Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities requiring accommodation in classes, programs, or services can arrange for accommodations through the Office of Academic Accessibility (OAA). This office is located in the Murray Library, suite 115. The Director can be reached via email at aslody@messiah.edu or via phone at (717) 796-5382.
Students are required to self-identify, present current documentation of eligibility (generally no older than 3-4 years) and specify any needed accommodations. Following verification of eligibility, an accommodation profile is developed with the student.
Students are then provided with an accommodation letter verifying their eligibility and the accommodations for which they qualify. Students are then encouraged to submit a copy of their accommodation letter to any instructors from whom they wish to request accommodations. They must discuss with their instructor how the accommodations will be provided. That dialogue should continue periodically throughout the course, especially if further adjustments are necessary. Failure to verify need for eligibility early in the semester may limit the student's options for completing course requirements because accommodations will not be provided retro-actively.
The university reserves the right to deny an accommodation if that accommodation fundamentally changes the nature of the course, or if it results in lowered course standards. Furthermore, the ADA allows the university to offer an alternative, less expensive accommodation when that alternative is as effective as the requested accommodation. The university is committed to helping students and instructors find workable solutions that meet student needs while preserving course integrity.
For on-line courses, the nature of the instructional process may require a different set of accommodations than those required for traditional courses. When a student with a disability needs to request an accommodation, the student must contact the Office of Academic Accessibility to verify eligibility and to describe the perceived barrier. The student is expected to work cooperatively with the instructor and OAA to develop appropriate accommodations when possible. The University will actively work to assure that all course materials are available in a form that assures students full, equal access to content and instruction.
Students who think they may have a disability but who have not been evaluated are encouraged to meet or speak with the Director. At this meeting, the student may decide to undergo testing to determine whether their learning difficulties meet the definition of a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and its revisions. The cost associated with the assessment is the responsibility of the student. This process can also be lengthy. In some situations, the Office of Academic Accessibility may offer temporary accommodations during the time when a student is actively pursuing evaluation for eligibility under the ADA. Temporary accommodations are available for a maximum of one semester.