OAS assists faculty in understanding and implementing accommodations tailored to the unique needs of each student. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis through an individualized and interactive process that considers the student’s specific needs and the essential requirements of the course.

Key areas of faculty collaboration include:

• Interactive Process: Engaging with faculty to explore flexible and effective ways to implement accommodations while maintaining academic integrity.
• Guidance and Resources: Providing tools, training, and strategies to ensure classroom materials, activities, and assessments are accessible.
• Proactive Communication: Offering consultation to address potential barriers and develop proactive solutions that benefit all learners.

The interactive process is a cornerstone of OAS’s work with faculty. This collaborative dialogue helps:

• Identify reasonable accommodations that align with the essential course requirements.
• Ensure accommodations provide students with disabilities equal access without fundamentally altering the nature of the course.
• Support faculty in balancing academic rigor with the legal and ethical obligations to provide accessibility.

Examples of accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

• Extended time on exams or assignments.
• Accessible course materials, such as captioned videos or text-to-speech-compatible files.
• Note-taking assistance or the use of assistive technologies.

OAS welcomes inquiries, feedback, and requests for consultation. Faculty are encouraged to:

• Contact OAS early in the semester to discuss potential accommodation needs for their courses.
• Provide input during the accommodation planning process to address course-specific considerations.
• Share any concerns or suggestions to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in their teaching practices.

By partnering with OAS, faculty play a vital role in creating an accessible and inclusive academic environment that upholds the principles of equity and compliance with ADA standards. Together, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.