Equity and Accessibility

Introduction

Students seeking services from Equity and Accessibility due to a disability are required to submit documentation (downloadable PDF verification forms below) to verify eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the changes made by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Protection under these civil rights statutes is based on documentation of a current disability that substantially limits a major life activity.

Verification forms (printable versions)

• Attention Disability Verification (pdf) (Word doc)
• Learning Disability Verification (pdf) (Word doc)
• Medical Disability Verification (pdf) (Word doc)
• Psychiatric Disability Verification (pdf) (Word doc)

When the documentation is received at E&A and reviewed, a staff member works with the individual to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations. E&A creates a Notification of Disability Memo to inform instructors of the recommended accommodations. Instructors will be emailed the Notification memo.

Criteria for the documentation's source, scope, and content differ by disability.

Do you provide content tutors?

Equity and Accessibility does not provide academic tutors. Information regarding the academic tutors at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford can be found at the Academic Coaching & Tutoring Center.

How do I get an accessible parking space?

Information is available on the Temporary Medical Conditions page.

Where can I find out if I have a learning disability?

Equity and Accessibility does not provide evaluations for ADHD or Learning Disabilities. Individuals will need to determine if pursuing a diagnostic assessment for ADHD or a Learning Disability is appropriate. You can discuss options with the E&A Coordinator at 814-362-7609 to obtain a professional clinical diagnosis of ADHD or a Learning Disability.

Will my instructors be notified of my need for an accommodation?

Each term, instructors will receive Notification of Disability memos via email.

Who is responsible for providing interpreters for class?

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford assists students with hearing impairments in obtaining sign language interpreters or real-time captioners. The student must contact the E&A Coordinator to request an interpreter within a reasonable time frame. The Coordinator will assess your communication skills and style, and recommend the most suitable accommodation.

What is the special admission procedure for students with learning disabilities?

None. The University does not alter its admission standards for any individual, regardless of disability. If there is a significant discrepancy in your admission portfolio or application, you may want to address the discrepancy in a supplemental essay.

When is it possible to arrange for a single room in the residence halls due to a disability?

Any request for an accommodation related to on-campus housing must be submitted via the Housing Accommodation Form.

Do you provide attendants to assist with personal care?

Students are responsible for obtaining and employing personal care attendants.

Academic Accommodations Request: Disclosing a Disability
Academic Accommodations - Disputes
Alternative Format
Assistive Technology
Confidentiality And Release Of Information
Course Substitution
Directory Information Notice
Documentation Review Board
Section 504/ADA - Grievance Procedure
Student Rights And Responsibilities
Guidance on Service and Emotional Support Animals
University of Pittsburgh FERPA Notification of Rights
University Rights And Responsibilities

Academic Accommodations Request: Disclosing a Disability Effective January 2003

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and require the University to make accommodations for those otherwise qualified individuals with a disability who request accommodations. An academic accommodation is a modification or adjustment that allows an individual to gain equal access and have equal opportunity to participate in the University's courses, services, activities and use of the facilities.

The University is not obligated to provide an accommodation that requires a substantial change in the curriculum or alteration of any essential elements or functions of a program. Students requesting accommodations must do so by registering with Equity and Accessibility as soon as possible. Students shall also be required to provide documentation of their disability that 1) meets the University of Pittsburgh's established guidelines for documentation of a disability, and 2) demonstrates or documents how their disability functionally impacts their participation in courses, programs, jobs, activities and/or the use of facilities at the University.

Procedure for Requesting Accommodations

1. The student schedules an intake interview with Equity and Accessibility (E&A). The E&A coordinator conducts the interview, and the student and the coordinator discuss the condition and its functional limitations. Services are explained, and the student's rights and responsibilities are reviewed.
2. Students are required to submit documentation of their disability. The documentation must meet the guidelines established by the University of Pittsburgh. The guidelines are available here or by contacting E&A at (814) 362-7609.
3. The E&A coordinator reviews and evaluates documentation. Students will be notified once their documentation is reviewed as to whether it has met the established guidelines and verifies the existence of a functional limitation relevant to the academic environment.
4. The process of determining accommodations is collaborative among the student, the E&A coordinator, the professional providing the diagnosis, and the course instructor or program director, if necessary. Once accommodations are determined, an accommodation letter will be issued to the student for each of his or her instructors.
5. This process for receiving accommodations is specific to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and accommodations received at this University may not be applicable to other institutions, professional schools, or standardized testing boards.
6. In the event of a dispute, a student can petition the Academic Accommodations Grievance Committee. This committee's purpose is to assist the Dean, on a case-by-case basis, in resolving any disagreements that arise concerning specific requests for academic accommodations. The Committee serves as a resource for faculty, academic administrators, and University students for a final review of disagreements concerning specific academic accommodation requests.

For further information about Equity and Accessibility, contact our E&A Coordinator, at (814) 362-7609.

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Academic Accommodations - Disputes

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford provides informal and formal processes to resolve disagreements regarding academic accommodations. The University's formal grievance procedure for challenging a decision regarding academic accommodations can be found in Section 504/ADA - Grievance Procedure. The University also strongly encourages individuals to attempt to resolve issues informally, though the informal process need not be pursued before filing a formal grievance. In addition, pursuing the informal process will not delay the time within which a formal grievance must be filed, which is within 30 days after a complainant becomes aware of the disputed decision.

The procedure to be followed for the informal process is as follows:

Informal Process

1. The student requests accommodation(s) and provides supporting documentation to Equity and Accessibility (E&A) according to university guidelines.
2. In instances of disagreement concerning the appropriateness of the requested accommodation, the student, the instructor teaching the course for which the accommodation has been requested, and the E&A coordinator will make every effort to resolve the disagreement.
3. If agreement cannot be reached, the student, instructor, or University administrative staff may seek informal resolution by submitting a Request for Review of the disputed decision to the Academic Accommodations Review Committee, which will convene within seven (7) working days of receiving the Request for Review.
4. The Committee will review the Request for Review and any additional relevant information from University personnel and render a decision within ten (10) working days of receiving the Request for Review.
5. If the individual is not satisfied with the committee's decision, a formal grievance must be filed under the Section 504/ADA Grievance Procedure.
6. While a Request for Review is under consideration by the Academic Accommodations Review Committee or the Dean, the instructor will provide the reasonable accommodation as indicated by Equity and Accessibility

Information and Resource Members

The E&A coordinator will provide general information regarding the determination and implementation of accommodations. The faculty chairperson or designated representative of the Department offering the course(s) in which the accommodation is requested may be asked to provide information to the committee.

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Alternative Format

At Pitt-Bradford, a request for text material to be provided in an alternative format is considered an accommodation. Students seeking alternative formats must follow the process for Academic Accommodations Requests: Disclosing a Disability. Once the accommodation is approved through E&A, the procedures below should be followed.

Procedures for Requesting Materials in Alternative Format

The University of Pittsburgh has partnered with SensusAccess to offer a file converter tool that makes inaccessible documents (such as Word or PDF files) into more accessible media (such as searchable PDFs, audio MP3 files, Braille, or e-text). SensusAccess is available to all Pitt faculty, staff, students, and alumni with an active University email address. Please note that the quality of the converted document depends on the original document's quality, and all conversion files will be delivered via email. 

Find the list of your required course materials.

• Open your class schedule through my.pitt.edu and click on ‘books,’ or
• Check your syllabus for all course reading materials, or
• Contact your professor or department for course reading materials.

Check if your course materials already exist in an accessible format. You can order books directly from the following sites:

• Bookshare: an accessible online library for people with print disabilities.
• Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, or RFB&D) is a non-profit volunteer organization that produces a library of accessible educational materials.
• National Library Service: a network of libraries that provides free library service to persons who cannot use standard printed material.
• Project Gutenberg: offers over 40,000 free ebooks.
• Read How You Want: an accessibility site from which you can obtain a title in whatever font size or accessibility format you desire, including DAISY and other text-to-speech editions.
• VitalSource: a digital rental service that lets you rent eTextbooks and online course materials.
• If your book is unavailable through any of the above resources, you can request alternative format text through E&A.
• It is the student’s responsibility to purchase all course materials and to provide proof of purchase to E&A.
• If E&A can acquire the course material through the publisher, E&A will contact you once we have received it.
• If E&A cannot acquire a textbook, E&A will request that your copy be scanned and converted. To allow this process to occur, bindings will be removed from the book, and once complete, it will be rebound with a spiral binding. All requests will be handled promptly, but the time may vary depending on availability, size, and complexity of the material.

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Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology refers to any item or equipment to improve the access and capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Campus Computing Labs

Accessibility software, including JAWS, MAGic, and Kurzweil 3000, is available in campus computing labs. Headphones are not provided.

For information on how to modify your my.pitt display preferences and Student Center information (PeopleSoft) with assistive technology, please go to:
https://www.technology.pitt.edu/about-us/accessibility

Free Text-to-Speech Software

Students who utilize print materials in an alternative format should consider downloading free text-to-speech software, including the following:

Window-Eyes
NV Access – Open Source Screen Reader
NaturalReader – Text-to-Speech Software

Other assistive technology items are available through Equity and Accessibility. For more information, don't hesitate to contact the E&A Coordinator, Commons Building, Student Affairs Suite, Room 221, 814-362-7609.

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Confidentiality and Release of Information

Equity and Accessibility established policies and procedures regarding confidentiality and releasing information from a student's file.

1. The University of Pittsburgh accords students all rights under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ("FERPA"). Under FERPA, all students 18 years of age who attend the university are deemed emancipated. Parents/guardians will thus not have the authority to inspect, review, and/or discuss the confidential information supporting and/or relevant to a son or daughter affiliated with the office of Equity and Accessibility, without written consent of the said student unless the release of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.
2. Information acquired by Equity and Accessibility, including but not limited to psycho-educational testing, neuropsychological testing, disability information, medical information, psychological information, case notes, educational information, and records (grades, standardized test scores) will be maintained as confidential as required, and/or permitted by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
3. Information contained in Equity and Accessibility files will not be released except in accordance with federal and state laws, which require the release of information on a “need-to-know basis” or to protect the health or safety of the student or others.
4. Equity and Accessibility files that are requested to be produced by a court order or subpoena will be handled by the University of Pittsburgh's Office of General Counsel.
5. A student may provide written authorization to release information to an appropriate professional, agency, or institution. However, information will not be released without written consent.
6. Information submitted to or contained in an Equity and Accessibility student file will not be released or copied for a student's personal use without written consent from the documentation originator, as designated by letterhead or signature.

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Course Substitution

Students with documented disabilities can access support services through Equity and Accessibility (E&A) located in the Commons Building, Student Affairs Suite, Room 221. The goal of E&A is to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and strategies that will assist them in successfully fulfilling University policies and requirements. When the documented disability precludes learning with accommodations, the University will permit the substitution of specific courses to serve the student best. Because these requirements are essential elements of a program, each case must be carefully considered individually before making a decision.

Procedure

The following are procedures that must be adhered to if a student with a documented disability is seeking a modification of course requirements:

1. The petition process should begin as soon as there is strong objective evidence (e.g., previously documented difficulties, currently documented difficulties) that the student will be unable to fulfill the requirement.
2. The student must provide Equity and Accessibility (E&A) with current, relevant, and comprehensive documentation and assessment data from certified professionals. E&A provides detailed guidelines for documentation. This documentation must substantiate both the specific learning disability and its specific impact on the student's ability in the area of concern.
3. A complete case history is required to document the student's history of problems in the area of concern from high school until the date of the petition.
4. Equity and Accessibility will make the final determination and will notify the student. Any student who is granted the petition is expected to fulfill the University's course requirements according to the guidelines for selecting alternative courses.

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Directory Information Notice

The University may establish "Directory Information" categories and release this information without student consent, upon request. In the format provided below, a student may request that the following categories be excluded from Directory Information that would be released without the student's consent if requested by a third party.

The University designates the personally identifiable information contained in a Student's Education Record listed below as "Directory Information":

1. The Student's name
2. The Student's address, phone number and electronic mail address
3. The Student's major field of study
4. The Student's achievements, degrees, academic awards, or honors
5. The Student's weight and height, if a member of an athletic team
6. The Student's previous educational institutions
7. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
8. Dates of attendance
9. The Student's photograph

When the Office of the University Registrar receives a student's refusal to permit the release of "Directory Information," no further disclosures of directory information are made without that student's written consent (except to parties with legal access to student records without written consent.) A student may rescind this action by submitting the request in writing to the Office of the University Registrar. Note that the following procedures apply:

1. Students may review their educational records by submitting a written request to the Records Custodian in the appropriate University unit. University Procedure 09-08-01 lists those university offices that routinely possess students' educational records.
2. Students may request amendments to their educational records by submitting a written request to the Record Custodian and following the steps set forth in University Procedure 09-08-01.
3. As outlined in University Policy 09-08-01, access to a student's educational records may be required and permitted by University faculty and staff for legitimate educational purposes where access by such individuals is necessary to complete their University-related duties.

If you choose not to have Directory Information released, complete and return this form to the Hangar Building (Office of the University Registrar).

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Section 504/ADA - Grievance Procedure

The University of Pittsburgh has adopted an internal grievance procedure for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by federal regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Section 504 and ADA state, in part, that "no qualified individual with a disability shall, because of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by such an entity."

Grievable issues include, but are not limited to, a denial of a requested accommodation, the inadequacy of an accommodation, the inaccessibility of a program or activity due to disability, or discrimination or harassment based on disability.

All such complaints should be addressed to the attention of the Office of Diversity Inclusion, c/o Cheryl Ruffin, Institutional Equity Manager, 4415 Fifth Ave, 2nd Floor Webster Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, (412) 648-7292, who has been designated to coordinate the University’s Section 504 and ADA compliance efforts.

The following steps explain the procedure:

1. A complaint should be filed in writing or verbally. It shall contain the name and address of the person filing it and briefly describe the nature of the complaint and the alleged violation of the regulations.
2. A complaint should be filed within thirty (30) days of the complainant becoming aware of the alleged violation. Complaints received later than thirty (30) days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation will be dismissed as untimely.
3. An investigation, as may be appropriate, will follow the filing of a complaint. The University's Compliance Officer (or another University office acting at the Compliance Officer's request) will conduct the investigation. These rules contemplate a prompt and informal but thorough investigation that affords the complainant, the subject of the complaint, other interested persons, and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit documents and information relevant to the consideration of and resolution of the complaint.
4. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by the University's Compliance Officer or another University office acting at the Compliance Officer's request and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than fifteen (15) working days after receipt of the complaint.
5. The University of Pittsburgh's Compliance Officer shall maintain the files and records relating to complaints filed.
6. The complainant or the affected department or business unit can request reconsideration of the resolution if he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. Requests for reconsideration should be made within seven (7) days to the appropriate senior officer of the University, i.e., the Provost or Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences in complaints where a faculty member is the accused, the Executive Vice Chancellor in complaints where a staff member is the accused, or the Dean for Student Affairs where a student is the accused. The senior officer has thirty (30) days to respond to the request for reconsideration. Decisions of the senior officer are final.
7. A person's right to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies, such as filing a Section 504/ADA complaint with the responsible federal department or agency. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.
8. This procedure shall be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons, to meet appropriate due process standards, and to assure that the University of Pittsburgh complies with Section 504/ADA and implementing regulations.
9. Retaliation against any complainant under this grievance procedure or against any person who assists a complainant in his/her pursuit of a complaint under this grievance procedure is prohibited.

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Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students with disabilities at the University of Pittsburgh have the right to:

• An equal opportunity to access the courses, programs, services and activities at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Request accommodations, academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and services.
• Appropriate confidentiality of information regarding their disability, except as disclosures are required or permitted by law.

Students with disabilities at the University of Pittsburgh have the responsibility to:

• Maintain institutional standards for academic performance and conduct.
• Register with Equity and Accessibility and request an accommodation.
• Provide appropriate documentation of a disability, including the functional limitation(s) of the disability and its impact on the access to and participation in courses, programs, services, and activities at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Follow published procedures for requesting accommodations, academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and services.
• Request academic accommodations in person for each term the student is registered.

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Guidance on Service and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals

The University of Pittsburgh complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and amendments to allow using service animals on campus.  The ADA defines a Service Animal as “…any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.”  The work or tasks performed by a Service Animal must be directly related to the handler´s disability.  A Service Animal is permitted to accompany a person with a disability at any time, which includes places where pets are not permitted.  Dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used purely for emotional support, are not Service Animals.  Students who require the use of a Service Animal on campus are encouraged to contact Equity and Accessibility (E&A).  The Service Animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the Service Animals’ work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.  In that case, the student must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective control.

Inquiries regarding Service Animals

Individuals cannot be asked about the nature or extent of their disability, but two inquiries can be made to determine whether an animal qualifies as a Service Animal

1. If the animal is required because of a disability and;
2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

The University of Pittsburgh cannot require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a Service Animal.  Also, individuals are prohibited from making inquiries about a Service Animal when it is readily apparent that an animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability (e.g., the dog is observed guiding an individual who is blind or has low vision, pulling a person’s wheelchair, or providing assistance with stability or balance to an individual with an observable mobility disability).

Emotional Support Animals

The University recognizes the importance of emotional support animals to individuals with a documented disability. An emotional support animal may provide emotional support, stability and comfort. Emotional support animals are not required to be trained to perform a specific job or task. Therefore, they do not qualify as “Service Animals” under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional support animals are only permitted in University of Pittsburgh residence halls if the animal has been determined to be a reasonable accommodation for an individual with a disability by E&A.

To receive housing accommodations, Equity and Accessibility requires that you submit appropriate medical documentation that confirms that you are an individual with a disability. Should the housing accommodation be deemed reasonable, you must agree to the University's established Emotional Support Animal guidelines.

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The University of Pittsburgh FERPA Notification of Rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives an access request. Students should submit written requests to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate program director identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make access arrangements and notify the students of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the University official does not maintain the records to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing and is available at UP Policy and Procedure 09-08-01.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University will disclose education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The University will forward records at the request of another school.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University of Pittsburgh to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Questions concerning the University’s FERPA Policy may also be directed to the Office of the Registrar at 814-362-7602.

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University of Pittsburgh Rights and Responsibilities

The University of Pittsburgh has the right to:

• Request and receive, through Equity and Accessibility, current documentation that identifies the existence of a disability and explains the functional limitations of the disability.
• Suggest reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, or auxiliary aids and services based on documentation submitted to the office.
• Establish essential requirements and standards for courses, programs, services or activities at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Select equally effective accommodations, adjustments or auxiliary aids and services.
• Deny an accommodation, adjustment, or auxiliary aid that fundamentally alters a course, program, or activity.

The University of Pittsburgh has the responsibility to:

• Review submitted documentation without bias and seek appropriate, relevant professional expertise when necessary.
• Confer with the student and other relevant parties when determining accommodations, academic adjustments, or auxiliary aids and services.
• Provide information in accessible formats upon request.
• Respond to requests on a timely basis.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of documentation and information.

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E-mail the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at safety@ehs.pitt.edu to request the development of an individualized evacuation plan. A representative of this office will contact you for specific information.

For additional information, check the EHS Building Evacuation & Fire Safety page »

You may also wish to check Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: A Guide For People with Disabilities and Other Activity Limitations, by June Isaacson Kailes.

If you have additional questions or specific disability-related needs, contact directly at 814-362-7609 or mjd197@pitt.edu.

• When a Student Asks for an Accommodation
• When a Student with a Disability is in Your Class
• Confidentiality
• Working with Interpreters
• Test Proctoring Service
• Employee Services
• Recommended Syllabus Statement

When a Student Asks a Faculty Member for an Accommodation

If a student requests an accommodation directly from a faculty member, that faculty member should ask the student to obtain an Accommodation Letter from E&A, which verifies the disability and the appropriateness of the accommodation. Students who are not registered with E&A should be referred to the office for registration. This ensures that the student is qualified under the law as having a disability and that the requested accommodation is appropriate for their disability.

E&A does not recommend that faculty directly ask students if they have a disability and need an accommodation. If a student is having difficulty in the course and a faculty member suspects a disability, it is appropriate to discuss the difficulty (i.e., poor writing) as they would with any student. However, concerns about a possible disability should be discussed first with the E&A coordinator.

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When a Student with a Disability is in Your Class

1. Please discuss with the student how their disability may impact their learning. Understand that students with similar disabilities may have very different learning styles.
2. Consider adaptations in the presentation of information. For example, students with low vision do not benefit from visual learning tools such as slides or PowerPoint; therefore, including text descriptions of each slide could be highly beneficial. Students with auditory processing disorders may struggle to follow multiple conversations in small group discussions. Consider asking each group to designate a person to take notes that reflect the discussion.
3. Announce early in the term that you want to meet, in person, with students with disabilities.
4. When choosing textbooks for your class, remember that the sooner you submit your textbook selection, the sooner E&A can begin the alternative format conversion process.
5. Announce any changes to the syllabus well in advance; students who use alternate format text may need additional time to receive their readings or to complete the reading assignment. If a student indicates that E&A did not prepare their materials promptly, contact the office to confirm this information.
6. If you suspect a disability based on a student's attendance or performance, discuss your observations with the student without labeling them. Ask the student to describe what he/she is experiencing. If you are comfortable doing so, offer advice about how to approach studying or improving performance and request additional meetings with the student. If the student continues to experience difficulties, refer the student to E&A for consultation.
7. Maintain confidentiality regarding all communications with students who have disabilities. Requests for information should be sent to E&A.
8. Remember that it is the student's decision whether on not to disclose a disability. The student may be registered with E&A but also choose not to disclose to faculty.

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Confidentiality

Faculty and staff must recognize the critical role of confidentiality in working with students with disabilities. The University is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of both current and former students with disabilities. Generally, all information regarding a student's disability is confidential. Only the particular student and E&A will need to know confidential information regarding a student with a disability.

This confidentiality rule applies to all information, regardless of its source. You may, for example, receive confidential information from an E&A representative who is sharing the information with you on a need-to-know basis. You may also receive confidential information from the student regarding their disability, such as details about their medication or other medical history, or information about their academic progress in other courses. You also should treat any accommodations provided to a student as confidential, and should share the details of such accommodations only on a need-to-know basis.

There may be times when someone directly asks you for information about a student with a disability that is considered confidential. For example, classmates of a student with a disability who is receiving an accommodation may inquire about why the student receives extra time on a test or why the student is absent from the classroom on test days. An appropriate response to such inquiries regarding students with disabilities may be: "Each student's academic program is confidential, including your own, and I'm unable to discuss any student's situation with their classmates."

If you have any questions regarding confidentiality while working with a student with a disability, such as who qualifies for the "need-to-know" exception to confidentiality, you should discuss the issue with the particular student and/or E&A.

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Working with Interpreters

Role of the Interpreter

Sign language interpreting is very much like a spoken foreign language, except that it involves using the language of signs. The interpreter has a single responsibility in your class, facilitating communication between you and your deaf student(s), and between the deaf student(s) and hearing classmates. The interpreter is responsible for interpreting all information accurately, without embellishment or omission. The interpreter is NOT a teacher, a tutor, nor an aide for the deaf student.

Deaf Students' Reliance on Vision

Deaf students frequently sit in the front row of the classroom to see the instructor, the interpreter, and the board. The interpreter generally sits facing the deaf student. You must maintain an open visual line of communication by avoiding walking between them. Sometimes, the interpreter may need to reposition. For example, if the class watches an uncaptioned videotape, the interpreter will move next to the television screen. Be sure to pause to allow the interpreter time to take up her new position.

Deaf students prefer captioned media when available. If the program selected is not available in a captioned format, it will need to be interpreted. In this case, the interpreter should ideally have access to the program before the class viewing.

Length and Pace of Class

Interpreting is very demanding physically. It is therefore recommended that you:

• Build in breaks when classes exceed 50 minutes
• Ensure that breaks are at least 10 minutes in length
• Remember that using the break to talk to the deaf student means that the interpreter is still working

Depending on the length and pace of your class, two interpreters may be assigned to your class as a team, switching every 20-30 minutes.

It is also essential that you control the pace of your class. If you tend to speak rapidly, or have rapid interchanges between yourself and your students, you may want to consider pausing more frequently. If you are unsure whether your pace is too fast, ask your interpreter to let you know if the speed becomes a problem.

Complex Concepts and Obscure Terms

Most interpreters are not content experts, so it is helpful for them to have copies of the textbook, course syllabus, and handouts to provide more accurate information.

Interpreters often rely on fingerspelling to communicate ideas. Fingerspelling is a method of representing the alphabet using the hands. Many terms, including people's names and uncommon scientific vocabulary, do not have a sign equivalent and, therefore, must be fingerspelled. Writing new vocabulary words of this kind on the board will significantly aid the interpreter.

Seminars and Open Class Discussions

Seminars and classes that encourage free-flowing discussion present a special challenge to interpreters. Such courses often exclude deaf students, not intentionally, but because of their rapid pace and unstructured interactions.

Multiple conversations cannot be interpreted simultaneously, so only one person should speak at a time. Often, there is a self-appointed "conversational policeman" who will point out when it appears that the deaf student has a question or comment to make, or remind the class when individuals are speaking over each other. When asking a question in a regular class lecture, wait until after the interpreter has completed signing the question before you call on students for an answer. This pause allows deaf students an opportunity to see the whole question and then raise their hands if they wish to participate.

Final Thoughts

• If you would like to speak to the deaf student, the interpreter will interpret your question or comment. It is easier to interpret if you talk directly to the student.
• An interpreter can only interpret what can be heard, so please speak clearly.
• The interpreter is not a participating member of the class. If you have a question for the interpreter, feel free to ask during a non-interpreting time.
• In classes where sensitive information is being shared, interpreters regard all assignment-related information as confidential.

The interpreter in your class is the best resource for additional information on your use of interpreters.

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Test Proctoring Service

To have a test proctored at E&A

1. Read the Accommodation Letter emailed to you at the beginning of the semester.
2. You can expect to receive an E&A Instructor Test Reply form from the E&A office three days prior to each test date.
3. Complete the Instructor Test Reply form and send it to the E&A as soon as possible before the scheduled exam.
4. Please email Chad Hockaday at cjh187@pitt.edu or hand deliver to (FWC 221) at least one (1) day before the scheduled exam.
5. Contact the E&A coordinator (814-362-7609 or cjh@pitt.edu) to clarify any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the test proctoring process, accommodations, or disability issues.

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Employee Services

Equity and Accessibility (E&A) provides the University community with objective consultation and general information regarding the rights and responsibilities of employees with documented disabilities.

How do I request a reasonable accommodation?

Employees or applicants needing assistance or accommodations should notify their supervisor or the Equity and Accessibility Coordinator, at 814-362-7609 or cjh187@pitt.edu. It is the responsibility of the employee with a disability to self-identify and inform the University that an accommodation is requested. Requests for reasonable accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, involving a cooperative effort among the employee making the request, their supervisor, and Equity and Accessibility, with due consideration given to the documentation submitted.

What is an accommodation?

An accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that enables a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or perform essential job functions.

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Recommended Syllabus Statement

On February 27, 2001, the Faculty Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to include the following statement on course syllabi.

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Equity and Accessibility, in the Commons Building, Student Affairs Suite, Room 221, 814-362-7609, as early as possible in the term.

Equity and Accessibility reviews documentation related to a student's disability, verifies the disability, and recommends accommodations for specific courses.

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Temporary medical conditions such as broken or sprained bones, infectious diseases, general surgery, non-complicated pregnancy, or other common medical conditions are not regarded as disabilities. The degree of functional limitation and duration of the conditions mentioned above typically do not cause enough impairment to qualify an individual as having a disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Equity and Accessibility recognizes, however, that temporary medical conditions can be problematic and offers the following suggestions.

Parking

Students and staff who require designated accessible parking on campus must obtain a state-issued Person with Disability/Severely Disabled Veteran Parking Placard through the application process in the state where their vehicle is registered. For Pennsylvania residents, the application can be found on the state Department of Motor Vehicles' website. Individuals must meet the state's criteria to receive a temporary or permanent accessible parking placard.

Accessible parking spaces will be assigned to designated parking lots on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. The cost of an HP space will be the same as the standard parking permit. Person with Disability/Severely Disabled Veteran Parking Placards will be honored, provided a valid University permit for that lot is also displayed. Contact the Parking Services Office to arrange for an accessible parking space.

Attendance

Our attendance policy is specific to the course in which you are enrolled. Please consult with your instructor regarding his/her attendance policy. If your medical condition results in many absences, you might consider resigning from the term. Instructors with specific attendance policies can hold you accountable for absences from class regardless of reason.

Resignation

Certain temporary medical conditions may necessitate resignation from an academic term.

Information on the resignation process can be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs, 220 Frame-Westerberg Commons.

Writing and Test Taking

If arm/hand movement is restricted and subsequently affects your ability to write (take notes) and/or to take tests, Equity and Accessibility suggests that you inform your instructor of your temporary impairment, its expected duration, and alternative methods for completing examinations. Equity and Accessibility also recommend you ask a fellow classmate for a copy of the lecture notes. If writing will be affected for an extended time, consider investing in a speech-to-text software program.

If you have additional questions or specific disability-related needs, contact the Coordinator of E&A at 814-362-7609 or cjh187@pitt.edu.