AccessSTEM

Are campuses required to provide tutoring for students with disabilities throughout their college career?

Some colleges and universities provide tutoring to the general student population. In this case, the tutoring center and its materials should be accessible to students with disabilities. In addition, staff and volunteers should receive training about working with students who have disabilities. If tutoring is not provided to all students on campus, it is unlikely to be required as a "reasonable accommodation" for a student who has a disability. Consult your disabled student services office or legal counsel regarding a specific case on your campus.

Angela and Academic Advising: A Case Study on Accessing Standard Campus Services

Background

My name is Angela and I am a sophomore at a small suburban college. I use a wheelchair for mobility. I am planning on changing majors and need to work with an academic counselor to help plan my courses for spring quarter.

Access Issue

I went to a new academic counselor in the business department. I told him that I was seeking advice for my courses and future academic planning, but he said he was unable help me. He immediately referred me to the disabled student services (DSS) office.

What resources can help faculty make their courses more accessible to students with disabilities?

The U.S. Department of Education has funded demonstration projects at postsecondary institutions nationwide to help faculty make their courses accessible to students with disabilities. A list of the postsecondary institutions that received funding to develop these projects, the project descriptions, and contact information can be found under

What accommodation might be provided to students with chemical sensitivities in science labs?

Some students have sensitivities to chemicals used in science labs. These sensitivities can range from allergies to one or two specific chemicals to a generalized condition such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

A student with chemical sensitivities and their instructor can brainstorm alternatives that allow the student to participate as fully as possible in lab activities. Possible solutions include the following:

Roadmaps & Rampways: Case Studies of Success in Science

The publication chronicles the journeys of three dozen students from childhood to higher education in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and on through their early career decisions. Each had a significant disability. When they were born or acquired a disability, few of their doctors, educators, or neighbors could have imagined that their journeys would be so successful.

Is it appropriate for me to ask a postsecondary student what type of disability he has?

If a student does not disclose a disability to you, it is generally not appropriate for you to inquire about a possible disability. If a student requests an accommodation, you may ask the student to present appropriate documentation from the campus disability student services office or other designated entity to verify that he has followed your institution's policy for requesting and receiving approval for accommodations. As a staff or faculty member in a postsecondary institution, you are required to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities who request them.

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