For Faculty

Understanding Your Responsibilities

Faculty members have specific responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations. Here is an overview of these responsibilities:

  1. Provide equal access:
    • Faculty must ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all course materials and activities. This includes making necessary adjustments to teaching methods, materials and assessments.
  2. Maintain confidentiality:
    • Faculty must keep all information regarding a student’s disability and accommodations confidential. This includes not disclosing this information to other students or unauthorized personnel.
  3. Implement approved accommodations:
    • Faculty are required to implement accommodations that have been approved by the disability services office. These accommodations are designed to provide equal access without altering the fundamental nature of the course.
  4. Include accommodation statements in syllabi:
    • Faculty should include a statement in their course syllabi informing students about the process for requesting accommodations. This helps ensure that students are aware of their rights and the resources available to them.
  5. Respond to accommodation requests promptly:
    • Faculty should respond to accommodation requests in a timely manner to ensure that students receive the necessary support without delay.
  6. Collaborate with disability services:
    • Faculty should work closely with the disability services office to ensure that accommodations are implemented effectively. This may involve attending training sessions or seeking advice on best practices.
  7. Maintain academic standards: While providing accommodations, faculty must also maintain the integrity of academic standards. Accommodations should not compromise the essential requirements of a course.

Visit the Learning Disabilities Association of America to learn more about maintaining confidentiality and academic standards.

Visit Oregon State University’s Disability Access Services to learn more about implementing approved accommodations and collaborating with disability services.

Visit the Harvard University Faculty Guide to Managing Academic Accommodations and Requests to learn more about including accommodation requests in syllabi and responding to requests promptly.

Example Scenario

A student with a visual impairment requires course materials in an accessible format

Faculty Actions:

  1. Provide equal access: Ensure all course materials are available in accessible formats, such as Braille or digital text.
  2. Maintain confidentiality: Keep the student’s disability information private.
  3. Implement approved accommodations: Work with the disability services office to provide the necessary materials.
  4. Include accommodation statements: Inform students in the syllabus about the process for requesting accommodations.
  5. Respond promptly: Address the student’s needs as soon as the request is made.
  6. Collaborate: Seek guidance from the disability services office on the best way to provide accessible materials.
  7. Maintain standards: Ensure that the accommodations do not alter the fundamental requirements of the course.

By adhering to these responsibilities, faculty can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.