Disability Services
SCPDS works with undergraduate and graduate students with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, and psychiatric disorders in order to
help students achieve their academic and personal potential. We facilitate equal access to the educational programs and opportunities offered at Stevens and coordinate reasonable accommodations for eligible students. Our services are designed to encourage independence and self-advocacy, backed by support from our staff.
DISABILITY SERVICES CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
Student Disability Files are kept separate from academic files and are stored in a secure location within the office of Student Counseling, Psychological & Disability Services. The Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; 34CFR, Part 99) regulates disclosure of disability documentation and records maintained by Stevens Disability Services. According to this act, prior written consent by the student is required before our Disability Services office may release disability documentation or records to anyone. An exception is made in unusual circumstances, such as the case of health and safety emergencies.
To Register for Accommodations Students Must Provide:
· Psychological report or other testing results need to be no more than 3 years old.
· The assessment must reflect the current impact of the student’s disabilities on academic performance, particularly within the college setting.
· Testing should be completed by a licensed health care provider, such as a clinical or educational psychologist, neuropsychologist, learning disability specialist, or physician specializing in learning disabilities.
Assessment must include:
· Dates of the testing
· Credentials of the person completing the evaluation
· A DSM-IV diagnosis
· A summary of how this specific disability would impact performance in the college setting
· A list of recommendations to accommodate this disability at the college level.
Once Approved by our office:
· Initiate a request for the implementation of these accommodations as EARLY as possible each semester. You can obtain a “Consent form for Disability Accommodations” from the counseling office, our website or our bulletin board.
I have a physical disability. Whom should I contact?
For accommodations related to physical disabilities (such as being visually or hearing impaired or wheelchair bound), please
contact Dean Ken Nilsen at 201-216-5699 or knilsen@stevens.edu, 10th floor, Howe Center. In cases in which a student has both physical disabilities and one or more of those listed above, it will be important to make contact with SCPDS AND Dean Nilsen each semester.
Information for Faculty Regarding Students with Disabilities
What does the law require educators to do?
The American Disability Act (ADA) requires that educational institutions provide reasonable accommodations so that a student with a disability is able to learn and demonstrate proficiency by means other than those routinely used to teach and assess a student’s learning. For example, accommodations might include extended time on tests or taking an exam alone in a quiet environment, free of distractions routinely experienced in a classroom setting. Faculty and staff, as employees of Stevens, are required to support students in their educational development by providing accommodations.
Why do students with disabilities often need accommodations?
Academic accommodations are designed to give students equal access to the assessment and evaluation methods in the course. These accommodations can make the difference in a student’s success or failure in learning and demonstrating mastery of course material.
How are reasonable accommodations determined?
Accommodations are determined on an individual basis after considering the required documentation supporting the disability and the student’s individual needs. Documentation generally includes a psychological report involving psychological testing performed by a licensed psychologist or other licensed health care provider.
How will I know if a student with a disability is enrolled in one of my courses?
Students with disabilities who opt to request accommodations register with SCPDS. SCPDS will contact you via e-mail during the first weeks of the semester or soon after the student submits his/her documentation and request for accommodations, informing you that a student in your class is entitled to accommodations and what these accommodations are. You will receive a separate e-mail for each student identifying his/her specific needs. However, it is up to each student to approach you individually to discuss the implementation of these accommodations in your specific course.
What is the faculty’s role with respect to accommodations?
Faculty do not have to request documentation, evaluate it, or manage paperwork related to accommodations. All that is required is to speak with the student and assist in providing the accommodations that have been listed on communications from the SCPDS office.
What should I do if a student requests from me an accommodation that was not included in the accommodation letter sent to me by Disability Services?
Please refer the student to SCPDS and we will discuss the situation with the student and will consult with you to determine if the student’s requested accommodation is appropriate for that course and is consistent with provided documentation.
If I object to the accommodations, am I required to give them to the student?
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact SCPDS at 201-216-5177 so that we may discuss the student’s legally required accommodations in the context of your specific course.
