DRS is committed to the concept of equal access as codified into law by Title V, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. Accommodations appropriate to the disability give disAbled students the opportunity to become fully engaged with the process of their education. When presenting the instructor a claim of disability, the student should have a letter from the DRS office outlining any necessary accommodations. Bear in mind that students are not required to disclose a disability. If you are speaking to a student on the phone, or with one who has no discernible disability, it would be helpful if you make a practice of asking all callers if they have any special needs you should be aware of.
Confidentiality is maintained at every level of engagement.
By law, students with disabilities must provide appropriate documentation of their disability from a qualified professional prior to receiving accommodations. This documentation will be used in collaboration with the student during the initial needs assessment to determine which accommodations are both appropriate and reasonable. Your needs assessment is a collaborative process between the Disability Specialist or a qualified assistant, and yourself. DRS encourages each student to take an active role in the development of a viable educational and disability management plan that is the best fit for them. You may request the waiver of a required course because of a documented learning disability.