Campus Disability Accommodations: Americans with Disabilities Act

Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act

On April 24th, 2024, the Department of Justice published a rule to update its policies. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local government organizations, including public education institutions, to ensure that all spaces within their facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. As the world evolves, more spaces are utilizing the digital world. With the rise of technology, it has become crucial for students to have equal access to the digital spaces available to ensure their success in the classroom.

Impact on Students with Disabilities

Through this act, students with disabilities are able to gain access to the resources they need to become successful in the classroom. When websites are inaccessible to students, they create barriers and hardships for those students. Additionally, the following are applications made available to students with disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act:

PDFs
Word
PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Zoom

How to Request Accommodations

Students can request accommodations by talking to an individual at their university’s disability services office. It is essential for students to feel comfortable on campus in order to request the necessary accommodations. If a student feels unsafe, they may hold back, which can cause them to fall behind in their studies or not reach their full potential. Schools may request either medical or therapeutic documentation from a student. This helps to confirm and better understand the steps necessary to ensure the student’s overall success on campus.

Responsibilities of Educational Institutions

The digital world is rapidly evolving. Therefore, it is crucial that universities and educational institutions prioritize understanding the needs of students with disabilities. This will create an environment where students feel safe, allowing them to focus on the work required to succeed. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires educational institutions to accommodate the needs of their students to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for everyone on campus.

Student Rights and Advocacy

Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), students have the right to equal access to technological advancements within colleges and educational institutions. This is crucial, as their work can become heavily dependent on their abilities to understand and access the necessary materials they need. Additionally, students’ disability status should also be kept confidential at all times. This is important in maintaining the student’s safety in and out of the classroom. If a student feels that there has been a breach in confidentiality, they may be reluctant to share further information. This could ultimately result in a setback in their studies.

How KAASS LAW Can Help

At KAASS LAW, we believe it is necessary to protect and understand the rights of all individuals. If you or a loved one has experienced disability discrimination and/or been denied necessary accommodations, contact KAASS LAW today for a confidential consultation.

1 month ago

Natalie A