Student Accessibility Policy

Purpose of Policy

This policy establishes Gettysburg College's commitment to providing equal opportunities to enrolled students with documented disabilities. The policy provides compliance with federal disability laws while promoting student self-disclosure and self-advocacy. It outlines the process for requesting and determining reasonable accommodations and clarifies the College's responsibilities and limitations in providing accommodations.

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all students with documented disabilities enrolled at Gettysburg College who seek reasonable accommodations for academic, dining, and housing needs. It covers all academic programs, residential facilities, dining services, and campus activities.

The policy applies to faculty, staff, and administrators involved in the accommodation process, including those in academic departments, residential life, dining services, and student support services. It does not apply to prospective students during the admissions process, as accommodations are determined post-admission.

Definitions

Center for Student Success: The College office that coordinates accommodation services for students with disabilities.

Documented disability: A physical, mental, psychological, or learning condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To be considered documented, the disability must be verified through appropriate documentation from a qualified professional (such as a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed diagnostician).

Fundamental Alteration: A modification that would change the essential nature or requirements of a program or service.

Reasonable Accommodations: Academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and services that are necessary to provide students with disabilities equal opportunity to participate in the College's programs without fundamentally altering the program or imposing an undue burden.

Required Documentation: Medical, psychological, or educational records that provide evidence of a disability and support the need for requested accommodations.

Self-Advocacy: The ability of students with disabilities to effectively communicate their accommodation needs and work collaboratively with College personnel to implement appropriate supports.

Self-Disclosure: The voluntary act by a student of informing the College about their disability status and need for accommodations.

Undue Burden: An action that would result in significant difficulty or expense for the institution.

Policy Description

General Principles

Gettysburg College provides equal opportunities to currently enrolled students with documented disabilities. The Center for Student Success (CSS) assists students with disabilities with their requests for accommodations. The determination of reasonable educational, dining, and/or housing accommodations is made after meeting with the student and reviewing submitted required documentation. Some requested accommodations can be met through the daily opportunities and operations of the College that are available to all students. A diagnosis does not automatically warrant approval of requested accommodations.

Diagnostic Services

Gettysburg College does not provide psychoeducational testing or diagnostic services for students who suspect they have a disability. Students seeking evaluation should consult with external providers.

Reasonable Accommodations Standards

Accommodations at the college level do not eliminate all the challenges and stress felt by many college students. Accommodations that a student had in high school may not be considered reasonable at the postsecondary level.

At the postsecondary level, the College is required to provide students with reasonable accommodations that are necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in the College's programs. The College is not required to make adjustments or provide aids or services that would result in a fundamental alteration of the College's programs or impose an undue burden.

Policy Management

The Center for Student Success is the policy owner and is responsible for implementing this policy, coordinating accommodation requests, and working with students to develop appropriate accommodations. The Associate Dean of Student Accessibility serves as the primary contact for accessibility-related assistance and oversees the accommodation determination process. Faculty, staff, and administrators across campus departments collaborate in implementing approved accommodations within their respective areas.

Related Materials

Federal Laws and Regulations:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights guidance

College Resources and Procedures:

• College accommodation request forms and procedures
• Documentation guidelines for disability verification
• Faculty accommodation implementation guidelines