FAQs

Financial Assistance

Services

Opportunities

Documentation Guidelines

Policies and Procedures

Academic Success Center

Introduction

Indiana University Southeast (IUS) is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This Act requires that no qualified individual with a disability will, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, its services, programs, or activities or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity. Similar obligations had been imposed upon IUS by Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

IUS is fully committed to satisfying its obligations under federal and state law. It is the mission of the The Office of Disability Services to coordinate support services for IUS students with disabilities. We:

• Serve as educators in broadening awareness of the needs of qualified students with disabilities
• Serve as liaisons between students, faculty, and staff of IUS
• Assist in the provision of reasonable accommodations or modifications
• Promote the enrichment of students through sponsoring and mentoring a student organization on campus  specifically concerned with the problems of qualified students with disabilities

Definitions

Qualified Individual with a Disability -- The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity. Throughout the rest of this document, the term "student" is assumed to mean "qualified student".

Disability - Federal law defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.

Reasonable Modifications to Rules, Policies, or Practices -- Modifications or accommodations that are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability and that do not fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity.

The definitions of any and all terms used in this document are intended to be consistent with the definitions set forth by the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.

Documentation of Disability

A student is responsible for providing the The Office of Disability Services timely and adequate documentation of the student's disability. Acceptable documentation is a necessary prerequisite for proper evaluation of the reasonableness of a proposed accommodation or proposed modification to the rules, policies, and practices of IUS. The Office of Disability Services can provide the student with guidelines for acceptable documentation of a disability.

Procedures for Requesting Auxiliary Aids and Other Support Services

Indiana University seeks to ensure that a qualified student with a disability receives appropriate support services. Support services might encompass, for example:

• Accessible Parking
• Referral to appropriate resources, services, or agencies
• Reader services
• Note taker services
• Other auxiliary aids and services that may facilitate participation in the University's programs.

In order to ensure sufficient time to provide appropriate services, it is the responsibility of the student to request the service in a timely manner.

Students who believe they will need an auxiliary aid to participate fully in the activities inherent in their programs at Indiana University Southeast should make those needs known as early as possible, preferably as soon as they have been admitted. Requests, made to the Coordinator of Disability Services, must be accompanied by documentation of the student's disability completed by an appropriate professional.

The student with a disability is encouraged to explore any and all avenues for assistance outside the University. Anyone who is unsure how to contact other agencies should discuss this with the Coordinator of Disability Services.

If the necessary auxiliary aids are not available through outside resources, the student must request assistance through the Coordinator of Disability Services. When a request is made, the Coordinator will evaluate the request on the basis of the following criteria:

• The documentation shows that the requested auxiliary aid is appropriate to the needs of that person.
• The aid cannot be provided by other agencies.
• The person will not be able to participate fully as a student without the aid.

Every attempt will be made to ensure availability of necessary auxiliary aids at the time the student begins classes. A minimum of four weeks' notice should be given to ensure this. In any event, the University must have sufficient time to evaluate the request, determine the aid to be provided, and identify sources for obtaining it (purchasing, leasing, hiring, etc.). Late requests cannot be guaranteed but will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and provided as possible under the circumstances.

Requests for auxiliary aids and all supporting documentation are confidential information and will not be released without the individual's written consent. The Office of Disability Services has no control over information self-disclosed by the student to other departments and divisions of the University.

It is the student's responsibility to keep the Coordinator of Disability Services informed about the need for auxiliary aids, such as timely semester-to-semester schedules for the use of an interpreter, ordering large print books and materials, or any other specific need. If the student does not keep the Coordinator informed, the Coordinator cannot be expected to provide the auxiliary aid. To ensure accountability, requests should be made in writing and the student should keep a copy for his or her records.

General Policy on Academic Accommodations

Indiana University Southeast has identified the skills and knowledge that are fundamental to its academic programs and courses. These skill and knowledge requirements are embodied in the requirements of specific courses and degree programs so that successful completion of course and program requirements is necessary for students to receive a degree from IU Southeast.

Students with disabilities are expected to master the fundamental skills and knowledge that are required for the courses they are taking and the degree they are pursuing. Students should not expect the university to excuse them from requirements that are difficult, but rather should take the necessary steps to ensure that they are getting the help they need to enable them to meet those requirements.

Procedures for Requesting Academic Accommodations

It is the student's responsibility to initiate consideration for accommodations relating to course or degree requirements. The steps for consideration are as follows:

1. The student needs to discuss any problems they are having with requirements (degree or course) with the Coordinator of Disability Services (henceforth referred to as Coordinator).
2. Based on appropriate documentation and discussion with the student regarding past experiences, the Coordinator decides if accommodations are warranted and what accommodations should be recommended.
3. The student will be informed of Coordinator's recommendations prior to notifying the instructor or dean in writing.
4. If the student is dissatisfied with any decisions relating to requests for academic accommodations, should ordinarily attempt to resolve the matter by making an informal complaint to the person involved.
5. If the problem is not resolved to the student's satisfaction by contacting the person involved, the student may choose to appeal by following the procedures outlined in the Discrimination Grievance Review Procedures for IUS Employees and Students.

When determining whether accommodations are appropriate, the following will be considered:

• The degree to which the student's ability to meet the requirement in question is adversely affected by the disability.
• What equally effective courses can be substituted.
• Whether the accommodation in question will fundamentally alter the academic program.

Reporting Requirement

The Coordinator of Disability Services shall prepare an annual report to be distributed to the entire campus. This report shall provide the number of requests for waivers and/or substitutions, the number of those requests that are approved, and the Division that addressed the waiver or substitution.

Review of Policy

The Policy for Equal Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities shall be reviewed every two years by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. If changes need to be considered, they shall be addressed by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in conjunction with the Affirmative Action Committee.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

The following will be IU Southeast's emergency evacuation procedures for students with disabilities. Students will be notified of any revisions in this policy. Contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at 941-2579 or consult the Staff and Faculty Emergency Procedures Handbook if there are questions regarding these procedures. Those students considered to be non-ambulatory will have their names and schedules given to the Chief of Police, Director of Physical Plant, and Vice Chancellor of Administrative Affairs so that they will know where students are located and can ensure that they will be evacuated if there is a need. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

1. Take person to a safe area, preferably near a stairwell.
2. Have someone stay with the person, either a faculty member or someone else.
3. Assign someone to inform emergency personnel (i.e. University Police at x2400, firefighters in the area) where the person with a mobility impairment is in the building.
4. Allow the firefighters to establish whether there is imminent danger before attempting to evacuate the person with a mobility impairment. Do not attempt to evacuate the person unless there is imminent danger of death or injury and no alternative safe area is available, in which case, use whatever means and assistance is available to get the person to safety with minimum injury to all parties. There is a stair climber located in Crestview Hall that can be used in cases of extreme emergency. The individual with a mobility impairment is the best authority as to how to be moved out of the building.
5. If a person is visually impaired, escort the person out of the building by having them hold on to your elbow. Inform them of where steps are.
6. If a person is hearing impaired, make sure they know that there is a fire alarm and that they follow everyone out of the building.

Disabled Parking Permit Policy

Those students, faculty, and staff wishing to park in a disabled parking space are required to get an Indiana University Southeast disabled parking permit which is approved by the Coordinator of Disability Services and acquired from the Police Department. The policy, which became effective March 17, 1997, requires that all students, faculty and staff present a state issued placard (hung from the rearview mirror) or disabled license plate to the Office of Disability Services in order to receive a disabled parking permit on campus. A statement or letter from a doctor by itself will not be considered proper documentation unless it is only a temporary (one year or less) disability.

A state-issued placard or license plate can be acquired at the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A form will need to be completed that requires a signature by your doctor. A student, faculty, or staff member will need to be re-approved by the Coordinator of Disability Services after their license plate or placard has been expired. New documentation showing proof of renewal of the license plate or placard will be required at that time.

Service Animal Policy

Indiana University Southeast

Policy on Service Animals

This policy pertains to all service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and may be modified to reflect any future legislation and federal guidelines. All other animals not defined as a service animal by the ADA are covered under Indiana University’s policy on animals in university buildings.  Indiana University Southeast is pleased to provide this policy for the education of members of the university community, and to communicate the rights and responsibilities of individuals who use service animals.

Guidelines for All Faculty, Staff and Students

 Campus Access - allow a service animal to accompany its partner at all times and everywhere on campus, except where animals are specifically prohibited.

 Service Animal Etiquette:

1. Do not pet a service animal; petting a service animal when the animal is working distracts the animal from its job and purpose.
2. Do not feed a service animal. The service animal may have specific dietary requirements.
3. Do not deliberately startle, taunt, disturb, or pester a service animal.
4. Do not separate or attempt to separate a partner from his/her service animal. 
5. Avoid initiating conversations about the student's disability or the service animal. All disabilities are not visible. Be aware that some people do not like to discuss their disability.

Please be respectful of these guidelines. Failure to comply with proper Service Animal Etiquette may result in harm to both the service animal and the partner. Remember, service animals are working animals; and not pets. They serve to allow individuals with disabilities equal access to IU Southeast facilities and programs. 

II. Definitions

 Person with a Disability: A person is considered as having a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act if they have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Partner: A person with a service animal. A person with a disability is called a partner

Handler: A person who trains a service animal is referred to as a handler.

Service Animal: Animals trained to assist people with disabilities in the activities of daily living. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of service animal is “…any…animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals who are hearing impaired to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.”  If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless of whether it has been licensed or certified by a state or local government or a training program.

III. Types of Service Dogs

 Guide Dog is a carefully trained dog that serves as a travel tool by persons with severe visual impairments or who are blind.

 Hearing Dog is a dog who has been trained to alert a person with significant hearing loss or who is deaf when a sound, e.g., knock on the door, occurs.

Assistance Dog is a dog that has been trained to assist a person who has a mobility or health impairment. Types of duties the dog may perform include carrying, fetching, opening doors, ringing doorbells, activating elevator buttons, steadying a person while walking, helping a person up after the person falls, etc.

Seizure Response & Alert Dog is a dog trained to assist a person with a seizure disorder; how the dog serves the person depends on the person's needs. The dog may stand guard over the person during a seizure, or the dog may go for help. Some dogs are able to predict a seizure and warn the person in advance.

IV. Service Animals and Their Partners

 “The Code of Ordinances for the City of New Albany requires that all animals be licensed.  Adult licenses shall be valid for one year from date of issue.  The license fee shall be waived for certified Seeing Eye Dogs, hearing dogs, governmental police dogs, or other certified dogs that are trained to assist the physically handicapped.  These shall still be registered with the Department of Animal Control and must obtain a license as any other.  It shall be unlawful to keep any animal unless that animal has been inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian within the preceding year.  No license tag shall be issued for any animal without proof of inoculation.”

• A student who uses a service animal shall register the animal with the Coordinator of Disability Services, prior to attending classes.  A copy of current vaccinations and license must be provided each year. Employees should contact Human Resources.
• The partner/handler is encouraged to carry identification, indicating the animal is a service animal.
• Service animals shall be restrained on a lead or short leash (approx. 4 feet long) at all times. Exceptions will be made if the animal is working, and if the partner cannot physically hold a leash or a lead.
•  The partner/handler must be in full control of the animal at all times.
• Service animals shall not be disruptive (e.g., barking inside a building.)
•  Service animals shall not be left unattended.
•  The care and supervision of a service animal is solely the responsibility of its partner/handler. This includes proper grooming, as well as flea, tick, and odor control. 
• The partner/handler shall dispose of all animal waste. It is the partner’s responsibility to be aware of the animal’s need to relieve itself and act accordingly.
•  The partner/handler is responsible for all damages and/or injuries caused by the animal.
• A guest/visitor to campus is encouraged to notify the Coordinator of Disability Services of the presence of the service animal and the duration of visit.

 VI. When a Service Animal Can Be Disallowed

1.  The animal does not meet the basic standards of the ADA.

If the animal cannot perform the identified task or service, the University may exclude the animal from its facilities and campuses.

 2.   The use of the service animal will result in a "fundamental alteration." 

If the University determines that the use of the service animal causes a fundamental alteration in services, programs, or activities, the University may exclude the animal from its facilities and campuses

 3.   The use of the service animal will result in a "direct threat."

If the University determines that the presence of the service animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of persons participating in University services, programs or activities, the University may exclude the animal from its facilities and campuses.

VII. Areas Off Limits to Service Animals

The University may prohibit the use of service animals in certain locations due to health or safety restrictions, where service animals may be in danger, or where their use may compromise the integrity of research, e.g., work in the Life Sciences. Such restricted locations may include, but are not limited to, the following areas: research laboratories, classrooms with demonstration/research animals, custodial closets, and nuclear research areas. Exceptions to restricted areas may be granted on a case-by-case basis by contacting the Coordinator of Disability Services and the appropriate department and/or laboratory representative. However, the person directing the work in the restricted area will make the final decision based on the nature of the research and the best interest of the service animal.

VIII. References

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794

New Albany, IN Code of Ordinances, Title IX § 91.15

http://www.indiana.edu/~riskmgmt/animals.htm  

Office of Disability Services

Academic Success Center

University Center South 207

(812) 941-2243

http://www.ius.edu/asc/disabilityservices/

University Police
University Center 027

(812) 941-2400
http://www.ius.edu/universitypolice/