Defintions & Terms | Student Accessibility Services Policy & Procedure Manual

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services Policy & Procedure Manual

Approved by: University Student Accessibility Services Committee (previously Disabilities and Accommodations Committee), July 2016
Reviewed: July 2017
Revised: October 4, 2018

Definitions & Terms

Applicant

Any student admitted to the University and pursuing accommodations for a disability by submitting appropriate application materials to the University Student Accessibility Services Committee.

Disability

A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; the student has a record of such impairment or is regarded as having such impairment. Common disabilities include anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, chronic illness, dyslexia and vision/hearing impairments. Disabilities may be permanent or temporary in nature (see Temporary Medical Conditions).

Discrimination

Limiting, segregating or classifying a student in a way that adversely affects the opportunities or status of such student based on his/her disability.

Learning Disabilities

A learning disability is a generic term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders
manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning or mathematical abilities.

Major Life Activities

The phrase “major life activities” refers to normal functions such as caring for one’s self,
performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, eating, standing, bending, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, learning and working. It also includes operation of major bodily functions such as the immune system; normal cell growth; and digestive, bowel, bladder, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine and reproductive functions.

Mental Impairment

A mental impairment includes any mental or psychological disorder such as a developmental disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.

Physical Impairment

A physical impairment includes any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory and speech organs, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin and endocrine.

Qualified Student

A student who meets the academic and technical standards (also known as essential functions) required for admission to, continued participation in and graduation from the program or activity with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reasonable Accommodation

A reasonable accommodation is any approved change to the way(s) in which the curriculum is delivered or student knowledge or proficiency is assessed that allows an individual with an approved disability to enjoy equal access to benefits available to other students in the educational setting. These accommodations or modifications allow the qualified individual with a disability, equal access to participation as a student in the various academic programs of the University. An accommodation is considered reasonable if it does not:

fundamentally alter the course or program;
compromise the essential requirements of a course or activity (for example, extra time would not be approved relative to a time-sensitive skill or experience);
compromise safety to self, any students, patients or others; and/or
cause an undue hardship for the University.

Services of a personal nature, such as tutoring and typing, are not considered a reasonable accommodation for postsecondary institutions under the ADA.

Temporary Medical Conditions

Temporary medical conditions (e.g., pregnancy, broken bone, surgery) are not considered to be disabilities under the ADA. However, in the case of a temporary medical condition that is verified by an appropriate diagnosing professional, the University will make attempts to support students in a reasonable manner, as appropriate, within the required curriculum. If you have a temporary medical condition, please consult with the Learning Center.

Undue Hardship

An undue hardship results when an accommodation places significant administrative or financial burden on the University. Universities are required to provide a reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, unless the accommodation creates an undue hardship. These hardships include the nature and cost of the accommodation in relation to the size, resources, nature, and structure of the University’s operation.

University Student Accessibility Services Committee

The University Student Accessibility Services Committee is a recognized Standing Committee of NEOMED. The Committee serves as the review and approval body for student requests for disabilities accommodations in compliance with the ADA and state and local requirements regarding persons with disabilities. The Committee oversees and adheres to related University policy to ensure that efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to not impose an undue burden, present a direct threat to the health or safety of the student or others, or fundamentally alter the nature of its programs, services or activities. The Committee is co-chaired by faculty from the College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy, at least one of which must have a College of Graduate Studies faculty appointment. Committee members include representatives
from the College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy and College of Graduate Studies, and they are supported by representatives from Enrollment Services, Academic Services and Student Affairs. More detailed information is available in the University Bylaws, Appendix G.