About the Disability Services Office

Why We Do What We Do

In 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed that extended civil rights protection for people with disabilities to ensure that they had equal access and were not discriminated on based on their disability.  The ADA protects individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment in both public and private sectors, transportation, publice accommodations, telecommunication relay services and services provided by state and local government.  The ADA extends the standards of compliance beyond Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to include employment, communications and all policies, procedures and practices that impact on the treatment of students with disabilities.  The emphasis focuses on the entire scope of the institution's activities, including facilities (physical access), programs and employment.

Colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid dollars must not discriminate in the recruitment, admission or treatment of students.  Enrolled students who have documented disabilities may request accommodations or auxiliary aids which will enable them to participate in and benefit from all postsecondary educational programs and activities.  Postsecondary institutions must make appropriate changes to ensure that the academic program is accessible to the greatest extent possible by all students with disabilities.

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 universities may not: 

• Limit the number of qualified students with disabilities admitted to the institution;
• Make preadmission inquiries as to whether or not an applicant is disabled, except as necessary to provide Affirmative Action for persons with disabilities;
• Use admissions tests or criteria that inadequately measure the academic qualifications or likelihood of success of disabled students;
• Exclude a qualified student with a disability from any course of study;
• Limit eligibility of a student with a disability for financial assistance or otherwise discriminate in adinistering scholarships, fellowships, internships, or assistantships on the basis of having a disability;
• Counsel a student with a disability toward a more restrictive career;
• Use methods of evaluating students which fail to represent a disabled student's actual achievement;
• Establish and apply rules or policies that have the effect of limiting participation of students with disabilities.  (American Council on Education brochure)