Policy Author:
Debbie Dimitrovski
Responsible Office/Department:
Accessibility Services
Effective Date of Policy:
January 10, 2022
Policy Narrative
Daemen University is committed to ensuring equal access and full participation in programs and activities for students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and applicable state and local laws. Accessibility Services is designated by the University as the department to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations and services for students with disabilities.
It is Daemen University’s responsibility to:
- Reduce or eliminate physical, educational and attitudinal barriers to students with disabilities.
- Maintain confidentiality of records and communications concerning students with disabilities in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act except where disclosure is required by law or authorized by the student.
- Assist students with disabilities who self identify and meet the University’s criteria for eligibility in receiving reasonable and appropriate accommodations as determined on a case-by-case basis..
- Provide information regarding guidelines and procedures to students with disabilities in a timely manner and in an accessible format.
Procedure for Requesting an Accommodation
If a qualified applicant for admission to the University or a student of the University anticipates a need for an accommodation to complete a course of study or to participate in a University program or activity (student housing, dining, etc.), the request for accommodation should be brought to the attention of Accessibility Services.
The following are sources of information that are used for determining a disability and/or reasonable and appropriate accommodations:
Student Self Report: Students should schedule a meeting with the Director of Accessibility Services to describe their disability and accommodations they are requesting to receive. Students may consider including information about their experience related to their disability, barriers faced and/or previous accommodations used.
Observation and Interaction: Observations can be valid information in a student self-report which further validates the need for accommodations. Accessibility Services staff is experienced in working with students with disabilities and may be able to determine if the request is reasonable based on observations and interactions.
Documentation: Disability related documentation should provide information on the impact of the disability so appropriate accommodations may be identified. Documentation may include assessments, reports, and/or letters from diagnosing and treating health care providers, psychiatrists, or other qualified professionals. Suggested documentation elements include:
- Typed on letterhead, dated and signed by the qualifying professional
- Diagnostic statement
- Impact and/or symptoms of the disability
- If appropriate, severity, expected progression and list of medications and their side effects
- Current and/or past accommodations
- Recommendations for accommodations
Also found here: Disability Documentation Guidelines
Procedure for Receiving Approved Accommodations
Accessibility Services will provide an Accommodation Letter upon request, each semester, to students who have approved accommodations specifying the accommodations approved by the University. In keeping with the University’s nondiscrimination policy, accommodations are to be made only at the request of the student, not assumed or imposed by other parties. The student shall present their Accommodation Letter to the appropriate faculty member, staff member or administrator when requesting to utilize an accommodation. Accommodations should not be provided to students without an Accommodation Letter which has been approved by the University. A student lacking such documentation should be referred to Accessibility Services.
Should any problem arise in securing an approved accommodation, the student should bring the problem to the immediate attention of the 504/ADA Compliance Officer, Assistant Vice President for Student Success, Sabrina Fennel, who will assist in resolving the matter. In addition, any member of the University community with questions or concerns about the University’s disability policy and procedures should contact the 504/ADA Compliance Officer. Retaliation against students, applicants, or employees for exercising their rights under this policy is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Claims of retaliation should be reported to the 504/ADA Compliance Officer.
Purpose for policy
To create and maintain an equitable environment where students have the optimal opportunity to succeed academically, personally, and professionally and where any and all Daemen University Community members feel safe, valued, and respected.
This policy’s virtual location is https://www.daemen.edu/student-life/student-affairs/student-handbook/section-5-general-college-policies