Disability Support Services
Slay 138
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252-737-1016 (Voice/TTY)
252-737-1025 (Fax)
- Maintained by
Michael Thompson
The mission of the Department for Disability Support Services is to provide to individuals with disabilities support services that will enable them to access programs, services, facilities, and activities of the university; to enhance disability awareness among students, staff, and faculty; and to provide academic courses.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives individuals with disabilities civil rights protection that is similar to that provided to all individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and religion. The act guarantees equal opportunity in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. In September 1973, Congress passed Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 states: "No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely on the basis of his/her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance"
Consistent with the ADA and Section 504, the policy of East Carolina University is that no qualified individual with a disability may be discriminated against on the basis of his or her disability. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to seek admission to the university, and applicants are actively recruited for employment. East Carolina University is making affirmative efforts to accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. Such efforts include elimination of physical barriers and the provision of individual accommodation. Our goal at the University is to promote institutional programs and employment practices that are accessible to all individuals with disabilities.
Through DSS, the university seeks to meet individual needs by coordinating and implementing internal policy regarding programs, services, and activities for individuals with disabilities. The department functions as a source of information and advice and as a communication link among individuals with disabilities, faculty and staff members, state rehabilitation agencies, and the community at large. Accommodating individuals with disabilities in a mainstreamed environment is the overall objective of the DSS.
The philosophy of the Department for Disability Support Services (DSS) consists of four basic elements:
The Department is the centralized agency for receiving disability related documentation and the approval of requested accommodations. The process of documentation review involves an individual assessment of the individual's disability with respect to the documentation presented and the accommodations requested.
Individuals with disabilities enter the university through the established admissions procedures that are required of all applicants. Neither the nature nor the severity of one's disability is used as a criterion for admission. An applicant's admission is based solely on academic qualifications.
Students requesting application materials should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in the Whichard Building at (252) 328-6133 or the Office of Graduate Admissions in Ragsdale, Room 131, at (252) 328-1464. DSS is available to meet with students to discuss the need for accommodation upon enrollment at East Carolina University. Please call (252) 328-6799 to schedule an appointment.
Prior planning is critical to a smooth transition and adaptation to ECU. Accommodation planning should begin at least one month prior to the student's arrival on campus.
New Student and Transfer Orientation sessions are offered throughout the summer and at the beginning of each new semester. Orientation is an excellent opportunity for the student to initiate the accommodation process. Students that have not received orientation session information can do so by contacting the Office of Orientation and the First year Experience at (252) 328-4173. At orientation the student may need to take placement exams for particular areas of study. Accommodations are available during orientation and can be arranged by calling DSS at (252) 328-6799. Please be sure to check in with DSS during orientation so that we may begin gathering the necessary information to develop the accommodation plan. Students and parents are also encouraged to read the document in Appendix A to learn about the differences between disability services in High School and College.
Students requesting disability accommodations from the university must self identify to DSS. Except in the case of readily apparent conditions (i.e.: blindness, quadriplegia) students are required to submit current documentation of their disability to the department prior to the implementation of services. Students requesting accommodations from the university must have a disability as defined by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In cases where documentation is deemed insufficient, the student may be required to participate in additional evaluation. Students must also complete and submit the "Request For Accommodation" form, which is inserted in this manual. The University reserves the right to consult with university professionals in reviewing and assessing documentation when it is necessary for approving accommodations.
A student that has decided to attend ECU, should contact his/her diagnostician for a copy of their disability documentation. In most cases, acceptable reports come from psychologists, psychiatrists, audiologists, speech therapists and physicians. Disability documentation and the "Request For Accommodation" form must be submitted to DSS for review.
Records for students with disabilities are maintained in the DSS office until 5 years after the last semester of enrollment. Documents that relate to the student's disability are not a part of the academic record in the Registrar's Office. Except when deemed necessary, information regarding one's disability is not released without the consent of the student. The department maintains a secure computer database that allows for the monitoring of academic progress. All correspondence to students registered with DSS will be by electronic mail. Students are responsible for checking their university assigned e-mail accounts for access to announcements regarding the Department.
Completion of the enclosed "Request For Accommodation" form will determine the specifics of record maintenance. This form allows the student to detail his/her wishes regarding the release of information. Students should periodically check their e-mail accounts for announcements regarding upcoming events as well as registration deadlines.
When appropriate, academic accommodations will be made. It is generally considered non-discriminatory to adhere to academic standards that are essential to a course of study (i.e.: setting a grade point average requirement for admission to a particular program). Requests for academic accommodations must be made in a timely manner. All requests for services should be made to DSS no later than two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Although every effort will be made to fulfill late requests, untimely requests may result in a delay, substitution or denial of accommodation. Academic adjustments must be supported by the documentation and may include the following:
Faculty notification is initiated by the student. Faculty will not be notified by DSS that they have a student with a disability in the classroom.
To request letters to present to faculty, students should stop by DSS at the beginning of each semester and request that accommodation letters be generated. Except in unusual circumstances letters may be picked up within 48 hours.
DSS makes every effort to secure priority scheduling of students with disabilities who are approved for early registration by the Department. Students are approved based on their need for the university to make advance preparations. All students regardless of priority status are encouraged to use DSS as a registration site. All completed schedules should be in the office no later than one day prior to the beginning of registration. DSS is not responsible for and will not process schedules that are not filled out completely. Course prerequisites are the responsibility of the student. DSS does not have the authority to "special add" students into restricted classes. The student's desired schedule and choice of faculty member are not guaranteed by DSS.
During the fall and spring semesters, all students have the opportunity, either "on line" or by telephone, to participate in the registration process for their next semester's classes. Students registered with DSS should go to their advisors the week before registration opens to get approval of their course schedule. Once the advisor has signed the registration form it may be delivered to DSS for processing. All schedules that are in the DSS office and properly signed by the advisor will be registered for classes on the approved registration day.
Initiating the testing accommodation procedure is the responsibility of the student. Testing accommodations may include extended time, scribe, computer for written exams, use of a spell checking device, calculator, readers, and accessible test formats such as Braille and enlarged print. Requests for test format changes (i.e.: oral testing vs. multiple choice) will be decided on an individual basis. Unless there is a time conflict, tests will be scheduled at the same time as the rest of the class. A student who misses a test or exam scheduled with DSS will be required to notify the faculty member. DSS will not reschedule exams without the approval of the faculty. A student who is late for a scheduled exam must finish the test in the time remaining (extended time will be calculated from the scheduled time of the test, not the time of arrival). Final exams will only be rescheduled in accordance with university policy.
Testing Accommodations are arranged by filling out a testing accommodation form. These forms are located on the bulletin board outside the DSS office. To ensure testing accommodations including hiring a proctor, these forms must be filled out completely and turned into DSS no less than 48 business hours prior to the test or exam. Requests for accommodations on final exams should be at DSS five working days prior to the exam day.
Classroom accommodations may include: sign language interpretation; assistive listening devices; note taking; use of tape recorder; priority seating and alternative testing. Students receiving in-class support services must attend classes on a regular basis or risk losing those services.
Classroom adjustments are made by meeting with DSS to request specific accommodation. Students requesting classroom adjustments related to Deaf and Hard of Hearing services should refer to the specifics located later in the manual.
Students are expected to complete all degree requirements for graduation in their major. In accordance with university policy, only under unavoidable and exceptional circumstances will the faculty permit substitution for or exemption from the prescribed curricula. Specifically, the study of a foreign language has been deemed a fundamental requirement for many degree programs within the university. The ADA requires that universities offer reasonable accommodation to qualified students; however, it does not require the adjustment of standards that would fundamentally alter degree requirements. DSS should be contacted to discuss accommodations available to students seeking to fulfill a foreign language requirement.
If it becomes necessary to request deviation from the prescribed course of study, the student should consult the dean of the college or school or the chairperson of the department of the student's major. The dean or departmental chairperson will petition by letter to the registrar for substitutions or exceptions sought and state the reasons thereof. Any deviations from the applicable published degree requirements must have the approval of the appropriate departmental chairperson or school dean and the approval of the dean of Undergraduate Studies.
Tutorial services are available to all students at East Carolina University through both academic departments and the Department for Undergraduate Studies. Personal or private content specific tutoring is considered the financial responsibility of the student. DSS will assist the student in locating a qualified individual for hire.
Tutoring may be accessed through either the academic department or The Academic Support Center located in B-104 Brewster Building. DSS may have suggestions for non-fee based class assistance as well.
It is the responsibility of the student requesting interpreting services to provide the office with their schedule immediately after registration. In the event of late registration, every effort will be made to secure accommodations as soon as possible. Any changes to a schedule prior to, or after the start of a semester, should be reported immediately to the Assistant Director for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.
Upon request, DSS will provide interpreting services for meetings, plays, movies or other functions sponsored by the University. It is the responsibility of the student to inform DSS if he/she does not plan to be in class on a given day. If three consecutive classes are missed without informing DSS, interpreting services for that class will be suspended pending a meeting with the Assistant Director. Your interpreter is expected to follow the Code of Ethics under which they are classified, as well as to comply with all DSS standards and policies. Interpreters will wait for 15 minutes for you to arrive for class. If conflict with an interpreter arises, make an appointment with the Assistant Director immediately.
An Interpreter Request Form should be submitted to the Assistant Director no later than one week prior to the event. Request forms are available on the bulletin board outside of Slay 138. Requests received less than one week before the scheduled event will be honored if possible. Check your syllabus at the beginning of the semester for dates when the instructor plans a video. Approach the instructor and inquire as to whether or not it is closed-captioned. If they have questions refer them to the Assistant Director. When taking an examination, the Student has the option to have the interpreter remain or to excuse them. Be sure that before you dismiss an interpreter, the instructor does not plan to lecture after the test. If you are taking a test in a class that is team interpreted, please let the Assistant Director know so that we may release or reschedule one of the interpreters ahead of time.
Hard of Hearing students may check out an Assistive Listening Device (ALD's) for use in the classroom. As early as possible in the semester, make an appointment with the assistant director. While DSS has not experienced a shortage of ALD's they are available on a first come, first serve basis.
East Carolina University will consider reasonable housing accommodations for students with disabilities. The deadline for requesting modified housing accommodations is May 1st of each year. When the documentation shows that a private room is a necessary method of meeting the housing needs of a student with a disability, East Carolina University will consider exceptions to its general room rate structure unless doing so would result in a fundamental alteration to the housing program. In order for the student with a disability to be approved to receive a private room, he/she must provide sufficient documentation completed by a qualified professional, as specified in this manual.
The student will indicate on the "Request For Accommodation" form his/her intent to request housing accommodations and exception to the general room rate structure. Each case will be individually evaluated annually with respect to the documentation presented and the accommodations requested. In addition, a housing application must be on file with University Housing.
Students may not be excluded from a requested course offering, program or activity because it is not offered in an accessible location. New construction will be planned in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards.
Any student wishing to address issues regarding physical barriers should meet with DSS.
DSS maintains a computer lab in Joyner library which houses equipment for use by students with disabilities. In addition, students with disabilities may use the computer labs located throughout the campus. In accordance with State law, service animals assisting students with disabilities are permitted in all facilities of the university. DSS does not provide prescriptive devices, devices of a personal nature or personal attendant care. Any equipment loaned by DSS to a student and not returned will result in a tag being placed on the student's record in the registrar's office.
Students wishing to use the adaptive equipment lab in Joyner Library may gain access by requesting admittance from either the Teacher Resource Center or the Security Office (Both of these offices are located in Joyner Library). Assistive listening devices and tape players can be checked out by making an appointment with DSS. Any questions regarding the availability or use of available adaptive equipment should be referred to DSS.
As stated in the undergraduate catalog, students are expected to punctually attend all lecture, laboratory sessions and field experiences in courses for which they are registered. Absences are counted from the first class meeting, and absences because of late registration will not be automatically excused. DSS does not issue official written excuses for absences. DSS can provide written verification of a disability based on appropriate documentation. This verification may address the legitimacy of but not necessarily excuse an absence.
Should issues regarding class attendance arise, make an appointment with DSS as quickly as possible.
Any student having a grievance related to a disability is entitled to prompt and equitable resolution of his/her complaint.
The formal process involves a committee composed of any one from faculty, staff or student body of the university will be appointed in cases involving discrimination based on disability. The aggrieved student will select the first member of the committee. The Associate Provost Vice Chancellor for Student Life or other member of the administration will select the second member. The two members selected will then agree upon the selection of a third member who will become the chair.
If the action taken by the Associate Provost Vice Chancellor for Student Life is not satisfactory to the student, he or she may appeal the case to the Chancellor within three school days subsequent to the decision by the Associate Provost Vice Chancellor as outlined above. Action taken by the Chancellor is final and will exhaust the administrative efforts of the student.
If a student will require accommodation, it is the student's responsibility to request accommodation in advance. The unit offering the academic program should inform students how much advance notice the unit requires to identify an appropriate internship/practicum placement and to make arrangements for accommodations (e.g., one semester, one year, etc. before the internship/practicum semester). Because the student may not fully realize the need for accommodation--they may not have a sense of what the internship setting will specifically demand--the department should initiate a meeting one semester prior to placement during which information about internship expectations might be shared and, once better informed, the student might then initiate a request for accommodative planning.
The student, the unit, and DSS need to begin early (at least one semester before placement) to plan for accommodations. Because it may be difficult to know what accommodations will be needed until the agency is involved and the nature of accommodations may vary across agencies, units may prefer early agency involvement in identifying needed accommodations.
The student and unit should seek a placement agency that (1) will provide an appropriate educational experience, (2) will make reasonable accommodations for the student, and (3) will negotiate with the student and the university to provide the services needed.
The student, the unit, and DSS should identify the accommodations needed, including resources and adaptive/assistive equipment, in advance of negotiations with the placement agency.
The student, the unit, DSS, the university legal counsel (210 Spilman, phone: 252-328-6940), and the placement agency will develop a plan and negotiate accommodations satisfactory to all parties. Placement agencies are also subject to ADA requirements and may have a contact person who is familiar with the accommodations already being provided to agency employees. The agency ADA contact person may be able to provide assistance in making arrangements for student placements.
The student must be an active participant throughout the process of identifying a placement agency and identifying and negotiating accommodations.