Reasonable Modifications of Policies, Practices, and Procedures for Students with Disabilities
Specific Information for Lesley Students with Disabilities
Lesley University is committed to the full participation of its students in all of its programs. In addition to this long-standing Lesley philosophy, students with disabilities have specific legal rights guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law enacted to protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of disability. Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of public accommodations, such as universities. The following is a summary of Lesley University’s policies and procedures for students with disabilities seeking reasonable modifications under the ADA (sometimes colloquially termed and referred to by Lesley as “reasonable accommodations”).
An essential component of Title III of the ADA is the right of a qualified individual with a disability to a reasonable modification of policies where necessary to afford such individual an equal benefit. The process for obtaining a reasonable modification is an interactive one that begins with the student’s request for a change in the usual manner in which things are done. In the context of reasonable modifications, Disability Services may ask for documentation concerning an individual’s disability and/or the need for modifications, if such documentation is necessary (e.g., manifestation of an individual’s disability is not readily apparent), is reasonable, and limited to the need for the modification requested. While not always necessary, documentation may come from a physician, clinician, or other provider and may set forth recommended modifications.
Further, in accordance with Title III of the ADA, Lesley University will make reasonable modifications to our rules, policies, practices, and procedures, when such modifications are necessary to afford goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Lesley University does not charge individuals with disabilities for reasonable modifications or other actions required by the ADA.
- Example: Lesley University makes reasonable modifications to its rules, policies, practices, and procedures in a variety of ways. For example, Lesley provides testing modifications for students with learning disabilities, which may include, but are not limited to, allowing students extended time to take tests, allowing for untimed tests, or providing students with a distraction-free test taking environment. Other students residing on campus may have a food-related disability that limits their ability to fully and equally participate in our meal program, such as an autoimmune disease like celiac disease or allergies to products like wheat, milk, peanuts, eggs, etc. These individuals may need a modification or exception to our rule requiring that students residing on campus participate in the University’s mandatory meal plan. One possibility is to provide food made without allergens, and a specific allergen-free food preparation and heating area for students. Another possible reasonable modification, depending on the specific circumstances, may be to exempt the student from the mandatory meal program. Lesley University offers its students both of these options.
Note: The obligation to make reasonable modifications extends broadly to all programs and services offered by the University. It includes the right to classroom modifications, use of service animals and a host of other issues. Furthermore, rights afforded by Title III of the ADA extend well beyond reasonable modifications alone, such as ensuring effective communication through the use of auxiliary aids and services, the provision of testing accommodations, and the obligation to remove architectural barriers when readily achievable, among others.
Who is eligible to receive disability support services?
All qualified students with disabilities are eligible for modifications and support services. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the modification process with Disability Services.
What are the responsibilities of students for obtaining disability support services and reasonable modifications?
- To initiate the process with Disability Services.
- To provide documentation of the disability or disabilities if necessary, and to provide other relevant information, e.g., as to food allergies or dietary needs, or as to specific classroom modifications.
- To deliver modification letters, or arrange for their delivery through Disability Services, to course instructors.
- To renew the request for disability support services every semester.
- To work cooperatively with the University.
It is not necessary to say the words “reasonable modification” when making a reasonable modification request. Any request for an exception, modification, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or procedure because of a disability will be treated as a reasonable modification request. Reasonable modification requests can be submitted orally or in writing and can be made by a student with a disability or by someone acting on the student’s behalf if the student also wants the requested modification and works cooperatively with the University.
What type of services can students with disabilities expect to receive?
While some modifications to policies are made generally, support services and reasonable modifications are determined in most circumstances on an individual basis by the Disability Services administrators in consultation with you and, when necessary, medical professionals or others with helpful information.
Policies
Confidentiality
Lesley University is committed to ensuring that all student disability information is maintained confidentially. Disability related information should be treated as medical information and handled under strict rules of confidentiality. A student's documentation is filed securely with Disability Services. It is not kept with any other student records on campus. As such, the information can only be shared on a limited "need to know" basis within the institutional community.
Modification letters contain only the modification information, and not specifics of the disability. A student may chose to disclose more with faculty, but are not obligated to do so.
Denial and Grievance
Based on individual circumstances, Disability Services may not approve for modification(s) or may discontinue an existing modification. SeeHow to Request Accommodations [pdf].
Grievance
If you disagree with the determination made by Disability Services to deny or discontinue an modification, you can have the decision reviewed by the Executive Director of Academic Support Services (Lesley's ADA/Section 504 Coordinator). Appeals for this review are heard by the Dean of Student Life and Academic Development. For details, please see the Accommodation Appeal Review Form [pdf].
In general, students may also file complaints of discrimination with the University's Office of Equal Opportunity and Inclusion. For details regarding the formal grievance policy, please see the Lesley University Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence Policy for details.
Pets, Service Animals, and Assistance Animals for Resident Students
Residential students with disabilities who require the use of Service or Assistance Animals as a reasonable modification may be permitted to bring such animals on campus provided that they comply with the University's policies regarding such animals. For information on definitions, requests, approval, provisions, and responsibilities, see the Lesley University Policy on Pets, Service Animals, and Assistance Animals for Resident Students [pdf].
Publications
All publications generated at the university should include a statement in the front of the publication that informs the reader that the publication is available in alternate format. The statement should read as follows:
Information included in this publication is available in alternate format upon request.