Federally funded institutions, such as Universities, are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the supplemental ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). The new ADAAA legislation takes effect January 2009 and broadens the definition of disability. Post secondary institutions will be impacted; exactly how is still uncertain. If you would like to read more about ADAAA refer to http://www.ahead.org/resources/government-relations. What hasn't changed is our responsibility to provide students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in the programs and activities at K-State. DSS currently serves over 450 students with a wide range of disabilities including learning disabilities, mobility impairments, chronic health conditions, sensory impairments, and psychological disabilities. This office is responsible for ensuring that students with documented disabilities receive appropriate academic accommodations and support from the University in compliance with this law.
Faculty and staff have demonstrated a strong commitment to students with disabilities. During fall 2008, DSS, along with Information Technology Assistance Center, Media Development Center and Office of Mediated Education, offered presentations on course accessibility standards. Like architectural barriers in the 1980's, technological barriers have begun to arise due to the increase in using technology to deliver course content. This presentation offers faculty with the tools needed to ensure their courses that use technology are accessible. A copy of this video on DVD is available at DSS or on the web at http://www.k-state.edu/dss/k-access/Trainings_Articles.html. In an effort to keep faculty updated and informed regarding the University's responsibility under the ADA Amendments Act, this office will be glad to make arrangements with individual colleges and departments to provide in-service.
If you are finding that you have questions about students with disabilities and the university's efforts to provide academic accommodations and you would like to schedule an in-service, do not hesitate to call to set up a day and time. In the past, we have been invited to make presentations at staff meetings or brown bag luncheons, if that should meet your need.
Thank you for your continuing support for student with disabilities.
Provides general information regarding roles and responsibilities of Disability Support Services, faculty, and students, information on arranging test taking and notetaking accomodations, and providing first aid for seizures.
Provides a statement prepared by Disability Support Services, for publishing in policy sections of course syllabi.
All information pertaining to accessible course development can be found at K-Access.
This site includes a plethora of information to assist faculty and administrators at post-secondary institutions working with students with disabilities. It includes information on specific disabilities as well as instructional tools to assist faculty in creating courses designed for students with a broad range of ability, disability, age, reading level, learning style, native language, race, ethnicity, and other characteristics. This concept is referred to as Universal Design which maximizing the learning of all students.