Accessibility and ADA Accommodations

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations

ADA Accommodations

The Iliff School of Theology is committed to providing equal access to educational programs for all qualified students with learning, physical, medical, or psychological disabilities.

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Iliff coordinates appropriate and reasonable accommodations and access for students with physical, cognitive or other disabilities. Iliff is committed to providing accommodations to qualified students with disabilities during their studies at Iliff. Students are required to provide appropriate documentation of disability and/or information related to the student’s disability or functional limitations that substantiates requests for services. 

Students are encouraged to contact Dr. Samantha Joo, Academic Advising Center Coordinator and ADA compliance officer at [e-mail].

The ADA compliance officer will work with Support, and if necessary the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the faculty and Academic Advisors at Iliff to develop an individualized accessibility plan for students with disabilities.

Definition of Disability

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Accommodations Provided

Iliff will engage in a collaborative effort with students with qualified disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations.

Accommodations are arranged on an individual basis and may not be identical to those previously used by a student. Students should allow an adequate amount of time for their request to be reviewed and accommodations to be arranged.

Iliff, as with other institutions of higher education, is not obligated to provide personal aids and services such as attendants, individually prescribed devices such as wheelchairs, readers for personal use or study, or other devices and services of a personal nature.

Reasonable accommodation does not always equate to the best equipment or services available; nor does it require fundamental alteration of academic programs or the imposition of undue burden on the institution.

Eligibility requirements 

Accommodations should be requested at the beginning of each academic year or at the time of matriculation and at any time additional accommodations are needed. Iliff School of Theology may require further documentation to substantiate requests for additional accommodations. The institution will need adequate time, usually around five business days, to review all requests. Implementation of more specialized accommodations may take additional time.

Academic Policy

Accommodations cannot be requested, nor honored retroactively. Undiagnosed or undocumented disabilities cannot be the basis for grade appeals. Students cannot petition grades received as a result of not using accommodation(s) or not following appropriate procedures to request accommodations. Iliff works with students on an individual basis to customize disability accommodations. To submit a grievance or complaint, follow the procedures detailed in the section Student Grievance Policy.

Disability documentation

Documentation of disability is required and should accurately reflect current limitations associated with the specific disabling condition(s). Documentation must be signed by an appropriate professional, such as a physician, psychologist, LD/ADHD Specialist, or other qualified professional. Appropriateness of documentation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We may request additional information to determine eligibility for accommodations. All expenses accrued in the process of obtaining documentation are the responsibility of the student.

All documentation/letters shall be on official letterhead, typed, with signature and date. The following information about the evaluator should be clearly stated in the documentation: Name, Title, Professional Credentials, Licensing Number, and information about the license or certification (e.g., licensed psychologist), as well as the area of specialization, employment and state/province in which the individual practices. Note: This requirement does not apply to physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent or unchanging nature. This documentation includes a description of the functional limitations resulting from the disability or disabilities. This may include treatments, medications, and/or assistive devices/services currently prescribed or in use. Significant side effects that may impact physical, perceptual, behavioral or cognitive performance should also be noted. Documentation is required for emotional support animals (see Pet and Service Animal Policies).  

Confidentiality

All information regarding a student’s disability is confidential. Records will remain separate from academic records and will not be released to an individual or source external to the Iliff School of Theology without the student’s written consent. However, in order to arrange appropriate accommodations, the ADA compliance officer must often consult with specific faculty and/or staff members. Therefore, it may be necessary to communicate limited information about disability-related needs to Iliff School of Theology faculty and/or staff. Specific details regarding a student’s diagnosis of disability will not be revealed. The Iliff School of Theology will hold students’ disability documentation and records for no longer than a minimum of five years after the student leaves Iliff School of Theology (e.g. graduates or withdraws), at which time all records will be destroyed.