Student Disability Services' unfaltering dedication through persistance continually provides me the positive avenue to attain "real" self-worth! Thanks!
- Peter Linsner
Graduate Student, Special Education

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Disability Services exists to foster programmatic access to students with cognitive, physical and mental/emotional disabilities, so students can achieve their educational aspirations. These rights and responsibilities have been documented so that we can work together towards that end.

Rights:

1. The right to be treated with dignity and respect by all SDS service providers (interpreters, graduate assistants, note takers, office staff) and all members of the university community.
2. Equal access to courses, programs, services, jobs, activities and facilities offered by the university.
3. Equal opportunity to learn, work and receive accommodations and services.
4. Confidentiality of information regarding their disability as applicable laws allow.
5. The right to receive high quality services and assistance in accordance with our policies and procedures

General Responsibilities:

1. Self-identify disability status to Student Disability Services.
2. Provide recent documentation about disability related functional limitations.
3. Request necessary accommodations by meeting with the SDS director.
4. Register in a timely manner with the priority registration process and notify the office of any schedule changes after initial registration if they affect your accommodations.
5. Complete other forms as appropriate for the situation (i.e. Alternative Testing Request) in a timely manner.
6. Follow all program, SDS and SCSU policies and procedures.
7. Report any grievances in a timely manner.
8. Meet and maintain the same academic qualifications and essential institutional standards as other students on campus.
9. Follow the university’s Student Code of Conduct as required of all students on campus.

Disability Services Appeal and Complaint Procedure

SCSU Complaint Procedure and the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was enacted to protect individuals with disabilities against the problems of discrimination in such critical areas as employment, housing, public accommodation, education, transportation, communication, health services, and access to public service.

The purpose of the act is to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities, to bring persons with disabilities into the economic and social mainstream, and to provide enforceable standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Student Complaints Regarding Quality of Service

Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting Student Disability Services if reasonable accommodations are not implemented in an effective or timely manner.  Student Disability Services works with SCSU personnel and students with disabilities to resolve disagreement regarding recommended accommodations. 

Procedure for Filing a Complaint on Quality of Service

Notify the Student Disability Services Office Manager if accommodations are not being carried out in an effective and timely manner.  If this does not resolve the problem, contact the Student Disability Services Director.  If the issue is still not resolved, the next step is a written complaint describing the problem to be submitted to the Vice President for Student Life and Development.

Student Appeal of Documentation Rejection or Accommodation Request

Student Disability Services uses commonly accepted criteria (available on-line or on request) in accepting or rejecting documentation and in determining qualification for eligibility of services.  The accommodations authorized are intended to address the functional limitations inherent for the described disability.

Procedure for Filing an Appeal of Documentation Rejection or Accommodation Request

When you have been notified by the Student Disability Services Director that your documentation has been rejected or you have been denied a specific accommodation that you have requested, you have the right to appeal.  The appeal should be made in writing to the Vice President for Student Life and Development describing the decision you would like to appeal and the rationale behind the appeal.

Procedure for Filing a Discrimination Complaint Based on Disability

The ADA also requires SCSU to adopt and publish complaint procedures.  An individual who believes he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of disability can file a complaint with the Office of Equity and Affirmative Action.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination notify the Office of Equity and Affirmative Action in person or in writing, and provide the following information:

1. The issue involved in the alleged discriminatory act
2. Identification of the complaining party’s alleged disability
3. The date of the alleged discriminatory act(s)
4. Details of what allegedly occurred
5. Identification of witnesses who have knowledge of the alleged discrimination

If it is determined that law and/or SCSU policy was violated, a remedy to the problem will be offered.  If it is determined that there was no violation, the complainant will be informed, and other options for possible resolution of the complaint will be explained.

Contact Information:

Student Disability Services:        
320-308-4080       
Centennial Hall 202

Student Life and Development:   
320-308-3111       
Atwood Center 219

Equity & Affirmative Action:       
320-308-5123       
Administrative Services 102