Section 3: Transition                                                                                                                                              MO-AHEAD > Table of Contents > Section 3.6

 

What to Expect From Post-Secondary Institutions

Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines accessible as capable of being reached. Disability Support Services (DSS) exist on post-secondary campuses for that reason - to ensure equal access to programs and activities. The effort to achieve success must come from the student.

What DSS Office Do:

  • Empower students to be independent and take control of their own lives.

  • Assure that the appropriate academic adjustments/auxiliary aids are provided for students who register with the DSS. Student requests need to be made in a timely manner and must be reasonable. It is important to remember that academic adjustments/auxiliary aids cannot:
              * substantially modify program requirements
              * result in fundamental alterations
              * cause undue administrative burden

  • Ensure that no student is discriminated against by the institution on the basis of disability.

  • Ensure that other campus offices are prepared to serve students with disabilities.

  • Protect the student's right to confidentiality. DSS will not give out specific information about a student's disability.

  • Establish clear procedures for documentation of disabilities and arrangement of academic adjustments/auxiliary aids. Students may choose not to access these services.
     

"Students who choose not to access these established channels may be able to negotiate their academic adjustments/auxiliary aids needs on an individual basis, but may not bring a complaint for lack of accommodations if arrangements so negotiated prove to be unsatisfactory."

Jarrow, Jane E., (1993). Subpart E: The Impact of Section 504 on Post-Secondary Education, AHEAD, Columbus, OH

 

 

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