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Policies and Procedures

Table of Contents

• Policy of Nondiscrimination
• Introduction
• Admission to UNCG
• Prior to Arriving at UNCG
• Qualifying for Services
• Record Maintenance & Correspondence
• Academic Accommodations
  1. Faculty Notification
  2. Registration
  3. Testing Accommodations
  4. Classroom Accommodations
  5. Foreign Language Requirements
  6. Degree Requirement Modifications
  7. Tutoring Services
  8. Interpreter Services
  9. Note-taking Services
  10. Requesting Assistive Listening Devices (ALD's)
  11. Taped Text Services
• Housing Accommodation
• Barrier Removal
• Adaptive Equipment, Auxiliary Aids, Service Animals and Personal Care Attendants
• Class Attendance
• Grievance Procedure
• Internships & Practicum
• Study Abroad

Policy of Nondiscrimination

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives individuals with disabilities civil rights protection that is similar to that provided to all individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin and religion. The act guarantees equal opportunity in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. In September 1973, Congress passed Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 states: "No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely on the basis of his/her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

Consistent with the ADA and Section 504, the policy of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) is that no qualified individual with a disability may be discriminated against on the basis of his or her disability. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to seek admission to the university, and applicants are actively recruited for employment. UNCG is making affirmative efforts to accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. Such efforts include elimination of physical barriers and the provision of individual accommodation. Our goal at the University is to promote institutional programs and employment practices that are accessible to all individuals with disabilities.

Introduction

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) at UNCG seeks to meet individual needs by coordinating and implementing internal policy regarding programs, services, and activities for individuals with disabilities. The ODS functions as a source of information and advice and as a communication link among individuals with disabilities, faculty and staff members, state rehabilitation agencies and the community at large. Accommodating individuals with disabilities in a mainstreamed environment is the overall objective of the ODS.

The ODS is the centralized agency for receiving disability related documentation and the approval of requested accommodations. The process of documentation review involves an individual assessment of the individual's disability with respect to the documentation presented and the accommodations requested.

The ODS focuses on providing services needed by students with disabilities to minimize the extent to which their disability affects their opportunities in the UNCG academic environment. For university students with disabilities, the single most important issue is equal opportunity. ODS is designed to address those areas of need where equal opportunity is compromised for students with disabilities.

The ODS focuses on students' functional needs, and seeks to ensure equal opportunity through equal access. There are very few commonalties among "the experience of those disabled," so a very high degree of individual interaction is required to serve students appropriately with significant disability-related needs. The extent of disability is also a factor relating to need. For instance, virtually all students who are blind and deaf need services to accommodate their sensory deficits. A student with mild visual or hearing impairments may not need ODS at all. Priorities and resources are primarily allocated for those services that are essential for equal access in academic endeavors. These services enhance students' opportunities to be competitive and to succeed at UNCG. A next priority is to concentrate supplemental attention and resources for students in academic difficulty.

Note: In reading these policies and procedures, the term "student" refers to students who are registered with the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

Admission to UNCG

POLICY

Individuals with disabilities enter the University through the established admissions procedures that are required of all applicants. Neither the nature nor the severity of one's disability is used as a criterion for admission. An applicant's admission is based solely on academic qualifications.

PROCEDURE

Students requesting application materials should contact the office of Undergraduate Admissions in the Armfield-Preyer Admissions & Visitors Center, 1400 Spring Garden St., at (336) 334-5243 or The Graduate School, room 241 Mossman, at (336)334-5596. ODS is available to meet with students to discuss the need for accommodation upon enrollment at UNCG. Please call (336) 334-5440 to schedule an appointment.

Prior to Arriving at UNCG

POLICY

Prior planning is critical to a smooth transition and adaptation to UNCG. Accommodation planning should begin prior to the student's arrival on campus.

PROCEDURE

New Student and Transfer Orientation sessions are offered throughout the summer and at the beginning of each semester. Orientation is an excellent opportunity for the student to initiate the accommodation process. Students who have not received orientation session information may do so by contacting the Office of Orientation at (336)334-5231. Please be sure to check in with ODS during orientation so that we may begin gathering the necessary information to develop the accommodation plan. Students and parents are also encouraged to read the documents Differences Between High School and College Disability Services and Students with Disabilities Preparing for Post Secondary Education. These may be found at the ODS website.

Qualifying for Services

POLICY

Students requesting disability accommodations from The University must self identify to ODS. Students are required to submit current documentation of their disability to the department prior to the implementation of services. Students requesting accommodations from The University must have a disability as defined by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In cases where documentation is deemed insufficient, the student may be required to provide additional documentation. Students must also complete and submit the “Voluntary Disability Disclosure” form which is located at the ODS website, or the form may be obtained directly from ODS. The University reserves the right to consult with university professionals in reviewing and assessing documentation when it is necessary for approving accommodations.

PROCEDURE

• A student who has decided to attend UNCG should contact his/her doctor or diagnostician for a copy of their disability documentation.
• In most cases, acceptable reports come from psychologists, psychiatrists, audiologists, speech therapists and physicians.
• Disability documentation and the "Voluntary Disability Disclosure" form must be submitted to ODS for review prior to approval for accommodations.

Record Maintenance and Correspondence

POLICY

Records for students with disabilities are maintained in the ODS office until 5 years after the last semester of enrollment. Documents that relate to the student's disability are not a part of the academic record in the Registrar's Office. Disability documentation and release of information is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). An explanation of FERPA and policies governing release of records may be accessed at The Registrar's Office. The ODS maintains a secure computer database.

Correspondence to students registered with ODS will generally be by electronic mail. Students are responsible for checking their university assigned e-mail accounts for access to announcements.

PROCEDURE

• Upon completion of the "Voluntary Disability Disclosure" and registration with ODS, students may detail their wishes regarding the release of information.
• Students are responsible for checking their e-mail accounts for announcements regarding upcoming events as well as registration deadlines.

Academic Accommodations

When appropriate, academic accommodations will be made. It is generally considered non-discriminatory to adhere to academic standards that are essential to a course of study (i.e.: setting a grade point average requirement for admission to a particular program). Requests for academic accommodations must be made in a timely manner. All requests for services should be made directly to ODS. Academic adjustments must be supported by the documentation and may include the following:

1. Faculty Notification

   POLICY

   Faculty notification is initiated by the student, and disclosure of the disability is at the discretion of the student. Faculty will not be notified by ODS that they have a student with a disability in the classroom.

   PROCEDURE

   • Students should attend class and receive the syllabi and course documents for each course for which they have registered.
   • Early in the semester, after receiving the syllabi and course documents for each class, students should make an appointment with an ODS counselor.
   • Students should bring the syllabi and course documents to their appointment at the ODS. Letters to faculty will be written by the counselor and the student and will only be written with student input and signature.
   • It is the student's responsibility to deliver faculty notification letters to those faculty members to whom they wish to disclose their disability and need for accommodations.
   • Upon delivery of the faculty notification letter, students should ensure that each faculty member signs the "Acknowledgement of Class Modifications" form. This form is available in the ODS and will be given to each student when faculty notification letters are written.
   • Once the student has delivered all faculty notification letters the completed "Acknowledgement of Class Modifications" form should be turned in to ODS. This form informs ODS of those faculty members to whom the student has chosen to disclose a disability.
2. Registration

   POLICY

   ODS makes every effort to secure priority scheduling of students with disabilities who are approved for early registration. Students are approved based on their need for The University to make advance preparations. Priority registration is determined on a case-by-case basis and is based on demonstrated need. Course prerequisites are the responsibility of the student. ODS does not have the authority to "special add" students into restricted classes. The student's desired schedule and choice of faculty member are not guaranteed by ODS.

   PROCEDURE

   During the fall and spring semesters, all students have the opportunity online to participate in the registration process for their next semester's classes.

   • It is the student's responsibility to make an appointment with their advisor well before registration opens to get approval of their course schedule.
   • Students should ensure their advisor signs the registration form and provides them with their current advising code.
   • Students approved for priority registration should make an appointment with ODS so that their advising forms may be reviewed for priority registration. Students should ensure that they have their personal advising codes and course schedule with them when they come to ODS.
   • After a student has met with an ODS counselor it is necessary for them to visit the Registrar's Office (Mossman Building) to complete the registration process.
   • The ODS does not have the capability to register students for classes.
3. Testing Accommodations

   POLICY

   Initiating the testing accommodation procedure is the responsibility of the student. Testing accommodations may include extended time, scribe, computer for written exams, use of a spell checking device, calculator, readers, and accessible test formats such as Braille and enlarged print. Unless there is a time conflict, tests will be scheduled at the same time as the rest of the class. A student who misses a test or exam scheduled with ODS will be required to notify the faculty member. ODS is not able to reschedule exams. Rescheduling of exams is the responsibility of, and should be initiated by, the student in consultation with the faculty member, and a faculty member must approve the rescheduling. A student who is late for a scheduled exam must finish the test in the time remaining (extended time will be calculated from the scheduled time of the test, not the time of arrival). Final exams will only be rescheduled in accordance with university policy.

   PROCEDURE

   • Students should complete part I of the "Testing Accommodations Request." These forms are located in the ODS and at the ODS website (www.uncg.edu/ods).
   • Students should have their professor complete part II of the "Testing Accommodations Request." The form must be signed by the professor of the class for which the student is requesting testing accommodations.
   • The ODS can only proctor tests for classes in which the student has chosen to disclose a disability. Disclosure of the disability, and the faculty member's acknowledgement of the need for accommodations will be verified in the ODS by reviewing the faculty member's signature on the "Acknowledgement of Class Modifications" form (see item 1, Faculty Notification Procedure, above). The "Acknowledgement of Class Modifications" form, signed by the faculty member, must be turned in to the ODS before tests can be proctored.
   • "Testing Accommodations Request" forms must be received in the ODS no less than 48 business hours prior to the test or exam.
   • Requests for accommodations on final exams must be received in the ODS no less than five working days prior to the exam day.
   • Students may take into the testing area only those materials that the professor deems appropriate. These materials should be listed by the professor in the space provided on the "Testing Accommodations Request" form.
   • The following items should be left outside of the testing area during tests and exams: all electronic devices not specifically approved by the professor on the "Testing Accommodations Request" form, cell phones, pagers, planners, book bags, purses, overcoats. These items will be stored securely by ODS staff until completion of the scheduled test or exam.
4. Classroom Accommodations

   POLICY

   Classroom accommodations may include: sign language interpretation; assistive listening devices; note taking; use of tape recorder; priority seating and alternative testing. Students receiving in-class support services must attend classes on a regular basis or risk losing those services.

   PROCEDURE

   Classroom accommodations are made by meeting with ODS to request specific accommodations.

5. Foreign Language Requirement

   POLICY

   UNCG and the Department of Romance Languages recognize the importance of providing options and accommodations for students with special needs. For this reason, the Department of Romance Languages offers a Modified Foreign Language (MFL) Program in Spanish. Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, the MFL Program in Spanish is designed to meet the needs of foreign language students who, because of their learning differences or disabilities, are unable to complete their foreign language requirement through traditional means. The MFL Program in Spanish is intended to assist students with a demonstrated need to achieve their goals and meet their curricular demands by providing more individualized instruction in the target language along with academic advising, close monitoring of progress, and student assistance in understanding specific learning needs.

   PROCEDURE

   The MFL Program in Spanish is available for students with documented learning disabilities and/or students with demonstrable long-standing difficulties learning a foreign language. Inclusion in the MFL Program is based on documented need and seat availability. Registration in the Office of Disability Services does not automatically qualify a student for inclusion in the MFL Program.,

   • Early in their program of study students registered with the Office of Disability Services are encouraged to inquire about the program with their counselors.
   • Registration in the MFL Program requires written permission from the Department of Romance Languages, and students must follow the Department of Romance Languages application procedures for the MFL Program.
   • Once students have gathered materials and documents necessary for the MFL application they should meet with their ODS counselor to write a letter of support from the ODS.

   Brochures, further information and application procedures regarding the MFL Program in Spanish may be obtained from ODS staff, or students may contact the Department of Romance Languages directly (336-334-5655).

6. Degree Requirement Modification

   POLICY

   Students are expected to complete all degree requirements for graduation in their major. The ADA requires that universities offer reasonable accommodations to qualified students; however, it does not require the adjustment of standards that would fundamentally alter degree requirements.

   PROCEDURE

   If a student deems it necessary to request deviation from the prescribed course of study, the student should consult the dean of the college or school, or the chairperson of the department of the student's major. Any deviations from the applicable published degree requirements must have the approval of the appropriate departmental chairperson or school dean and the approval of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

7. Tutoring Services

   POLICY

   Tutorial services are available to all students at UNCG through the Learning Assistance Center (LAC). Requests for tutors should be submitted early in the semester to ensure an assignment. Additionally, many academic departments offer tutorials specific to their academic offerings. Personal or private content specific tutoring is considered the financial responsibility of the student.

   PROCEDURE

   • Tutoring may be accessed through either the academic department or the Learning Assistance Center (LAC) located in room 104 of McIver Hall. The LAC may be contacted at (336)334-3878.
   • Students should check their syllabi, departmental and/or faculty announcements for published tutorial sessions.
8. Interpreter Services

   POLICY

   It is the responsibility of the student requesting interpreting services to provide the office with their schedule immediately after registration. In the event of late registration, every effort will be made to secure accommodations as soon as possible. Any changes to a schedule prior to, or after the start of a semester, should be reported immediately to the Assistant Director for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

   Upon request, ODS will provide interpreting services for meetings, plays, movies or other functions sponsored by the University.

   It is the responsibility of the student to inform ODS if he/she does not plan to be in class on a given day or if the student plans to miss an event in which they have requested an interpreter. If three consecutive classes and/or events are missed without informing ODS, interpreting services to that class and/or event will be suspended pending a meeting with the Assistant Director for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

   It is the responsibility of the student to inform ODS if a class is cancelled. The interpreter(s) will be reassigned.

   Interpreters will wait for 15 minutes for you to arrive for classes and/or events that are 1 to 2 hours in length. Interpreters will wait 30 minutes for classes and/or events that are 3 hours in length or longer.

   While ODS will consider individual preferences in the assignment of interpreters, it reserves the right to make all interpreter assignments. Interpreter assignments are at the sole discretion of ODS and may be based upon many factors which may include, but may not be limited to, availability, certification, qualification and the appropriateness of the request based on actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

   Your interpreter is expected to follow the Code of Professional Conduct under which they are classified, as well as to comply with all ODS standards and policies.

   PROCEDURE

   • For events that occur outside of the students' regular class schedule, an Interpreter Request Form should be submitted to the Assistant Director no later than one week prior to the event.
   • Requests for interpreters for final examinations should be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the first day of final exams. Requests received less than one week before the scheduled event will be honored if possible.
   • Students should check their syllabi at the beginning of the semester for dates when the instructor plans a video and should inquire as to whether or not the videos are closed-captioned. Questions should be referred to the Assistant Director for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in the ODS.
   • Interpreters are only available during exams to facilitate communication between the faculty member and the student. All exam questions should be directed to the faculty member.
   • When taking an examination, the student has the option to have the interpreter remain or to excuse them. Before dismissing an interpreter students should ensure the instructor does not intend to lecture after the test. Students who are taking a test in a class that is team interpreted, should inform the Assistant Director so that interpreters may be released or rescheduled ahead of time.
9. Note-taking Services

   POLICY

   Students registered in the ODS may request note-takers for classes. The need for note-takers is determined individually, and is based on documentation and the functional limitations of the student.

   Note-taking services are provided in two ways and provision is determined individually.

   Students may receive volunteer student note-takers from their class. The student receiving services is responsible for identifying a note-taker. Students are encouraged to consult with faculty to ensure they are receiving adequate notes. ODS will provide carbon paper or copying services as needed. Students should not expect to receive notes if he/she does not attend class. The ODS is available to assist students, and to work with faculty in identifying note-takers.

   Note-taking services may also be provided by a note-taker who works directly for ODS and is not a student in the class. Note-taking will be provided on a lap-top computer with a disk which will be given to the student at the end of class. If the student fails to bring a disk to class the notes will be saved on the computer and the student may come to ODS to receive a copy at a later time.

   It is the responsibility of the student to inform ODS if he/she does not plan on attending class on a given day. If three consecutive classes are missed without informing ODS, note-taking services to that class will be suspended pending a meeting with the Assistant Director for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. It is the responsibility of the student to inform ODS if a class is cancelled. The note-taker may be reassigned. Note-taking services will not be provided when a student does not attend class.

   Note-takers employed by the ODS will wait for 15 minutes for the student to arrive for classes that are 1 to 2 hours in length. Note-takers will wait 30 minutes for classes that are 3 hours in length or longer.

   PROCEDURE

   • As early as possible in the semester, make an appointment with an ODS counselor or the Assistant Director for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services to request services.
   • ODS will determine the appropriateness of note-taking services based on students' individual needs and documented disability.
   • ODS reserves the right to make all note-taking assignments. Note-taking assignments are at the sole discretion of ODS and may be based upon many factors which include, but are not limited to, availability, qualification, and the appropriateness of the request based on actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
   • When taking an examination, the note-taker should be excused from the classroom. The note-taker may wait outside the classroom if the instructor plans to lecture after the test.
   • Note-takers are expected to comply with all ODS standards, policies and procedures.
10. Requesting Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

    POLICY

    As early as possible in the semester, make an appointment with the Assistant Director for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services to request an ALD. Hard of Hearing students may check out an ALD for use in the classroom.

    PROCEDURE

    • ALDs may be checked out on a short-term (day/week) or semester basis by making a request to the Assistant Director for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.
    • The student is expected to return the ALD in excellent condition and will be responsible for any damages caused while the equipment was in his/her possession.
11. Taped Text Services

    POLICY

    The ODS has the capability to scan books, articles and many reserve materials into the computer so that text may be used or read in conjunction with assistive technology. Text is saved as a MS Word document and can then be made into MP3 files, cut and pasted into NaturalReader or Kurzweil 3000, or read by screen reader software.

    Students must purchase the book or text they wish to have scanned. NOTE: In order for text to be scanned from a book, the binding of the book must be removed, making it impossible to re-sell.

    The scanning process is done with optical character reader software. If the book or text to be scanned has been written upon or highlighted, the scanner may not recognize some characters. Poor character recognition may also happen with some graphics and pictures.

    The ODS will not correct unclear text for scanning. It is the student's responsibility to provide the ODS with "clear" text to ensure accurate scanning.

    PROCEDURE

    • The ODS requires at least one week notice for scanning texts.
    • If the item to be scanned is a book the student has purchased, it will be necessary for the ODS to remove the binding to complete scanning. Once the binding is removed the book cannot be re-sold.
    • Students are responsible for providing the ODS with CDs or floppy disks with space adequate for recording the requested text.
    • In some cases recorded text may be obtained from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D). Texts ordered through RFB&D have no guarantee on time of delivery. Students are responsible for providing complete publication data when ordering texts from RFB&D. Inquiries concerning available texts may be made to RFB&D online.

Housing Accommodations

POLICY

UNCG will consider reasonable housing accommodations for students with disabilities. The deadline for requesting modified housing accommodations is the same as the deadline for the housing application. When the documentation shows that a private room is a necessary method of meeting the housing needs of a student with a disability, UNCG will consider exceptions to its general room rate structure unless doing so would result in a fundamental alteration to the housing program. In order for the student with a disability to be approved to receive a private room, he/she must provide sufficient documentation completed by a qualified professional addressing the student's disability and their unique need for special housing accommodations.

PROCEDURE

• The student will indicate on the "Voluntary Disability Disclosure" form his/her intent to request housing accommodations and exception to the general room rate structure.
• A housing application must be completed and must be on file with the UNCG Housing and Residence Life office, located in Mendenhall-Ragsdale Hall. Housing and Residence Life may be contacted by phone at (336) 334-5980.
• In addition to following documentation requirements for the ODS, students must provide specific documentation from an approved clinician addressing the need for a single room.
• Each case will be individually evaluated with respect to the documentation presented and the accommodations requested.
• The intent to request housing accommodations that the student includes on the "Voluntary Disability Disclosure" form DOES NOT take the place of the housing application required by UNCG Housing and Residence Life.

Barrier Removal

POLICY

Students may not be excluded from a requested course offering, program or activity because it is not offered in an accessible location. New construction will be planned in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards.

PROCEDURE

Any student wishing to address issues regarding physical barriers should meet with ODS.

Adaptive Equipment, Auxiliary Aides, Service Animals and Personal Care Attendants

POLICY

Students with disabilities may use the computers in the labs located throughout the campus, many of which are equipped with adaptive software with screen reading and voice activation capabilities. In accordance with State law, service animals assisting students with disabilities are permitted in all facilities of the university. ODS does not provide prescriptive devices, devices of a personal nature or personal attendant care. Any equipment loaned by ODS to a student and not returned will result in a tag being placed on the student's record.

PROCEDURE

• Computers located in the student labs, including those with adaptive software, are accessible with the student's university assigned identification number and password.
• Assistive listening devices and tape players can be checked out by making an appointment with ODS.
• Any questions regarding the availability or use of available adaptive equipment should be referred to ODS.

Class Attendance

POLICY

As stated in the undergraduate catalog, students are expected to punctually attend all lecture, laboratory sessions and field experiences in courses for which they are registered. Attendance requirements for each class are at the faculty member's discretion, and absences are generally counted from the first class meeting. Absences because of late registration will not be automatically excused. ODS does not have the authority to excuse students from attending class, nor does the ODS issue official written excuses for absences. ODS can only provide written verification of a disability based on appropriate documentation. This verification may address the legitimacy of, but not necessarily excuse an absence.

PROCEDURE

Should issues regarding class attendance arise, make an appointment with ODS as quickly as possible.

Grievance

POLICY

Any student having a grievance related to a disability is entitled to prompt and equitable resolution of his/her complaint.

PROCEDURE

Grievance Procedures for students registered with the ODS are the same as those outlined for all UNCG students. Formal and informal procedures for resolving grievances may be found on the student conduct website under "Policies for Students" (http://studentconduct.uncg.edu/policy).

Initial, informal attempts to resolve grievances in the ODS should be conducted by the end of the academic semester following the semester in which the grievance occurred (e.g. if the incident occurred in the spring semester, an initial attempt at resolution must be completed by the last day of the summer term). Allegations should be communicated orally or in writing to the administrative officer most directly concerned, EXCLUDING the person accused of the improper act. Specifically:

• In the ODS, initial attempts at informal resolution of a grievance may be made to the Director of the Office of Disability Services (336 334-5440).
• If equitable resolution of the grievance is not reached through informal discussion, counseling, mediation, agreement of the parties, or administrative action by the Director of the ODS, students may seek resolution through the Assistant Dean of Students (336 334-5516).
• A further informal attempt at resolution may be made to the Dean of Students (336 334-5516).
• A final attempt at equitable resolution of a grievance may be sought through the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (336 334-5099).
• A student who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an informal inquiry conducted in the preceding manner may submit a formal complaint for resolution. Procedures for formal review of grievances are available on-line at http://studentconduct.uncg.edu/policy/.

Internships and Practicum

POLICY & PROCEDURE

If a student will require accommodation, it is the student's responsibility to request them in advance. Because the student may not fully realize the need for accommodation—they may not have a sense of what the internship setting will specifically demand—the student should initiate a meeting as early as possible prior to placement during which information about internship expectations might be shared and, once better informed, the student might then initiate a request for accommodative planning.

The student, the academic unit, and ODS need to begin early to plan for accommodations. Because it may be difficult to know what accommodations will be needed, early communication with the internship or practicum site involved is strongly encouraged. The nature of accommodations may vary across agencies and academic units may prefer early agency involvement in identifying needed accommodations.

The student, the academic unit, and ODS should identify the accommodations needed, including resources and adaptive/assistive equipment, in advance of negotiations with the placement agency.

The student and the academic unit should seek a placement agency that (1) will provide an appropriate educational experience, (2) will make reasonable accommodations for the student, and (3) will negotiate with the student and the university to provide the services needed.

The student, the academic unit, ODS, the university legal counsel, and the placement agency will develop a plan and negotiate accommodations satisfactory to all parties. Placement agencies are also subject to ADA requirements and may have a contact person who is familiar with the accommodations already being provided to agency employees. The agency ADA contact person (if one is assigned) may be able to provide assistance in making arrangements for student placements.

The student must be an active participant throughout the process of identifying a placement agency and identifying and negotiating accommodations.

Study Abroad

POLICY

In order to determine what accommodations might be possible abroad, the interested student, the Office of Disability Services, the study abroad advisor, and the host institution will need to work together to assess the student's needs and the possible accommodations. It is the responsibility of the interested student to contact the International Programs Center (336 334-5404 / int_programs@uncg.edu).

Students need to disclose their disability and need for accommodations as far in advance as possible so that there is sufficient time to contact host institutions. Once a student has disclosed, it is important for the student to meet with the Office of Disability Services early in the planning process in order to determine what types of accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

PROCEDURE

• Students should consult with the International Programs Center with regard to their interest in studying abroad.
• Once accepted into the study abroad program, students should disclose their disability to the International Programs Center.
• Students should request accommodations through the ODS.
• ODS and the International Programs Center will gather access information and contact the host institution. Reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be provided after all parties have discussed the options available.
• If additional accommodation needs arise while the student is at the host institution, the student will need to contact their study abroad advisor, the host institution and UNCG's ODS. A decision will be made to determine if the additional accommodation is reasonable and appropriate.
• When students return from studying abroad the ODS requests that they provide feedback regarding their experience and make suggestions to be used for future study abroad experiences.

Page updated: 07-Oct-2009

Accessibility Policy