EDUCATIONAL ACCESS-THE KEY TO INCLUSION

Educational access is the provision of classroom accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students regardless of disability.  Creating equal educational opportunities is a collaborative effort between the student, the faculty member, and the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

Opportunities in higher education for persons with disabilities have increased dramatically in recent years. Federal legislation, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of l973, as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act of l990 protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of their disability and provides a wide range of mandated rights. Specifically, persons with disabilities have a legal right to participate and to have an equal opportunity to obtain the same results in higher education as others.

Recent survey results state there are more than 50 million Americans with disabilities (National Council on Disability - 2000). It has also been reported that at least 7 percent of all incoming freshmen at post-secondary schools have disabilities. The greatest increase in registration can be traced to students with “hidden disabilities”, such as learning disabilities and mental health impairments.

The information contained in this web site is intended to:

• Communicate guidelines for the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Provide guidance for the effective determination of accommodations.
• Inform individuals of the complaint/grievance procedures.

SDSU DISABILITY POLICY

South Dakota State University reaffirms that it is committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability/impairment in the offering of all benefits, services, educational and employment opportunities.

Information concerning the provisions of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available from the Office of Disability Services located in the Wintrode Student Success Center, room 125. The telephone number is (605) 688-4504, (605) 688-4394 TTD.

The Office of Disability Services coordinates and provides services for SDSU students, employees, and visitors with disabilities. Services for students with disabilities have been established to enhance the effective development of academic and personal skills, provide equal opportunity for higher education, and to integrate such students into the university community.

The coordinator of Disability Services is also responsible for leadership and guidance regarding institutional compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of l973, as amended. Specifically, the coordinator develops and delivers a comprehensive program of disability support services to meet the needs and accommodations of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities; providing advice and counsel to students, faculty, and staff, including publications and other materials essential to an effective training effort.

Students and staff may also seek information from:

Vice President for Student Affairs
Box 2201, Administration Bldg. Rm. 318
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Telephone: (605) 688-4493
Fax: (605) 688-5951

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of South Dakota State University (SDSU) not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam Era Veteran status in the offering of all benefits, services, and educational and employment opportunities.

Discrimination complaints including complaints of harassment should be directed to the Equal Opportunity Officer in Human Resources, Administration Building, Room 324, Phone: 688-4128.