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Section_504_ADA_Overview
Lincoln_University_Responsibilities
Reasonable_Accommodations
Students__Responsibilities
Testing_Procedures
Evacuation_Instructions_for_Persons_with_Disabilities
Service_Animals_Policy_and_Guidelines
Modifying_Programs_for_Students_with_Disabilities
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) provides that: "No otherwise qualified individuals with handicaps (disabilities) in the United States shall, solely by reason of her or his handicap (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" (Public Law 93-112).
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) expands the mandate for reasonable accommodations included in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The new law (ADA) reinforces previous state and federal statues preserving the rights of persons with disabilities but does not replace them. The ADA extends to the private sector and allows for greater access to employment, public accommodation, transportation, and telecommunication.
Another key difference between Section 504 and the ADA is that under Section 504 people must bring complaints to federal agencies to investigate, but under the ADA people can sue institutions directly.
Colleges and universities must comply with the ADA. An institution may not discriminate against an individual solely on the basis of disability. 34CFR Section 104.44 (d)(1) requires that an institution take such steps as necessary to ensure that the individual with a disability is not denied the opportunity to benefit from or participate in the institution's programs.
Essentially, the institutions must provide reasonable accommodation to the student's known disability in order to afford him/her an equal opportunity to participate in the institutions programs, courses and activities including extra curricular activities.
An institution must provide a student academic adjustment (such as adaptation of course instruction and modification of test taking and performance evaluation) to ensure that the student receives an equal opportunity to participate. An institution must also provide auxiliary aids and services to students with disabilities (such as qualified interpreters and adapted equipment). However, an institution is not required to provide attendants, individually prescribed devises, readers for personal use or study or other devices of a personal nature. An institution is only obligated to provide tutorial services to students with disabilities in the same manner as it does to non-disabled peers. The institution may choose the methods by which the auxiliary aids will be supplies so long as the methods used provide an equal opportunity. The institution may not charge the student for necessary accommodation.
The institution is not required to provide academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and services if such provision would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or the academic requirements that are essential to a program of study or to meet licensing prerequisites.
An institution must provide students with notice of the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504. Students have a right to file a grievance with the institution. The institution's grievance procedures must provide the student with due process. Every college and university receiving, federal, financial assistance must have a compliance coordinator for Section 504 and every public college and university must have one or more compliance coordinator(s) for the ADA.
Facilities constructed after June 3, 1977 must be readily accessible and usable to individuals with disabilities. All programs and services must be provided in a manner that affords the student maximum integration with his/her non-disabled peers. Facilities constructed prior to June 3, 1977 need not necessarily be made accessible so long as the program or activity, viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to students with disabilities. However, the student must be afforded an equal opportunity to enjoy the full range of services offered by the institution.
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DO:
1. Extend the time permitted for a student with a disability to earn a degree.
2. Modify teaching methods and examinations to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
3. Develop course modifications for students with disabilities.
4. Assume the availability of such learning aids as four-track tape recorders, word processors, and
pocket spell-checkers for students with disabilities.
5. Provide open/closed captioned public service announcements and telecommunications services to
persons with hearing and speech impairments.
6. Ensure comparable accessibility to all college programs and facilities at no additional cost to the
student and staff with disabilities.
DO NOT:
1. Limit the number of students with disabilities admitted.
2. Make pre-admission inquiries as to whether or not an applicant is disabled.
3. Use admission tests or criteria that inadequately measure the academic level of blind, deaf, or
otherwise disabled applicants, because special provisions were not made for them.
4. Exclude a student from a course of study.
5. Counsel a student with a disability toward a more restrictive career.
6. Measure student achievement using modes that adversely discriminate against the student with
a disability.
7. Institute prohibitive rules that may adversely affect students with disabilities.
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Informal screening and assistance with off-campus resources regarding disabilities
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Academic pre-advisement and progress follow-up consultation
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Referral to and coordination with other on-campus resources, i.e., Student Support Services, Admissions, Financial Aid, academic departments, Center for Academic Enrichment, Residential Life, computer lab
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Note-taking modifications: note-takers, NCR (carbon-less) paper, permission to tape record or use lap top computers during class
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Testing modifications for classroom, placement and national standardized exams: extended time; separate location; use of word processor, tape recorder or calculator; oral exam (tape recorded answers); enlarged print; braille; readers
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Books and classroom materials are available on CD.
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Letters to instructors and academic advisors verifying student's request for accommodations
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Coordination with on-campus departments and outside agencies to provide books on tape and sign language/oral interpreters for the deaf
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Accessibility to on-campus facilities.
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TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) to enable hearing and speech impaired persons to communicate via telephone (located in Counseling and Career Services Office)
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Video magnifier or CCTV (Closed Circuit Television System) to enlarge printed material (located in Page Library)
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Keys to chairlifts for physically challenged students
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Promotion and encouragement of peer support, student advocacy, and career preparation
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STUDENTS' RESPONSIBILITIES
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Self identify (voluntarily notify L.U. Coordinator of Disability Services via written request for appropriate accommodations)
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Provide documentation of disability to the Disability Coordinator
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Abide by university, state, federal, and rehabilitation guidelines to maintain good academic standing and to secure and maintain financial assistance
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Adhere to university policy in regards to attendance, timeliness, and completion of assignments
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Obtain their own textbooks, materials, and personal aids as needed for courses taken. (Pre-registration and early consultation with instructors are highly recommended.)
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Meet periodically with instructors throughout each semester to discuss, arrange, and verify instructional accommodations, testing arrangements, academic progress, and other concerns related to classroom performance
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Prepare to take specially-arranged tests on the same day and, if possible, at the same hour of the class period, without missing other class
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TESTING PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS USING SERVICES
1. Testing arrangements for exams must be discussed early in the semester with each instructor and this is the student’s responsibility.
2.Students who do not arrive for their scheduled exams will need permission from their instructor to make-up exam.
3. Students should prepare to take exams on the same day and if possible during regular class time. Those students who do not have a block of time, immediately before or after the class which they are testing may take the exam on the same day during another block of time.
4. Each instructor will need to complete an exam data sheet with special instructions. Exams are picked up by the instructor or staff representative upon completion of exam.
5. Each student needs to register for each exam at least three days prior to the exam in the Counseling & Career Services Office, with the exception of pop quizzes.
6. Student will ensure they have ample time to complete the exam. Student will not be allowed to start an exam 1 ½ hour before closing of office.
7. Exams shall not be given in parts unless instructor has given prior approval and assembles each part.
8. Books, notes, or other references are not allowed unless Instructor permits.
9. Student will ensure beforehand to have all necessary tools required to complete the exam, such as pencils, bluebooks, or calculators.
10. Cell phones, pagers or other electronic device are prohibited during exam time.
11. Any changes to these guidelines must be prior approved by the Coordinator of Disability Services.
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Lincoln University Evacuation Instructions for Persons with Disabilities
Lincoln University will make every effort to ensure the safety of our students/employees with disabilities. Therefore, in the event of an emergency evacuation Lincoln has recommended an evacuation plan for students/staff with disabilities. Please note that it is the students/staff responsibility to ensure his/her safety in the event of an evacuation.
Do NOT use elevators during a building evacuation (unless instructed and accompanied by an emergency services person). In many cases, the elevators will go immediately to the first floor of the building the moment an alarm sounds and remain there until it is reset. It is dangerous to use any elevator during an emergency evacuation.
If you are permanently or temporarily disabled (broken bones, sprains, surgery recovery etc.)
1. Please inform your department head or classroom instructor. He/she will help you determine an action plan based upon your specific needs. Instructors should brief the student on evacuation procedures and point out accessible exits and designated evacuation access areas for the disabled, i.e., exit door areas at a grade or with a ramp, and tops of stairwells on the upper floors. This should be done during the first class period of the semester. The ADA Coordinator may be able to provide additional support for faculty. (Call 681-5167).
2. During the First week of classes or employment, students/staff with disabilities are encouraged to seek persons who would be willing to provide special assistance is an evacuation is needed. Persons who cannot leave a building on their own should ask a classmate or co-worker to assist them. Do not assume that someone will voluntarily help. The person needing assistance must be specific in arranging a “buddy system”, preferably in advance of an emergency. Buddies are encouraged to assist in the evacuation of people with disabilities in the event of an emergency, unless the action places the buddy in personal danger.
3. Individuals with disabilities on upper floors should be directed or assisted to the nearest clear stairwell. Buddies assisting the evacuee may wait with them at the exit or head of a stairwell for emergency personnel, or assist the person through the exit or down the stairwell if in imminent danger. If the buddy is unable to assist the evacuee he/she should exit the building and locate emergency services personnel. The buddy must give the rescue workers the exact location of the individual requiring assistance. Police and emergency personnel coming on the scene should first search exits and tops of stairwells to evacuate any remaining individuals.
Evacuation Options
1. Horizontal: Move away from the area of imminent danger to a safer location (i.e., another wing, an adjoining building, opposite end of the corridor, or outside if on a ground level). Try to stay near an area with a telephone.
2. Vertical (Stairway Evacuation: Those who are able to evacuate with or without assistance from a buddy can use stairways. Individuals who use crutches, or other devices as walking aids, will need to use their discretion, especially where several flights of stairs are concerned.
3. Stay in Place: Unless danger is imminent, remain in a room with an exterior window and telephone. Close the door if possible. Call Public Safety (681-5555) and give them your name, location, and reason for calling. Public Safety will assist by notifying on-scene emergency personnel. Phone lines normally remain in service during most building emergencies. If the phone lines fail, the individual can signal from the window by waving a cloth or object.
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Service Animals Policy and Guidelines
Counseling & Career Office
304 Founders Hall
Jefferson City, MO. 65102
573-681-5162
Definition
Service animals are trained to perform some of the functions and tasks that an individual with disabilities cannot perform for him or herself. A service animal is individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with disabilities as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act. A service animal is permitted to accompany a person with a disability everywhere on campus except in situations where safety may be compromised, due to chemicals, living organisms, or health and safety issues.
Requirements & Responsibilities
The service animal must be trained and have current health records. The animal must wear some type of recognized identification symbol. The animal must be well-groomed and have good hygiene. It must be on a leash at all times while accompanying the handler. The handler must be in full control of the animal at all times. Consequently, the handler is responsible for the behavior and actions of the animal. The service animal may not display disruptive behaviors such as barking, whining, growling, rubbing, etc. The service animal may be excluded from the campus when that animal’s behavior poises a direct threat to the health and safety of others, if the animal is destructive, ill or not clean.
Etiquette
Animal Etiquette posters are displayed across campus to ensure proper etiquette toward service animals, such as, please do not feed or pet the animal. Do not attempt to startle the service animal in anyway. Please never attempt to separate the handler from the service animal.
Conflicting Disabilities
There could be conflicting disabilities on campus. People may have a health condition, such as allergies with animals. To address these concerns, contact the Disability Office, 304 Founders Hall. The person making the complaint must show medical documentation to support claim. Resolution of the complaint will be handled expeditiously and efficient as possible, taking into consideration the needs of both parties.
Service Animals in Residence Halls
Handler must get approval to have service animal reside on campus prior to moving into a residence hall. The appropriate documentation needs to be submitted to the Disability Office. The handler is responsible for property damage caused by his or her service animal. The handler must keep the service animal on a leash at all times in the residence area except in the room.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, approach the service animal and handler with caution. Service animals develop a close relationship with their handler and may be very protective. The animal may be confused or distraught by an emergency, therefore it is important to direct the handler and not interfere with the service team. If the handler is incapacitated, please wait for emergency responders to arrive.
Dispute Resolution Procedure
In the event of a dispute regarding a service animal, the complainant should confer with the Coordinator of disability Services. If the matter is not resolved, the complainant should submit a written statement addressed to the ADA/504 Grievance Committee. If the complainant remains dissatisfied with the committee’s recommendations, the dispute will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student Affairs who shall gather information, review the matter, and issue a final decision on the University’s behalf.
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LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES FOR MODIFYING PROGRAMS FOR
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
A student may request a program modification if he or she can document a disability that directly impairs his/her ability to meet the normal requirements of the program. Such documentation must be provided by qualified professionals in the area of the specific disability. These professionals must describe the specific disability in behavioral terms in relation to the specific modification sought by the student. Guidance regarding the type of information required to document specific disabilities will be provided to the student by the Coordinator of Disability Services.
A student must request modification in a program early enough to allow the request to be processed and for arrangements to be made for the student to complete the recommended substitution or modification. The Committee meets three times a year, if needed, during the first week of March, July, and November, to hear requests for modifications in programs. The Committee will respond to requests within three weeks of the date it meets. Requests for program modifications must be submitted to the Coordinator of Disability Services a minimum of twenty (20) working days before the committee is scheduled to meet.
In some cases, a student with disabilities may be required by the committee to demonstrate an effort to satisfactorily complete a course (e.g. attend classes, take examinations, write papers) before a program modification will be considered.
The Section 504/ADA Compliance Review Committee will consider requests to modify programs of study. The Committee will monitor the University’s compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973/the ADA and review the programs, policies and facilities at Lincoln University to determine accessibility to or discrimination against persons with handicapping conditions as defined in Section 504/ADA requirements. The Committee exists to:
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Recommend modifications in facilities and programs to ensure full participation by handicapped person.
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Promote an awareness in the campus community of the services provided to students with disabilities.
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Review and make recommendations for modifications in academic requirements to assure full educational opportunity for students with disabling conditions.
The Committee can act upon requests for program modifications in one of the following ways:
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Recommend to the Vice President for Academic Affairs approval of a specific substitution/modification of the student’s program of study.
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Recommend to the Vice President for Academic Affairs denial of the student’s request for one of the following reasons:
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The student has not provided appropriate documentation of the disability.
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The requirement(s) under consideration is essential to the program of study, as determined by consultation with the department/college through which the student is matriculating.
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Request additional information to enable further consideration of the request.
An Appeal of the Vice President’s decision must be made through the Office of the President.
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