What is a disability?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability is one who:
- has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity;
- has a record or history of such an impairment; or
- is regarded as having such an impairment.
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008, effective January 1, 2009, expanded the definition of "major life activities" to include "major bodily functions". Specifically, the ADAAA provides that major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. Major bodily functions include, but are not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions. These impairments may be present among people with learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, chronic health impairments, attention deficit disorder, diabetes, asthma, physical disabilities, vision, speech, or hearing impairments, or other conditions.
Gettysburg College Disability Policy
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990), the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Gettysburg College does not discriminate against students or employees with disabilities. Effective accommodations are arranged for any qualified person.
Who to Contact with Questions about Disability Services
Students and prospective students should contact:
Office of Academic Advising and Student Support Services
Box 414
College Union Building, Room 280
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Office (717) 337-6579
Fax (717) 337-6245
Students with Disabilities
Employees should contact:
Co-Director of Human Resources and Risk Management
Box 2443
Office of Human Resources and Risk Management
Pennsylvania Hall, First Floor
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Office (717) 337-6202
Fax (717) 337-6624
Visitors to the Campus with Questions of Access to Facilities:
Public Safety
Box 2442
51 West Stevens St.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Office (717) 337-6912
Fax (717) 337-6945
The College has grievance procedures for persons asserting a grievance based upon discrimination because of a disability. Procedures for students are in the Student Handbook Procedures for employees are available from the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management.
How Do Students Obtain Accommodations?
Students with a previously identified disability present the documentation of that disability to the Office of Academic Advising and Student Support Services. If this documentation is adequate for establishing eligibility the Office of Academic Advising and Student Support Services will issue an Individual Education Accommodations Plan (IEAP). An appointment is necessary for such a plan to be established, and documentation provided by the student may require further support or additional evaluations for determination of eligibility. Verification of a disability by another institution or another organization does not guarantee eligibility at Gettysburg College. Any costs for further evaluation are the responsibility of the student.
Students Without a Previously Identified Disability Who Believe They May Have One
The Office of Academic Advising and Student Support Services can help students obtain an evaluation to determine eligibility by providing a list of persons in this area who provide evaluation services. This office does not provide evaluation services. Any costs incurred for evaluation are the responsibility of the student.
Student Responsibilities
No accommodations are put in an Individual Education Accommodations Plan without the approval of the student. It is the student's responsibility to present the Individual Education Accommodation Plan to his or her professors. Students must self-monitor their progress with faculty, request assistance when needed and meet the educational standards of the College. Students are also urged to follow suggested study techniques and strategies that will allow them to compensate best for their disability in the classroom.
Commonly Provided Classroom Accommodations
Typical classroom accommodations include:
• extended time for test taking
• non-distracting testing environment
• assistance in note taking
• assistance in locating the sources of tape-recorded text books
• special permission to tape record lectures
• use of a word processor with a spellchecker function for tests and in-class requirements
• assistance for students with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments
Resources Available to All Students at Gettysburg College
These support services are available to all students, but special provisions may be made for those with disabilities:
• Peer Learning, Breidenbaugh Hall
(717) 337-7578
Dusty Smith, Coordinator
• The Writing Center, Breidenbaugh Hall
(717)337-7574
Jack Ryan and Will Lane, Co- Directors
How Do Employees Obtain Necessary Accommodations?
Employees with a previously identified disability must present the documentation of the disability to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management, located on the Ground Floor, Pennsylvania Hall. The Co-Directors of Human Resources and Risk Management will develop an accommodation plan. An appointment is necessary for such a plan to be established, and documentation provided by the employee may require further support or additional evaluations for determination of eligibility. Verification of a disability by another organization does not guarantee eligibility at Gettysburg College.
Employees Without a Previously Identified Disability Who Believe They May Have One
The Office of Human Resources and Risk Management can help an employee obtain an evaluation to determine eligibility. This office does not provide evaluation services.
Employee Responsibilities
No accommodation is put in an Individual Accommodation Plan without the approval of the employee. It is the employee's responsibility to present an accommodation request to his or her supervisor. Employees must self-monitor their progress with supervisors, request assistance when needed, and meet the work requirements of the position.
Confidentiality
Disability documentation and the nature of the disability are confidential between the student and/or employee and the Office of Academic Advising and Student Support Services or the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management unless the student or employee chooses to reveal it.