FAQs
What is accessibility?
The University is mandated by state and federal law to provide accessible locations for classes, programs, and services offered by the institution. If multiple sections of a course are offered, at least one section of the course must be in an accessible location. For students with mobility impairments, classes must be located in buildings with ground-level entry, working elevators (if the class is not located on the ground level), and doorways that are at least 32" wide. Classes must be relocated either temporarily or permanently if these specifications are not met. Accessibility is not, however, limited to students with mobility impairments. The needs of students with visual and hearing impairments must also be taken into consideration when selecting locations for classes and programs. Academic accommodations for students in the classroom are also mandated.How do I know a student is qualified to receive disability-related accommodations?
On the SJSU campus, a student who wishes to receive disability-related accommodations must register with the Disability Resource Center and provide documentation from an appropriate professional about the condition before services are rendered. Once a student is registered, faculty must provide the academic accommodations that this office determines reasonable. The student or Disability Resource Center provides faculty with a letter written by the office, which documents the disability and the need for academic accommodation.
Is the information regarding a student's disability and the need for academic adjustments confidential?
Yes! Instructors and teaching assistants must maintain a policy (links to confidentiality policy tip sheet) of strict confidentiality about the identity of a student with a disability, the nature of the disability, and the disability-related accommodations that are required.How can I encourage students with disabilities to talk with me about their accommodations?
Announce at the beginning of a course that you are available to discuss instructional methods and appropriate course modifications with students who have disabilities. In addition, include a note to this effect on your course syllabus.How do I know what is a reasonable academic accommodation?
For example: "To request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Disability Resource Center office at (408) 924-6000. If you have a letter from their office indicating that you have a disability which requires academic accommodations, please present the letter to me so we can discuss the accommodations that you might need in this class."
The Disability Resource Center determines which accommodations are reasonable. The student may provide you with a letter from this office, outlining appropriate accommodations. The student may also share with you accommodations that have proved successful for him in other classes. You can consult with the Disability Resource Center if the requests do not seem reasonable.May I fail a student with a disability?
Yes. It is possible to fail a student with a disability. The laws mandate access to education, not guaranteed academic success. When a faculty member has provided reasonable academic accommodations, all that is required to comply with the law, and the student does not meet the course requirements, then failing a student is proper and lawful.
