The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): Guidelines for Faculty

STUDENTS, UNIVERSITY POLICY AND THE ADA

The University of Utah is mandated by law (the Americans with Disabilities Act), and by policy, to provide reasonable accommodation to all qualified students who request an accommodation.

The Center for Disability Services (CDS) is the only department that is authorized to determine whether or not a student is qualified for accommodation either based upon law or upon University policy.

Upon request for accommodation by a student, the CDS obtains appropriate medical documentation, determines whether or not a student is qualified, and if so, what accommodation should be provided.

If a student ever requests a change or modification in the course requirements based upon a medical condition, the instructor should refer the student immediately to the CDS. If the instructor is unsure whether such a request has occurred, s/he may contact the CDS or the University's ADA Coordinator for assistance. Under no circumstances should an instructor ever decline such a request outright.

A faculty member has no responsibility, nor should s/he, provide any kind of course modification for a student, based upon a disability or medical condition, without valid paperwork from the CDS. (Course modifications or special requests that are otherwise provided for in departmental or University policies remain at the discretion of the instructor.)

If an instructor questions the appropriateness of a CDS prescribed accommodation, s/he should contact the CDS immediately to address any concerns and evaluate possible alternatives. The instructor should continue to provide the accommodation until the problem or question is resolved. During the evaluation process, and after completion of the process, an instructor should never question the student about his/her disabled status, refuse to provide accommodations as mandated by CDS, or discuss the process or the student with third parties.

All course syllabi should contain the following paragraphs:

The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.

All written information in the course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.

Direct questions or concerns about the above information to: