SDSU Student Disability Services: Ensuring Equal Access and Opportunity
The Office of Student Accessibility recognizes that disability is an integral part of the university community and broader society. San Diego State University (SDSU) and South Dakota State University (SDSU) are committed to providing equal access and opportunity to students with disabilities. This commitment is demonstrated through various services, programs, and policies designed to support students in achieving their academic goals. This article provides an overview of the Student Disability Services (SDS) at SDSU, including eligibility, accommodations, and relevant legal frameworks.
Legal Framework and Non-Discrimination
SDSU adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring that students with disabilities are not discriminated against in its services, programs, or activities. The language of the Americans with Disabilities Act was based on Section 504. South Dakota State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act was passed in response to a number of decisions by the Supreme Court that interpreted the original text of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Congress felt that the courts were moving away from the antidiscrimination spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and, based on their rulings, eroding the law to be more focused on individuals needing to prove their membership in this protected class under civil rights law. This act reinforces the broad scope of the ADA, ensuring that more individuals with disabilities are protected under the law.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
First passed in 1975, the purpose of this act is to ensure children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education, just like other children. While primarily focused on K-12 education, IDEA's principles of inclusion and access influence the approach to disability services in higher education.
Employment and Effective Communication
South Dakota State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with the ADA Title I employment regulations. Furthermore, South Dakota State University will, upon request, provide auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication for people with disabilities, including qualified sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, documents in Braille and other ways of making communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing or vision impairments. These provisions ensure that both students and employees with disabilities have equal opportunities.
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Modifications to Policies and Procedures
South Dakota State University will make reasonable modifications to policies and procedures to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy programs, services and activities. This commitment ensures that systemic barriers are removed, and students with disabilities can participate fully in university life.
Applying for Services and Documentation
Once notice of provisional admission has been received and you have decided to accept the offer of admission to SDSU, it is time to apply for services from SDS. All individuals applying to SDSU must meet the admissions criteria to be considered eligible for entrance to the university. The application process involves submitting the necessary forms and documentation to SDS. Documentation will be reviewed by our SDS staff.
SDSU Optional Admissions Process
SDSU offers an optional process for students with verified disabilities who wish to request special consideration during the standard undergraduate admissions process. It is established to provide consideration for cases in which an applicant's documented disability or related circumstances may have had an impact on their academic profile, grades, or other factors considered in the admissions process. This process ensures that students with disabilities receive a fair evaluation during the admissions process.
Determining Academic Accommodations
Academic accommodations are determined by an interactive process. The Office of Student Accessibility and the student will determine reasonable accommodations. After the student submits the necessary forms and documentation and accommodations are determined, they do not need to submit the forms again each semester. This collaborative approach ensures that accommodations are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.
Types of Disabilities Served
SDSU IV Students that are already part of Student Disability Services (SDS), use the link for instructions on how to log in and submitting your flex plan on SDS Connect. Please note that SDS IV is not currently using the Alternative Testing tab and the Note Taking tab. For those services reach out to Melissa Villarreal. Student Disability Services - Imperial Valley (SDS IV) provides academic accommodations and support for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to higher education. We serve students with various disabilities, including visual, communication, learning, psychiatric, attentional, mobility, and other functional limitations, as well as those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Temporary disabilities may also qualify for certain services like note taking, special parking, or cart service.
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Examples of Available Accommodations
Available accommodations may include note taking, accommodated testing, sign language interpreters, accessible textbooks, and assistive technology.
Student Responsibilities and Communication
Faculty members determine their own course attendance policies. Students are strongly encouraged to communicate with their professors regarding class attendance, course requirements and deadlines in a timely manner. Open communication between students and faculty is essential for the successful implementation of accommodations.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The Office of Student Accessibility values privacy and keeps all personal information private. The office may share information with university faculty and staff only when there is a "need to know" determined by the Office of Student Accessibility.
SDSU utilizes Accommodate
SDState utilizes Accommodate, a secure, web-based system, for processing your disability accommodations.
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