Responsibilities
What are My Responsibilities as an Instructor
If a student identifies him or herself as having a disability and requests accommodation, generally it is the instructor's responsibility to ensure that the learning environment is accessible. Due to the very personal and private nature of some disabilities, it is important that instructors create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable about coming forward to discuss any special needs they may have.
Instructors can demonstrate their openness and willingness to help students by including on their syllabi a statement encouraging students to make an appointment with the instructor if they:
a) need course adaptations or accommodations:
b) have any emergency medical information that the instructor should know about; or
c) needs special arrangements in the event the building must be evacuated.
It is also suggested that the instructors bring the statement to the attention of the students at the first class meeting and inform them that Disability Services is available to assist them.
It is Strongly recommended that the instructor make arrangements to meet with students who choose to identify themselves in order to discuss in detail the particular accommodations that will be necessary. At a minimum, an instructor should:
1) make sure the student is aware of services available from Disability Services;
2) inquire into the extent of the disability as it relates to fulfilling course requirements;
3) discuss the possible accommodations that may be made, and
4) contact Disability Services if he/she has additional questions.
What are My Responsibilities as a Student
Generally, a student with a disability is responsible for the following:
1) registering with Disability Services (DS),
2) identifying him or herself as a student with a disability, if the disability is not obvious,
3) arranging for orientation through Disability Services,
4) ordering special materials for class such as taped or braille textbooks or large print material through Disability Services,
5) arranging for transportation to and from class,
6) arranging for in-class volunteer note takers and paid interpreters or tape recording lectures through Disability Services,
7) initiating contact with readers and volunteer note takers through Disability Services,
8) requesting special testing procedures in advance, and
9) arranging with the instructor to have an exam taken or proctored by someone at Disability Services.
Ideally, it is hoped that the instructor and the student, through open communication, will create an educational partnership in which both the instructor and the student take part in assuring successful access to education.
