Understanding Accessibility Services on a College Campus
Ashley LeMaster
Director, Accessibility Services
Ensuring equal access to education should be a fundamental priority for any higher education institution. For students with physical or mental impairments or specific learning needs, the Office of Accessibility Services will play a critical role in their academic success and overall college experience. A college campus should be an inclusive community for all students.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. Modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin – and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 -- the ADA is an "equal opportunity" law for people with disabilities.”
High School vs. College Accommodations
Accessibility services refer to the range of accommodations, resources, and support provided by colleges to students with disabilities or unique learning requirements. These services are designed to level the playing field, allowing students to participate fully in all aspects of academic life and campus activities.
In order to receive accommodations, a student must register and, therefore, disclose their needs to the university. Even if a student received accommodations in high school, it’s important to work directly with the Office of Accessibility Services to make sure the student has what they need in order to succeed.
Parents and students should talk to a representative on each campus tour to compare what accommodations are available at each school. Families can request meetings with different departments during campus visits directly through the Office of Admissions.
Common Types of Disabilities
The types of disabilities that Accessibility Services can cater to are varied, including but not limited to:
- Physical Disabilities: These include mobility impairments, visual or hearing impairments, and chronic health conditions that may affect a student's ability to navigate the campus or attend classes.
- Learning Disabilities: Students with learning disabilities may have challenges in reading, writing, comprehension, or processing information.
- Psychological Disabilities: Such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions that can impact a student's ability to focus or manage stress.
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Conditions like autism spectrum disorder that may require specific support strategies to enhance academic success and social integration.
- Sensory Disabilities: Individuals with sensory processing disorders may benefit from accommodations tailored to their specific sensory needs.
Defining the Role of the Office of Accessibility Services
Accessibility Services not only support students with disabilities but also contribute to promoting a culture of inclusivity and awareness on college campuses. By raising awareness about accessibility and advocating for inclusivity, these services help foster a community that values diversity and respects the rights of all individuals.
- Accommodations: Individualized accommodations can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each student, such as extended exam time, note-taking assistance, accessible course materials, or sign language interpreters.
- Assistive Technology: Campuses typically offer a range of assistive devices and software that assist students with disabilities in their academic pursuits, from screen readers to speech-to-text software.
- Accessible Campus Infrastructure: Efforts to improve campus accessibility may include installing ramps, elevators, curb cuts, and other physical modifications to ensure that buildings and pathways are accessible to all.
- Advising: Trained advisors work closely with students to create personalized plans for academic success and advocate for their needs within the college community.
Accessibility Services is instrumental in ensuring that no student is left behind. Students should have access to a wide variety of campus resources that all work together to ensure a positive and successful college experience.