Student with a Disability

A person with a disability is defined as any person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

Eligibility

An eligible student is a student with a disability that has registered with the Disability Services Office (DSO). Substantiating documentation that verifies the disabling condition and the functional limitations it imposes on major life functions must be on file with the DSO.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are adjustments that minimize or eliminate the impact of a disability, allowing the individual equal access to the University’s courses, programs, and activities as well as providing equal employment opportunities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that an institution must make reasonable accommodations for those individuals with a qualified disability. A reasonable accommodation is one that does not require a substantial change in curriculum or alteration of an essential element of the program or position.

Regardless of the disability and given reasonable accommodations, students with a disability must be able to perform the essentials of the academic program or course requirements.  The university is under no obligation to ensure the success of individuals with disabilities, only to ensure an equal opportunity to be successful.

Accommodations may include:

• Academic assistance (note taking services, extended time on tests, etc.)
• Physical accessibility

These are determined individually based upon appropriate documentation.

Reasonable accommodations allow individuals to maximize their potential by overcoming disability-related barriers and functional limitations.  An accommodation is not reasonable and does not have to be made if allowing participation of the person with the disability poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.