UNIVERSITY COMMITMENT

scales of equality

TO EQUAL ACCESS AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

Colorado State University is committed to the non-discrimination and equal access mandates set forth by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended.

Unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) that governs elementary and secondary education, Section 504 and the ADA does not guarantee a student will graduate. Instead, as civil rights legislation, these two mandates prohibit discrimination based on disability or handicap.

Accommodations and modifications are made so that otherwise qualified students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the programs and activities provided and sponsored by Colorado State University.

For more information on the university's commitment to non-discrimination requirements in educational programs, contact the Equal Opportunity Office, 101 Student Services, (970) 491-5836.

TO PROVIDING PROGRAM ACCESS

THROUGH ACCOMMODATIONS/
AUXILIARY AIDS/SERVICES

Colorado State University has a variety of services available to accommodate students with diverse disabilities as they pursue their academic goals. A disability is defined under federal law to be:

a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (hearing, speaking, thinking, learning, moving, seeing, etc.).

A student who has a disability, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment may be considered eligible for accommodations once the presence of a disability is made known to the university and confirmed through Resources for Disabled Students (RDS) through appropriate documentation. A request for an accommodation must be consistent and appropriate for the limitations caused by the specific type of disability.

As defined by Section 504 and the ADA, students with disabilities must be considered "otherwise qualified" for a program or activity. This means they must meet the basic qualifications for participation in the program or activity. The disability must also present a "significant barrier" to participation.

Accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services are not automatic once a student is admitted to the university. A student must self-identify to appropriate university personnel before any accommodation, auxiliary aid or service is provided. Not all students with disabilities may be eligible for an accommodations or auxiliary aid. Any accommodation, auxiliary aid or service is determined on an individual basis and must be consistent with a student's disability and need. It must also be considered effective and appropriate for the type of program or activity.

In addition to providing confirmation of the need for accommodations, RDS is the primary coordinating unit on campus for the majority of auxiliary aids, academic accommodations and other specific services.

RDS accommodative services are not organized as a specific "program." Instead, each student has the opportunity to request/select the support he/she feels is the most helpful in a "main streamed" academic environment. Support includes the provision of accommodations and auxiliary aids (e.g. sign language interpreters or readers) as well as services to ensure students have equitable access and opportunity to participate in, or benefit from, programs and activities sponsored by the university.

Modifications of specific academic requirements may be made only if they do not substantially alter the fundamental nature of an activity or program of study. For example, a class may be substituted within a particular major as long as the substitution does not compromise the essential requirements of the major.

Reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids are provided based upon the type of disability or condition presented, the appropriateness of the accommodation or aid for that type of limitation/situation, and the needs of the student. Every effort is given to provide the most appropriate accommodations/aid possible within the resources available.

However, there is no guarantee that a student will receive exactly what he/she asks for as an accommodation. Because some accommodations may require extensive coordination efforts, students are encouraged to self-identify with RDS as soon as possible to discuss any current or potential needs.

TO ACCESSING ACCOMMODATIONS/ AUXILIARY AIDS/SERVICES

It is the responsibility of qualified students with disabilities to initiate the process by which they may receive auxiliary aids/reasonable accommodation for their needs. Auxiliary aids/reasonable accommodations are related to specific disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity.

While the university does not guarantee all students with disabilities will graduate, it is committed to giving all qualified students equal access to the opportunity to graduate through the provision of auxiliary aids/reasonable accommodations based on individual need.

As a means to facilitate this process, the RDS office acts as a coordination point, providing specific aids/accommodations as well as providing services to advocate on behalf of student needs and for access within the university system. Students are encouraged to contact RDS prior to the time an auxiliary aid/accommodation is needed in order to secure the most appropriate method of access to academic programs, including extra-curricular, university-sponsored activities.

An assessment of needs for accommodation by RDS will provide a student with written verification that must be presented to faculty for academic accommodations. Faculty have the right to question any request for accommodation if written verification is not provided or if the accommodation seems to alter the fundamental nature of the course. Faculty, however, are not to determine what is or is not required by a student.

Examples of auxiliary aids includes, but is not limited to, interpreters, readers, and adaptive technology. Accommodations include, but are not limited to, alternative testing procedures and adjustment of policies and/or procedures. Auxiliary aids and accommodations are not to alter the fundamental nature of any program or activity.

If a student does not request an appropriate accommodation and subsequently experiences difficulty, the university is not responsible for retroactive adjustments.

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Disclaimer | Equal Opportunity
Resources for Disabled Students
100 General Services
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA (970) 491-6385

	RESOURCES FOR DISABLED STUDENTS
RDS is part of the Division of Student Affairs	100 General Services, Fort Collins, CO 80523-8002 (970) 491-6385 (V/TDD), (970) 491-3457 (Fax)

UNIVERSITY COMMITMENT

TO EQUAL ACCESS AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

TO PROVIDING PROGRAM ACCESS

THROUGH ACCOMMODATIONS/ AUXILIARY AIDS/SERVICES

TO ACCESSING ACCOMMODATIONS/ AUXILIARY AIDS/SERVICES

THROUGH ACCOMMODATIONS/
AUXILIARY AIDS/SERVICES