Frank Ferguson

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide clear definitions and guidance for determining whether an individual is qualified for accommodations. While it is often easier to recognize a need when a disability is visible, such as a physical impairment that requires the use of a wheelchair or other assistive device, disabilities and impairments are not always readily apparent. In those situations, there is a greater risk of making assumptions or subjective judgments about the validity of a request or what may be considered reasonable.

To ensure equitable treatment, it is important to remain… >>>

This has been a helpful reminder and refresher in that the acts ensure equitable access and opportunity as any student would be afforded. It allows reasonable accommodations to mitigate an impairments impact on any student's ability to learn rather than give an accommodation because an impairment exists or provide a perceived advantage. Because of that nuance or any biases or confusion that may exist, I will be a proponent and champion of the ADA process from the position of always directing requests or questions to the appropriate compliance channel and including ADA compliance into admissions trainings to help ensure students… >>>