Disability Awareness Disability Awareness A Workshop for Faculty

Presented by: The Office of Disability Services

ODS MissionODS Mission The mission of the Office of Disability Services is to

provide each student with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in the university's programs and activities. This mission is accomplished by:

1. Creating a physically accessible, programmatically accessible and attitudinally accessible community where people are judged on their abilities, not their disabilities.

2. Promoting the development of a climate for everyone at the university that is conducive to learning, personal growth, acceptance, and appreciation of everyone without regard to disability.

ODS OverviewODS OverviewWho we assist

◦ Students with various documented disabilities

What we do◦ Determine a student’s eligibility for services◦ Determine and implement accommodations

Why we do it◦ ADA/ Section 504 compliance◦ Ensure a quality education for all students at

UT

And the numbers say…And the numbers say…Estimated that 12% of population has

a disability (ages 5+)Estimated that 30% of people

employed have a disabilityIn TN approximately 15% of

population between the ages of 21-64 have a disability

Statistics taken from the following:US Census Bureau: http://factfinder.census.govDisability Statistics: http://www.ilr.cornell.edu

Types of DisabilitiesTypes of DisabilitiesLearning Disabilities/ ADHDTraumatic or Acquired Brain InjuryPsychological, EmotionalDeaf/Hard of Hearing Blind/Low Vision Mobility Chronic Health Temporary Disability

Total at UT: approximately 700 students with (permanent) disabilities

Student ResponsibilitiesStudent ResponsibilitiesMeet the essential qualifications and

institutional standardsDisclose the disability in a timely manner

to DSProvide appropriate documentationInform DS of accommodation needsTalk with professors about

accommodations in the classroom, as needed

Inform DS of barriers to a successful education

What is an What is an “accommodation”?“accommodation”?An accommodation allows a student to

complete the same assignment or test as other students, but with a change in the timing, formatting, setting, scheduling, response and/or presentation.

It does not alter in any significant way what the test or assignment measures.

They are in place to “level the playing field”

The Accommodation The Accommodation ProcessProcessStudent requests the

accommodation(s)◦ ODS or Faculty◦ Faculty should obtain documentation (ODS

letter) from the studentStudent submits letter to the faculty

member and discusses the accommodations

Faculty help student to implement accommodation◦ Note-taking assistance, Exam

accommodations, Exceptions to absentee/tardiness policies

Accommodation Process Accommodation Process cont…cont…

ODS helps student implement accommodations◦Interpreters, Transcribers, FM

systems◦Assistive Technology◦Exam Accommodations (proctor)

Over-accommodation can do more harm than good

Accommodation FAQAccommodation FAQWhat is a “reasonable” accommodation?

◦ Easier to say what is NOT reasonable: Alters the essential elements of the course Potential safety issues Undue administrative or financial burden

What is an “essential element”?◦ Deemed essential and supported by faculty member and

department ◦ Not reasonable to make a substantial change in an essential

element of a course or a given student’s curriculum.

Are accommodations the same for all students with disabilities?◦ No, accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis◦ Some are used frequently though- exam accommodations,

notetaker

Confidentiality Confidentiality Must be maintained at all times

◦ Even if the student discloses in front of othersODS can communicate information to

faculty on a “need-to-know” basis, however we encourage students to work directly with faculty

Encourage students to speak about disability concerns with you in private

Do not disclose who the student is who needs a note-taker

Disability EtiquetteDisability EtiquetteUse “people first” language

◦Person with a disability, not “disabled” person

Avoid asking personal questions about the disability

Be patientHold students to the same

standard and hold them accountable

Helpful TipsHelpful TipsCreate a welcoming environment

◦ Syllabus statement

Incorporate Universal Design into your teaching

Hold students to the same standards as others

Ask students about their strengths and

difficultiesHave textbook and other print material

requests in early, to assist ODS with alternative formatting

ResourcesResourcesUniversal Design

◦http://www.facultyware.uconn.edu/Fast Facts for Faculty

◦http://telr.osu.edu/dpg/index.htmlAssociation on Higher Education

and Disability (AHEAD)◦http://www.ahead.org

ODS website◦http://ods.utk.edu

ODS Professional Staff ODS Professional Staff Annazette Houston – Director

◦ Mobility

Teressa Gregory - Assistant Director◦ Psychological/Emotion Health, and Chronic Health

David Ndiaye- Assistant Director◦ Deaf/Hard-of-hearing and Blind/ low vision

Derrick Shepard-Coordinator, Learning Disabilities◦ Learning Disabilities, ADD/ADHD, ABI/TBI, Autism Spectrum

Bryan Hilbert-Test Administrator◦ Testing, Assistive Technology

Tamara Griffin – Note Taking Services

Sarah Bourque – Coordinator/Scheduler◦ Interpreters/Transcribers.

Sarah Helm - Disability-Careers Coordinator