19.1 PROGRAMMATIC ACCESS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Effective: May 18, 1994

PURPOSE
To provide programmatic access to students with disabilities through the modification of policies and procedures and the provision of auxiliary aids in all university programs, services and activities, unless such access would require a fundamental alteration to the program, service or activity. To provide physical access unless such provisions would create an undue burden to the university or a direct threat to the safety of the individual or others.

AUTHORITY/SOURCE
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title ll; Federal Rehabilitation Act (34 CFP), Part 104; Section 228.2001, Chapter 760, Florida Statutes; Chapter 6A-19, Florida Administrative Code; and University policy.

POLICY
It is the University's policy to admit qualified students with disabilities and to provide modifications where appropriate and necessary to ensure that students are able to fulfill the essential requirements of academic programs and courses.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the University shall provide appropriate modifications in policies and procedures as well as auxiliary aids and services to ensure access. Florida International University provides the following auxiliary services: sign language interpreters, note takers, laboratory assistants, recorders, recorded text, adaptive testing and learning equipment, accessible furniture, equipment and fixtures, assistive learning devices and captioned videos.

Records of accommodations and their determination shall be maintained in the Office of Disability Services for Students. Modifications to the academic program should be noted in the student's advisement file, but no medical information should be included. The confidentiality of all medical records shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the ADA and other State and federal laws.

PROCEDURE
The Office of Admissions and schools/colleges shall ensure that brochures advertising academic programs shall include the statement, "Qualified persons with disabilities should consult in advance (either a contact person within the academic unit or the Office of Disability Services for Students) at (address and telephone number, including TTD  or TDD number) to determine whether policy modifications and/or assistance will be needed to apply for, participate in, or complete this academic program."

A student with disabilities shall register with the Office of Disability Services for Students prior to the beginning of the first term for which the assistance is being requested. Students shall be requested to provide current appropriate documentation of their disability. Upon appropriate certification, the Office of Disability Services for Students will provide the required auxiliary aids and services to assist the student in fully participating in the educational program.

Faculty members are encouraged to include the following statement on course syllabi: "NOTICE: If a student has a disability and needs assistance, please notify the instructor and/or contact the Office of Disability Services for Students, (telephone number)."

Upon receipt, the Office of Disability Services for Students shall review the request and contact the professor or other appropriate personnel to make arrangements for the appropriate modification and/or assistance.

Page last updated: April 17, 2002
Page Content: Kenneth Johnson