The U.S. Department of Education suggests that complaints against K-12 public schools can be addressed first to the local school district and then to the state department of education.
Originally applied in the field of architecture and later to information technology, applications of universal design in education (UDE) are relatively new. UDE provides a philosophical framework for the design of a broad range of educational products and environments. These include:
The Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) has created a document that suggests characteristics of quality documentation. AHEAD hopes that this approach will encourage the use of more consistent documentation and provide current and prospective students, parents, and professionals with the information they need to assist students in establishing eligibility for services and receiving appropriate accommodations.
Excerpts of the seven elements of quality documentation discussed in the document are summarized below.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 service animals should be welcome in campus buildings. This includes residence halls and dining facilities. However, the sole responsibility for controlling, keeping, feeding, and otherwise caring for any service animal rests with the individual with a disability who is using the animal's services.
Yes. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), along with its 2008 Amendments, prohibit discrimination against students with disabilities. Student clubs and organizations are covered by this legislation and should assure that students with disabilities can fully participate in their programs, activities, and events.
Many publishers can now provide students with disabilities with an electronic format of their textbooks. The following resource can assist you in finding publisher contact information. The list is an exhaustive list of all publishers, but rather a good place to start your search.
AccessText allows postsecondary members to request files and permissions from leading publishers with one simple form. All post-secondary institutions in the United States and Canada are eligible to join at no cost.
The role of a tutor is typically to help students understand single problems or concepts that have been presented in class. Students need to come prepared to ask specific questions about the material. Writing tutors assist students with the writing process, but they usually do not write or type papers for students. If writing and typing papers is the responsibility of individual students, this rule should apply to students with disabilities as well.
The job of a "driver" is typically to provide transportation. Students with disabilities who are unable to open doors or carry books and backpacks should use the services of a Personal Care Attendant, also called a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). When a PCA is needed, students can often work with Vocational Rehabilitation State Offices to obtain this accommodation.
High-tech accommodations tend to make the news more often than less technical ones, but most accommodations are low-tech solutions and may involve minor modifications in policy or practice. Depending on specific needs, an employee with a disability may require an accommodation that is as simple as making sure file boxes are not left in aisles. Low-tech accommodations utilize simple technology or no technology at all. Examples of low-tech accommodations include
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states:
No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States…shall, solely by reason of…disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.