In this section, I learned the generalities of what constitutes a service animal and an emotional support animal. We also discussed when reasonable accommodations can be made, and in what circumstances they can be removed. For example, a student given extra accommodations for a test caught cheating cannot have their accommodations stripped away.
It's important for educational institutions and educators to be familiar with these laws and regulations to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment for students with disabilities. Compliance not only ensures legal obligations are met but also contributes to a more equitable and supportive educational experience for all students.
How informative! Though I learned much, I was most surprised by how complex this process is in higher education. In order to adequately weigh all complexities and gray areas, I look forward to examining each request on a case-by-case basis and will be sure to dedicate careful consideration to each request.
Emotional support animals are not service animals.
One of the take aways from this is, that all educational institutions of higher learning that are receiving federal grants must comply with requirements to accomodate students with disabilities.
I will need to follow up with my supervisor to find out at what point in the enrollment process (if the student alerts us accordingly) that I would be informed of a student disability.
I am very glad these laws were put into place because everyone deserves an opportunity to progress in their career and education!
I have learned that the ultimate goal of accommodations is to ensure equal access rather than equal treatment. When working with folx with disabilities, I hope to encourage equity rather than equality. This means that not all folx with disabilities will need the same accommodations, and that these accommodations should strive to present each individual with equal access to education.
This has been a reminder that not all disabilities are visible from the outside, but that does not make them any less of a disability that can impact ADLs significantly. I am glad that there are ADA officers who can assist with compliance issues and helping to make sure that all students have an opportunity to equal access to education.
Those with disabilities are protected from discrimination and have "Equal Opportunities". I learned that in 1990 ADA was in effect as one of the important Civil Rights Law.
In addition to not discriminating against disabled persons, you also cannot discriminate against persons you believe to be disabled.
I have learned the basic meanings and uses for the ADA and 504. I have also learned some examples of reasonable accommodations and when they do or do not apply.
This has been a fascinating course thus far. As a culinary school we face a lot of unique challenges in accommodating students in a reasonable way. I am always interested in finding the balance between protecting the student and protecting the school.
I have learned what is and not considered a disability. Every student should be supported in their own unique way and if there is a disability then they will submit their paperwork to the ADA director
I learned what constitutes a disability. I also learned what defines a service dog. I will use this information as the ADA officer at my campus to assist with students who have disabilities.
It is important to implement accommodation for people with disability. They need the extra time and accommodation based on their disability.
I learned that accommodations are always protected under law however the person is not. The individual is not specifically stated in the law but the things that allow the student to be successful, within reason, is.
I have learned that legal accommodation must be provided to individuals with a disability versus a behavioral contact for individuals requiring emotional support for heightened test/social anxiety.
I have learned about Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, along with how these civil rights statutes relate to students in public and private institutions. Institutions may not discriminate on the basis of disability at any time. These laws determine that students with disabilities must have case-by-case consideration for accommodations so they have equal access to available opportunities while in higher education settings (the whole way through graduation.
I learned the criteria of accommodation for common people with disabilities is only required if the accommodation will impact the way in which the instruction is given or not doing so will limit the idividual's ability to comprehend the material. For example, a blind person in a lecture will not necessarily need accommodations during the instruction lecture, however access to the facility should be accommodated.
I have learned that animals that only provide comfort or emotional support to their owners are classified as Emotional Support Animals, NOT Service Animals.
