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Disability Services

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Welcome! The University of Nebraska at Omaha Disability Services Office is here to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all programs and activities. If you have questions about our services that are not answered with the information provided below, please contact Kate Clark, Disability Services Coordinator, for more information.

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What is a disability?

A 'disability' is a physical, medical, intellectual, psychological or other type of impairment that significantly impacts one or more major life activities. Students with various types of diagnoses and conditions may qualify as a student with a disability. They include but are not limited to: learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, mobility or chronic health conditions, and psychological disorders.


What kind of assistance is available?

Students with a disability who are eligible and registered for services, may request accommodations to ensure equal access to courses, programs and activities. Accommodations are determined by the Disability Services Office based upon the needs of the individual student. These are just a few examples of accommodations sometimes implemented at the University: extended time for exams, use of a computer for exams, notetaker, preferential seating in classrooms, wheelchair-friendly desk, and adaptive computer software.


How do I obtain accommodations?

Students who have a disability are encouraged to register with Disability Services by following the steps listed on the page entitled How to Register & Request Accommodations. Once eligibility is established and the student completes the registration process, he/she may request reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to University programs and activities. Students who do not register with Disability Services are not eligible to request disability-related accommodations. Throughout the registration process, questions are expected and welcome. Queries should be directed to Kate Clark, Disability Services Coordinator..


Where can I read more about how these services apply to me?

If you have already read the page entitled How to Register & Request Accommodations, you're ready to move on to some other parts of the site.

While the entire site is relevant, there are two particular pages that are important to become familiar with; they are the Student Handbook and Forms & Guidelines pages . It is strongly recommended that all students who are registered or considering becoming registered with Disability Services (DS) read the Student Handbook. It includes critical information on how to obtain and implement accommodations. The Forms & Guidelines page explains how to obtain some particular accommodations, such as sign language interpreters, CART, and books in an alternate format.

Students with mobility impairments are encouraged to review the Accessibility page for information on getting around campus. 

Students who utilize assistive technology computer programs should visit the Assistive Technology page.


What are my responsibilities as a student with a disability?

Listed below is a general outline of the responsibilities of the Disability Services Office, students, faculty and the institution.* Each has a different set of obligations to make the process work smoothly.

Disability Services Office (DSO) Responsibilities)

  • Provide information and services so that students with disabilities may participate in all of the programs, services, and activities of the institution.
  • Provide services in a timely fashion.
  • Review documentation of a disability for eligibility and determine on behalf of the institution what types of accommodations are appropriate.
  • Keep disability-related information confidential, discussing it only with those who have a valid reason to know.
  • Help faculty and staff provide reasonable accommodations.
  • Consult with university administration, faculty, and staff on the provision of services, accommodations, and access as required under current federal and state law.
  • Advocate responsibly for the rights of persons with disabilities.

Student Responsibilities

  • Voluntarily identify disability-related needs to the Disability Services Coordinator, Kate Clark.
  • Provide current and complete documentation of disability to the DSO.
  • Formally request needed accommodations and services in a timely manner.
  • Notify the DSO Coordinator of any changes or concerns in needed services or accommodations.
  • Abide by the student code of conduct set by the university.
  • Attend class and maintain the academic standards set by the university, the college, and the department.
  • Use services responsibly and treat service providers and faculty with respect and courtesy.
  • Abide by the policies of the DSO; specifically the Student Handbook & the Guidelines on this site.

Instructor Responsibilities

  • Include a statement in your syllabus informing students about reasonable accommodations.
  • Refer students to the DSO to have the disability documented and appropriate accommodations determined.
  • Help provide reasonable accommodations including the use of auxiliary aids, note-takers, and tape recorders.
  • Provide advising, counseling, and instruction to students with disabilities in a fully accessible environment.
  • Show confidence in students’ abilities to achieve their intellectual, personal, and professional potential.
  • Keep disability-related information confidential.
  • Discuss all student-related information directly with the student.

Institutional Responsibilties

  • Provide a campus in which educational, cultural, and extracurricular activities are physically and programmatically accessible.
  • Create policies that encourage the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all programs and activities.
  • Provide a process so students with disabilities may address their grievances with the institution and the office(s) that provide services.

Are services available for online students?

Yes, due to the variety of online teaching methods students with disabilities may need different accommodations online than what is needed in a traditional classroom setting. Online students may complete the Disability Services registration process at a distance without coming to campus. Contact the Coordinator, Kate Clark, to make arrangements.

 

Who may I contact for more information?

Kate Clark
Disability Services Coordinator
Eppley Administration Building, Room 117
Phone: (402) 554-2872
TTY: (402) 554-3799
E-mail: mkclark@mail.unomaha.edu


*Adapted from the Utah State University ASD Project Grant

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