I. Policy

The University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) ensures that no qualified person shall by reason of a disability be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any program or activity operated by the University.  Each qualified person shall receive reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate.

This policy is consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which states, “no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely based on reason of handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

This policy is also consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  The ADA replaces the word “handicap” with “disabled” or “disability” and is not based on an institution being a recipient of federal funding.

A disability (handicap) is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Major life activities include such things as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

II. Procedure

a. Eligibility for Service

To be eligible for Disability Services, students must provide appropriate documentation from a qualified professional that verifies a substantial limitation in one or more major life activities, especially as it applies to meeting the demands of University life in and out of the classroom.  Eligibility determinations are made by the Disability Services Coordinator (DS Coordinator).  Accommodations are developed and provided based on individual need(s).  Accommodations are provided to allow equal opportunity and access in courses, programs, and activities, including extracurricular activities.  Accommodation plans are reviewed each semester.

b. Temporary Disability

Temporary disabilities, such as illnesses and accidents which will not interfere with the student’s work for an extended period of time, are not covered by the Disability Services policy.  In the case of a temporary disability, the student should contact their individual instructors to request special arrangements.  If the student wishes assistance in contacting faculty members about their temporary disability, they may contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

III. Related Policies

IV Reason for Revision

Annual Review