PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) provides, arranges, and coordinates accommodations for students in courses, programs, services, activities, and facilities. Disability Support Services is the designated office that obtains and files disability related documents, verifies eligibility for services, determines reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for the provision of such accommodations for students with disabilities.
Our mission is to serve the needs of all qualified Canisius students with disabilities. Our goals are to:
- Coordinate and provide reasonable accommodations.
- Advocate responsibly for an accessible and holistic learning environment, through removal of informational, physical, and attitudinal barriers.
- Promote self-advocacy and self-determination, while reinforcing personal responsibility.
In post-secondary settings, it is the student's responsibility to request accommodations, if desired. It is important to remember that not every student with a disability needs or wants accommodations. It is equally important to remember that even though two individuals may have the same disability, they may not need or want the same accommodation.
DOCUMENTATION
Students who are requesting support services from DSS at Canisius College are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility under the ADA of 1990. The documentation must include pertinent information from a licensed professional. Complete guidelines for the type of documentation required are available upon request from the DSS office. The aforementioned guidelines are provided so that DSS can respond appropriately to the individual needs of the student. DSS reserves the right to determine eligibility for services based on the documentation provided. All documentation paperwork and diagnosis are kept in the DSS Office and are strictly confidential. It is extremely important that all information about a student's disability remain confidential and that it is not to be used in a preferential manner in making an admission decision. It is also important to understand that if documentation is included with an admission application and the student is admitted, this does not necessarily mean that the student is guaranteed accommodations or services. Each student requesting services must fill out an intake form, submit appropriate documentation and meet with DSS staff.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information regarding a student's disability is confidential information and can not be released without permission from the student.
FACULTY RIGHTS
- Expect all students to adhere to the student code of conduct
- Discuss, create and implement accommodations with the DSS Director to create appropriate modifications that meet the needs of the student but still uphold the integrity of the program.
- Uphold the Faculty Handbook and the standards set forth by it.
FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide accommodations when accommodation letter has been received.
- Include an ADA statement on syllabi.
- Deliver and pick up proctored tests to DSS.
A Faculty Resource Handbook is currently in progress.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Disability Support Services works with each student on a case-by-case basis to determine and implement appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Each student must qualify for each accommodation. In accordance with the ADA, accommodations will not be made to course or degree requirements which are considered to be essential. Other accommodations, not seen below may also be appropriate.
TYPICAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Learning Disabilities
- Note takers
- Alternative testing
- Textbooks in alternative format
- Kurzweil
- Separate testing room
- Tape recorders
Mobility Impairments
- Note takers
- Scribes
- Alternative testing
- Separate testing room
Hearing Impairments
- Note takers
- Assistive listening devices
- Sign language interpreters
- Alternative testing
- Separate testing room
Visual Impairments
- Textbooks in alternative format
- Lecture notes, handouts, tests on computer or enlarged format
- Computer with speech output, Zoom Text
- Alternative testing
- Separate testing room
Chronic Health Impairments
- Note takers
- Schedule modification
- Flexible attendance requirements
- Alternative testing