a diagnosis
Licensed medical professional • Diagnosis • Severity & potential changes/flare-ups • Medications & side effects • Influence on academics • Other recommendations Example Verification Form: Medical Disabilityand Chronic Health
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
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)
Accommodations and Services • Testing accommodations • Extended time • Distraction-reduced environment • Reader/scribe • Computer • Magnification • Alternative formats • Alternative text • Learning Alley and Victor Readers • Kurzweil and screen readers • Accessible course documents and websites
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 • Braille and tactile images • Ergonomic devices • Communication boards • Mobility aids (canes wheelchairs, walkers)
Accommodations and Services • Note-taking • Sign Language Interpreting/FM systems • Alternative assignments • Attendance modifications • Residence halls • Service animals • Universal design • Physical barriers (example: lab classes) • Universal design in academics
Using The Office of Disability Services and Other CSU Resources • Considerations for ODS students • Considerations for CSU faculty and staff
Office of Disability Services2121 Euclid AvenueMC 147Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 Phone: (216) 687-2015Fax: (216) 687-2343 ods@csuohio.edu