Resources for Faculty
Faculty Handbook
A resource manual (PDF) for providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities
Web Accessibility
Creating web pages that are accessible by all users is just good practice. It is not as difficult as one may think. Links to the "Web Accessibility Primer Workbook" and information on web accessibility training on campus can be found at: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/policy/webaccess/primer/
Understanding Asperger Syndrome: A Professor's Guide
Follow this link to an informative 12-minute video. http://www.researchautism.org/resources/AspergerDVDSeries.asp
"Nondiscrimination in Higher Education: What's the Law?"
Tipsheet from the Northeast Technical Assistance Center of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do students register for disability services or accommodations?
Who is eligible for disability services?
Are all students with disabilities registered with SDS?
How do I know if a student is registered with SDS?
What is an accommodation?
What should I do if a student gives me a Faculty Notification Letter from SDS?
Who is responsible for providing accommodations?
How can I encourage students to come to me to discuss accommodation requests?
What is considered timely notice of the need for accommodations?
What is the policy on confidentiality?
What is my responsibility if a student tells me that he or she is disabled but does not request accommodations?
What if I think a student has a disability but he or she has not said anything to me?
How are disputes resolved if a student thinks he or she is experiencing discrimination on the basis of a disability?
Where can I find more information to assist students with disabilities?
Where do students register for disability services or accommodations?
Student Disability Services (SDS) is the office responsible for determining eligibility and appropriate reasonable accommodations for Cornell students with disabilities. We assist the University in fulfilling its legal responsibilities mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. These laws require universities to provide equal access to educational programs for qualified students with disabilities. The student is responsible for being a self-advocate and discussing accommodation requests with instructors.
Who is eligible for disability services?
Students with a significant physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, learning, and performing manual tasks are eligible for disability services. Students requesting services and accommodations are required to register by submitting current and comprehensive disability documentation.
Are all students with disabilities registered with SDS?
No, many students either choose not to register for disability services or they have not met the eligibility criteria for services. Faculty members do not have to provide unregistered students with accommodations.
How do I know if a student is registered with SDS?
Upon student request and verification of eligibility, a Faculty Notification Letter is prepared for each instructor by SDS. Students are responsible for meeting with instructors, providing a Faculty Notification Letter, and making arrangements for course accommodations. If a student requests accommodations without providing a Faculty Notification Letter, you should request one before providing accommodations. However, if the disability is obvious and the request is reasonable, you should provide the accommodation while waiting for notification from SDS.
What is an accommodation?
An accommodation is the modification, adjustment, or elimination of a barrier to a program or service that enables an individual with a disability to participate on an equal basis. Extended time for test taking, providing print material in alternate formats, sign language interpreting, and using FM listening devices are examples of accommodations frequently provided for Cornell students.
What should I do if a student gives me a Faculty Notification Letter from SDS?
When a student gives you a Faculty Notification Letter and discloses that he or she is disabled, you should meet privately with the student and establish a means of providing accommodations in a timely manner that is satisfactory to you and the student. Faculty members can also greatly assist the student by asking what can be done in the course to facilitate learning and access to the class.
Who is responsible for providing accommodations?
Faculty members who have been notified in a timely fashion by SDS or the student with a Faculty Notification Letter are legally responsible for fulfilling classroom accommodation requests. SDS will assist with accommodations that require putting materials in electronic format, loaning laptops for test-taking, or providing adaptive equipment for the lab. There is a designated Disability Representative in each college who can provide guidance on the accommodation process within the college. A list of Disability Representatives is available at: http://sds.cornell.edu/Resources/Disability_Reps.html
How can I encourage students to come to me to discuss accommodation requests?
Establishing a welcoming tone on the first day of class will indicate to students that you are interested in discussing their access needs. Include a statement in your syllabus such as:
"It is Cornell policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students who have a documented disability (e.g., physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, or systemic) that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Student Disability Services and their instructors for a confidential discussion of their individual need for academic accommodations. Student Disability Services is located in 420 CCC. Staff can be reached by calling 607-254-4545."
What is considered timely notice of the need for accommodations?
Students are advised to meet with you early in the semester to make arrangements for accommodations. At least two weeks advance notice is reasonable for test-taking accommodations. More notice may be needed for some accommodations such as arranging adaptive transportation for field trips. Because students can register for services at any time during the semester, you may receive Faculty Notification Letters throughout the semester. Requests for accommodations for final exams (if not submitted for previous exams) should be submitted to you by the student at least two weeks before the last day of classes. Accommodations need only be provided from the time of notice.
What is the policy on confidentiality?
All disability information must be treated confidentially and shared with others only for the purpose of providing accommodations.
What is my responsibility if a student tells me that he or she is disabled but does not request accommodations?
Faculty members are only responsible for providing requested accommodations. It would be appropriate to speak with the student privately to indicate your willingness to meet accommodation requests.
What if I think a student has a disability but he or she has not said anything to me?
Have a private discussion with the student about your observations of his or her academic performance. Refer the student to all support services available such as the Learning Strategies Center, SDS, Counseling and Psychological Services and the Writing Workshops. Refrain from speculating about a disability.
How are disputes resolved if a student thinks he or she is experiencing discrimination on the basis of a disability?
SDS has a Grievance Procedure for students to use when they think they have been denied reasonable accommodations or have experienced disability discrimination. If you are aware such a circumstance, please contact our office to assist with resolving the situation.
Where can I find more information to assist students with disabilities?
Please call Katherine Fahey or Michele Fish at 607-254-4545 for more information. Our web site is a good resource for additional information: http://clt.cornell.edu/campus/sds/