AN MCTC COMMUNITY APPROACH ACCOMMODATING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

OVERVIEW Disability Law: Federal and State Legal Responsibilities of MCTC Role of Disability Services Reasonable Accommodations Responsibilities of Disability Services and Students Responsibilities of Faculty and Staff The MCTC Community: Beyond Curb-Cuts

FEDERAL DISABILITY LAW Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 No otherwise qualified individual with disabilities in the United States…shall, solely by reason of his/her disability be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance…

FEDERAL DISABILITY LAW The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990 is anti- discrimination legislation designed to ensure equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities. Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments (ADAA) 2008 provides additional clarification for implementing the ADA.

STATE DISABILITY LAW Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) mirrors the anti- discrimination requirements set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA. Charges of “illegal discrimination” are investigated by a neutral agency, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

LEGALLY, WHO IS A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY? Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity Has a record or history of such an impairment Is regarded as having such an impairment

MAJOR LIFE ACTIVITIES Major life activities include, but are not limited to, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for self, and performing manual tasks.

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF MCTC?

THE MCTC’S OBLIGATIONS The College must follow federal and state law and provide reasonable accommodations to a student’s known disability in order to allow that student an equal opportunity to participate in the institution’s programs, activities and services (including extracurricular activities). The College may not discriminate against an individual solely on the basis of disability.

HOW DOES MCTC MEET THESE OBLIGATIONS?

ROLE OF DISABILITY SERVICES MCTC meets its legal obligations through Disability Services (DS). DS has been granted the authority to determine whether a student has a documented disability and what reasonable accommodations should be implemented.

WHAT ARE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS?

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS Disability Services determines reasonable accommodations through an interactive process that involves a discussion with students about barriers, a review of disability documentation, the determination of accommodations and the removal of identified barriers. The purpose of reasonable accommodations is to eliminate or minimize disability-related barriers by providing modifications to courses, programs or policies without compromising standards or fundamentally altering essential elements.

COMMON ACCOMMODATIONS Exam accommodations (e.g., extended time, a private room for the exam) Modification of course instruction (e.g., providing verbal descriptions for students with visual impairments) Digital recording of course lectures Modification of exam format (e.g., providing an exam in an alternate format) Substitution of nonessential courses for degree requirements

REQUIRED AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES Sign language interpreters, note-takers, computer- aided transcription services, assistive listening systems, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning Readers and accessible alternate formats for course materials (e.g., textbooks, handouts and exams) The use of auxiliary aids and services is based on the student’s disability documentation and the requirements of the course or setting.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS REQUIRE BALANCE The rights of students with disabilities to equal access MCTC’s right to maintain essential academic and technical standards

RESPONSIBILITIES Disability Services Work with students who have documented disabilities Hold disability documentation and information in a confidential manner Determine reasonable accommodations Write accommodation letters for students Partner with faculty on the delivery of accommodations Students Contact DS and request accommodations in a timely manner Provide documentation in support of accommodations Deliver the accommodation letter to faculty Inform DS if accommodations are not working or are not being provided as requested Follow procedures set forth by the College and by DS

RESPONSIBILITIES: FACULTY AND STAFF Refer students to DS when they request disability accommodations Refer students to DS when they present disability- related documentation Provide accommodations requested through DS Determine essential elements of a course or program Consult with DS staff when accommodations may compromise the essential elements of a course or program

HOW CAN THE MCTC COMMUNITY SUPPORT ACCESS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES?

Beyond Curb-Cuts

SYLLABUS STATEMENT Sample statement MCTC is committed to providing all students equal access to learning opportunities. Disability Services (DS) works with students who have disabilities to provide or arrange reasonable accommodations. Students who have a disability are invited to contact DS in T.2400 ( ) to schedule a confidential intake appointment. Students registered with DS are encouraged to contact faculty early in the semester to discuss their accommodation letters.

PRINT MATERIALS Language for brochures and handouts: Print materials can be made available in alternate format on request by contacting Disability Services at (voice) or by calling that number through the Minnesota Relay Services at 711 or

EVENTS Language on promotional materials: To request disability-related accommodations, please contact [hosting office and contact information] at least two weeks prior to the event.

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