Accessibility

Spalding University is committed to ensuring equal access to university programs for students with disabilities. Accessibility Services, provides academic assistance and support for students covered by the American Disabilities Act or ADA. The ADA utilizes a three-pronged definition of disability.  For the purpose of coverage under the ADA, a person with a disability is defined as an individual who:

1. Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or
2. Has a record or history of such an impairment; or
3. Is perceived or regarded as having such impairment. 

Accessibility Services is committed to making the learning environment “accessible” for all students who meet one or more of the aforementioned definitions of disability.

Spalding University requires all syllabi and Word  documents created for accessibility and screen reader usage. Syllabus Assistant, the university's web-based syllabus building tool, is one resource for creating screen reader accessible syllabi. The following page details some resources to help faculty and course developer prepare Word documents for screen reader usage.

Requesting Services

• Students may self-disclose their need for Accessibility Services on their Spalding University Admissions application.
• They may contact Accessibility Services directly.
• For undergraduates, presentations are given at both FLEX and traditional day student orientations to discuss available services and provide contact information.
• Faculty/staff may suggest students contact Accessibility Services for assistance.

Student Responsibilities

• Students are required to complete an application for services.
• Provide documentation verifying diagnoses from a physician, psychologist or certified mental health professional. Along with the diagnoses the professional must provide recommendations for academic adjustments.
• Meet with Accessibility Services to discuss the accommodations they are entitled to under ADA regulations.
• Misuse of any accommodations, may lead to accommodations being suspended or revoked, depending on the severity of the infraction.
• If students are unable to provide documentation from a psychiatrist, psychologist or certified mental health professional, they are referred to the Spalding University’s Counseling and Psychological Services for a full battery of assessments. This process is time consuming and may take one or more sessions for the Spalding University Counseling Center to schedule and complete the assessments.

Please contact Center for Accessibility and Learning Equity with questions or comments.