University of Redlands
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Email this pageDisability Services
Jen Ostermiller, Director
Monica Aguilar, Assistant Director
Carole Weeks, Secretary
Office located in Student Services
Armacost Library, lower level
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Phone: 909-748-8108
Fax: 909-335-5297
The University of Redlands is committed to full compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the Americans with Disabilities act of 1990 (ADA), and state and local regulations regarding students and applicants with disabilities. In carrying out this policy, we are committed to the full participation of all students in the University's educational program and activities.
Admissions Procedures for Students with Learning Disabilities
Students with disabilities desiring to enroll in any program, service or activity of the University of Redlands must be able to meet the minimal standards of both the University and the particular program, service or activity to which admission is sought. Information provided during the admission process concerning an applicant's disability is provided on a voluntary basis and is kept in accordance with state and federal laws regarding confidentiality.
An applicant who wishes to have his or her disability considered as a factor in the admission process must:
- identify the disability
- provide an explanation of why it is a factor at the time of application
- provide appropriate documentation of the disability
An applicant who does not wish to have his or her disability considered may wish to make that fact known to his or her references.
Information in the admissions file relating to a student's disability and need for accommodation or educational aids will be sent to the Director of Academic Support and Disability Services after the student has indicated that he or she will be attending the university.
Arranging Accommodations
It is the student's responsibility to make their needs known to the Director of Disability Services. Students should not assume that information about the disability included in the student's application for admission has reached the director. To initiate accommodations, the student must:
- Schedule an appointment with the Director or Assistant Director of Disability Services by calling x8108 (or from an off-campus telephone, call 909-748-8108).
- Provide documentation of the disability or verify that your documentation has been sent from admissions. See Documentation Guidelines.
- Complete the Special Needs Intake Form and sign an Authorization to Release Confidential Information Form.
The University of Redlands will make reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities which substantially limit a major life activity. These may include, but are not limited to, modifications of course load, exam accommodations (quiet place, additional time, word processor) books on tape, notetakers, and peer tutors. Accommodations which fundamentally alter the nature of the course or program are not appropriate. The University does not provide personal assistants or individual personal tutors.
At the beginning of each semester, students wishing to have accommodations should schedule a brief appointment with a staff member in Academic Support & Disability Services to secure Accommodation Requests for their professors. To aid students in securing timely provision of appropriate services, the three-part Accommodation Request verifies that documentation of the student's disability is on file and outlines recommendations for academic accommodations for each course.
The student should discuss their requests with each professor, note any adjustments to the requests, and both the instructor and the student should sign and keep a copy of the request. The third copy is kept in the student's confidential file in the Disability Services office.
Course substitutions are arranged when the need to do so is supported by documentation.
Any students requiring accommodations for housing or dietary needs should pick up and fully complete a Medical Accommodations Packet (available in Student Life, the Student Development Center, the Health Center, and online). The appropriate forms in this packet should be completed by the dates published by the Office of Residential Life and Housing. The Medical Accommodations Committee reviews all requests. The full policy is included in the packet.
Specific Accommodations Commonly Used by Students
Testing accommodations either arranged in the department or proctored in Academic Support & Disability Services; students need to schedule exams in at least a week in advance.
- Extended time on exams, time-and-a-half or double time.
- Exams on a word processor
- Oral exam
- Exams in a quiet place
- Use of spell-checker or dictionary
- Use of calculator
Note takers are arranged with the assistance of the professor. We are usually able to find a student who is willing to take notes on NCR paper (provided) or their notes can be copied at no charge in the Student Development Center. It is becoming more common for professors to post their class notes on the web.
Tape recording of lectures is usually not a problem. If the professor prefers that the student not use a tape recorder, other arrangements can be made.
Tutors are available in most subjects. Pick up a Tutor Request in Student Services. Tutoring takes place in the Tutoring Center unless special arrangements are made.
Writing tutors are available during the day and evening for drop-in assistance on papers. Four word processors are available for use in the Tutoring Center.
Abuse of Accommodations
Accommodations offered through Disability Services are not an entitlement. Cheating or any other abuse of accommodations will result in the loss of that accommodation and disciplinary action will be taken.
Documentation Guidelines
Students requesting accommodations must provide documentation from a qualified professional verifying their disability. The opinions and recommendations of a qualified professional will be considered in developing a suitable accommodation plan. Temporary impairments are not commonly regarded a disabilities, and only in rare circumstances will the degree of limitation rendered by a temporary impairment be substantial enough to qualify as a disability pursuant to this policy. IEP's and 504 Plans are not sufficient documentation of a disability.
Learning Disabilities: A student with a learning disability must provide current professional testing and evaluation results which reflect the individual's present level of processing information and present achievement level. Documentation verifying the learning disability must be prepared by a professional qualified to diagnose a learning disability, including but not limited to a licensed physician or learning disability specialist.
The documentation shall include the testing procedures followed, the instruments used to assess the disability, the test results, and a written interpretation of the test results by the professional. The cost of obtaining verification from a qualified professional is the student's responsibility.
In the event that a student requests an accommodation that is not supported by the data in the assessment, or if the initial verification is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent of the disability, then it is incumbent on the student to obtain supplemental testing or assessment at the student's expense. If the University requires an additional assessment for the purpose of obtaining a second opinion, then the University will pay the cost.
Physical and Psychological Disabilities: A student with a physical or psychological disability must provide verification certified by a licensed physician, audiologist, speech pathologist, physical therapist, rehabilitation counselor, or other professional health care provider who is qualified in the diagnosis of the disability. The verification must reflect the student's present level of functioning in the major life activity affected by the impairment. The cost of obtaining the professional verification is the student's responsibility.
If the initial verification is incomplete or inadequate to determine the present extent of the disability and necessary accommodations, the University shall have the discretion to require a supplemental assessment of the disability. The cost of the supplemental assessment for purposes of obtaining a second opinion will be paid for by the University.
Diagnostic Testing for Learning Disabilities
Students who suspect that they may have learning disabilities or an attentional disorder should schedule an appointment to discuss the issue with Jen Ostermiller. Testing can be arranged through the Counseling Center in Student Services. Student insurance or the student's parent's insurance typically will cover the cost of an evaluation.
Grievance Procedure
In the event that a student has a specific complaint regarding the University's compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, he or she is encouraged to work with the person most directly involved to resolve the matter informally. The complainant may contact the department chair or the staff member's supervisor. The faculty/staff member and the department chair/staff supervisor are encouraged to consult with the Director of Academic Support & Disability Services for information regarding the law. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the following procedures will initiate a formal grievance.
A written complaint should be submitted to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) as soon as possible, but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation. It should contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, description of the problem and a summary of the actions taken to resolve the matter informally. Alternate means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint, will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request.
Within 30 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the Dean of CAS (or his or her designee) will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 30 calendar days after the meeting, the Dean will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant. The response will explain the position of the University of Redlands and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint.
If the response by the Dean does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant may present a written appeal to the Equal Employee Opportunity Officer (EEO) within 30 calendar days after receiving the response from the Dean of CAS. The EEO Officer will meet with the complainant within 30 days of the receipt of the grievance. Within 30 calendar days after the meeting, the EEO Officer will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint. If the issue concerns a matter of academic policy, the EEO Officer will consult with the Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to rendering a decision.
A student may file a complaint with the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), about the handling of his or her request after the University's determination becomes final. Complaints may not be filed later than 180 days after the incident.
