The Reasonable Accommodation of Students with Disabilities
Definitions
Disability: the presence of sensory, mental or physical impairment (whether temporary or permanent) that 1) is medically cognizable or diagnosable, esists as a record or history, or is known or shows through an interactive process to exist in fact; and 2) has a substantially limiting effect on the student's ability to perform and complete the essential elements of the course, program, or activity.
Qualified Student: A student who continuously meets the essential standards of the relevant University course, program, or activity, with or without the benefit of reasonable accommodation.
Reasonable Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation means modifying or adjusting practices, procedures, or policies so that a qualified student with a disability receives equal access to a course, program, or activity. Reasonable accommodations will be implemented as long as 1) they are medically necessary; and 2) they do not impose an undue hardship on the University or result in fundamental alteration of the nature or operation of the institution, program, course, service, or activity. The University does not need to accept the student’s requested accommodation if an alternative accommodation is determined to be equally effective.
Qualified Healthcare Provider: A person who is legally competent to diagnose and/or treat the particular medical condition or conditions which are the basis of the accommodation request.
Undue Hardship and Fundamental Alteration: Implementing a requested accommodation that is excessively costly, extensive, substantial, disruptive, or result in fundamental alteration to the nature or operation of the institution, program, or course. In determining whether a requested accommodation poses an undue hardship or fundamental alteration, evaluation may include but is not limited to impact on overall resources, program standards, and or structure of the course and/or activity.
Students with Special Needs
City University of Seattle is committed to providing equal opportunities in higher education to academically qualified students with disabilities who demonstrate a reasonable expectation of college success. Students with disabilities attending this University are integrated as completely as possible into the University environment. City University of Seattle does not offer a specialized curriculum for students with disabilities nor does it assume the role of a rehabilitation center. The University seeks input from students and a qualified healthcare professional(s) to assess individual needs and determines what resources are available for meeting those needs. City University of Seattle has a history of working
successfully with students who have disabilities. To maintain uniformity across campuses, this policy will defer to the national, state, or provincial laws that show the higher standard of care.
City University of Seattle’s facilities and programs are accessible to persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation in higher education refers to an “otherwise qualified” disabled student’s ability to fulfill course requirements in the classroom or through distance learning when faculty and staff provide equal access to learning. Appropriate academic support services are provided while academic standards are maintained.
Students must contact the Disability Support Services Office to request the need for reasonable accommodation(s). Reasonable accommodation may include but is not limited to taped texts, readers, interpreters, adaptive classroom equipment, or similar services/equipment. Modification of academic requirements may include length of time permitted for completion of course requirements or degree requirements. Students should not discuss accommodation with instructors or staff prior to contacting the Disability Support Services Office.
The student is required to provide recent documentation prepared by a qualified healthcare provider regarding the diagnosis, the nature of the functional limitations and the duration of the disability. The student may be asked to provide a release so that the Disability Support Services Office may seek clarification from the healthcare provider in determining reasonable accommodation.
Upon determination of accommodation, written confirmation will be issued to the student. Each quarter of enrollment, the Disability Support Services Office will notify in writing the students' instructor(s) regarding the approved accommodation(s).
Students with service animals should contact the Disability Support Services Office so that the office may facilitate and record the need for and use of services animals. All buildings and structures owned, leased, rented and/or operated by the University in the U.S. and Canada subscribe to appropriate federal/state/provincial requirements on service animals.
Students who wish to request having a service animal or assistance animal (therapy, emotional support, or comfort animal) in University housing must make a request to the Disability Support Services Office.
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and relevant federal and state laws, the University will provide pregnant students with reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids necessary to facilitate equal access, as it would other students who have temporary medical conditions. Students who are seeking accommodations for pregnancy should contact the Disability Support Services Office.
Faculty who have not received official notification from the Disability Support Services Office should refrain from providing an individual student accommodation, but rather should refer the student to the Disability Support Services Office to ensure that the student is receiving a comprehensive support plan for all courses and program of study.
All documentation submitted to the Disability Support Services Office is confidential and kept separate from the academic record information. Documentation is considered a record under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPAA), and The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in Canada. On a need-to-know basis, the Disability Support Services Office may share information regarding an accommodation with other University employees to assess, manage, and implement the approved accommodation.
(Policy #2300.08)