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Not just a disability. Not just compliance.
Disabilities are no small problem in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 19 percent of the population — about one in five people — reported having some type of disability as of 2010. The collegiate environment can be challenging and for students with disabilities additional obsticles sometimes exist. Numerous factors must be taken into consideration, including building layouts, campus and dorm life, learning accommodations and adjustments for day-to-day functions that many of us may not have to think about. Here at Southeast, Counseling and Disability Services are here to help, but in several cases there is only so much that can be done. Several community members with varying disabilities must adapt to succeed. This special report explores the multifaceted elements of being a college student with unique physical, mental, emotional or learning needs. Through it, the Arrow reporters wanted to know: How good is Southeast at integrating students with special needs into the mainstream, particularly through the learning, living and built environments? What do students with a disability have to say about their collegiate experience? What should our campus know about it all? Disabilities are more common than we may realize, so let’s talk about them.
An investigation of university compliance with applicable legislation in accordance to disabilities within its built, learning and living environment.
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Facilities Management addresses ADA issues on campusSoutheast Facilities Management is the main component to all renovations and updating of buildings on campus. As part of its responsibilities, the department ensures buildings are up to Americans with Disabilities Act codes and law, according to Facilities Management director Angela Meyer... -
Exploring diversity and accessibility at SoutheastNo two Southeast students are alike, and for students with a disability, this is no exception. One of the most important factors in college education is the type of learning environment students are in. It has the potential to make or break their college experience...
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Southeast strives for accessible learning environmentThe Southeast faculty and staff continue to help current students who struggle with disabilities who live on campus. According to vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success Deborah Below, Southeast does comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act — a federal law mandating public entities maintain a code of living for individuals with disabilities...
Applicable legislation concerning qualified persons with disability
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
By Matthew Dollard ~ A&E Editor
In discussing university life for students with disabilities it is important to note Southeast is subject to the requirements of two major federal laws: the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act states no qualified person with a disability in the United States shall be subject to discrimination or denied access to any program or activity at an institution that receives federal financial assistance.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) goes beyond this by requiring all institutions of higher education to provide access to students with disabilities, regardless of federal funding.
It states no qualified individual shall by reason of disability be excluded or denied the benefits of services, programs or activities, or be subject to discrimination.
While Individual Education Plans (IEP) for all students who qualify as disabled are requirements for elementary and secondary schools, in institutions of postsecondary education requests for accommodation must originate with the student.
Students have a legal right not to be identified as disabled, but if they choose to self-identify and receive access to resources of accommodation, they must take the first step by registering with Disability Services and submitting a request for services.
