Disability Awareness A Workshop for Faculty Presented by: The Office of Disability Services

ODS 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 Overview Who 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… Estimated that 12% of population has a disability (ages 5+) Estimated that 30% of people employed have a disability In TN approximately 15% of population between the ages of have a disability Statistics taken from the following: US Census Bureau: Disability Statistics:

Types of Disabilities Learning Disabilities/ ADHD Traumatic or Acquired Brain Injury Psychological, Emotional Deaf/Hard of Hearing Blind/Low Vision Mobility Chronic Health Temporary Disability Total at UT: approximately 700 students with (permanent) disabilities

Student Responsibilities Meet the essential qualifications and institutional standards Disclose the disability in a timely manner to DS Provide appropriate documentation Inform DS of accommodation needs Talk with professors about accommodations in the classroom, as needed Inform DS of barriers to a successful education

What is an “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 Process Student requests the accommodation(s) ◦ ODS or Faculty ◦ Faculty should obtain documentation (ODS letter) from the student Student 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 cont… ODS helps student implement accommodations ◦ Interpreters, Transcribers, FM systems ◦ Assistive Technology ◦ Exam Accommodations (proctor) Over-accommodation can do more harm than good

Accommodation FAQ What 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 Must be maintained at all times ◦ Even if the student discloses in front of others ODS 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 Etiquette Use “people first” language ◦ Person with a disability, not “disabled” person Avoid asking personal questions about the disability Be patient Hold students to the same standard and hold them accountable

Helpful Tips Create 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 difficulties Have textbook and other print material requests in early, to assist ODS with alternative formatting

Resources Universal Design ◦ Fast Facts for Faculty ◦ Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) ◦ ODS website ◦

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