Faculty FAQ

What is the Office of Disability Resources?

Office of Disability Resources (ODR) exists to ensure that qualified students with disabilities have an equal access to the programs and studies at Naropa University.  Responsibilities of ODR include:

• Meeting with students who identify as having a disabilities
• Reviewing documentation and engaging in an interactive process with the student to identify current functional impact of his/her condition in the Naropa learning environment
• Determining academic accommodations in compliance with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Providing training, education, and consultation to faculty regarding various disabilities and learning needs.
• Advising departments, programs, and the administration regarding the University’s statutory obligations to students with disabilities.

How can the Office of Disability Resources help faculty?

Disability Resources can:

• Discuss Universal Design for Learning and recommend instructional strategies for working with students in your course.
• Advise you about how to implement those adjustments for which a student is eligible.
• Offer consultation and professional development regarding various disabilities, accompanying barriers to accessibility, and inclusive pedagogical practices.
• Provide written guides for working with various populations.
• Clarify faculty and programmatic obligations under federal disability law.
• Serve as a liaison between faculty and students when needed.

Confidentiality when working with students registered with the Office of Disability Resources.

• When a student is registered with the Office of Disability Resources, it is important to keep that information confidential. It should not be included in their permanent record.
• Letters of Accomodation should be deleted/confiscated at the completion of the semester.
• If consulting with a colleague about how to implement an accommodation, do not to refer to the student’s name.
• Do not ask personal details about the nature of a student’s disability (“what is your disability”, “how long have you had it?”).
• If the student chooses to disclose disability-related information about themselves, it is permissible for the instructor to listen and engage the student.

If students are approved to audio record my class, can I tell them not to record discussions?

No. It is the student’s right to record your class. You may talk to the student about how recording discussions would be used in your class and any confidentiality concerns, but ultimately the decision is up to the student.

A student gave me his/her Letter of Accommodation and I am implementing these, but the student is still struggling with my course.  How can I help the student succeed?

Please consult with the Coordinator of Disability Resources about problems and possible solutions to increase the accessibility of your course to all students. DO NOT NEGOTIATE WITH STUDENTS. Unless the accommodation is clearly written in the accommodation letter, faculty should not make accomodations on their own accord.

One of my students has accomodations for testing (extended time, quiet room, etc), how do I plan and implement these accomodations?

To schedule exams under non-standard conditions, students are required to meet with you to discuss exam policies and procedures relevant to their disability. It is recommended that the student takes the exam under supervision of their instructors, however arrangements can be made for the student to take their exam under supervision of the Office of Disability Resources.

What is the difference between a Service Animal and as Emotional Support Animal?

• Service Animal: Dogs or miniature horses that are specially trained to perform a task for someone with a disability. They are allowed anywhere on campus or in the community.
• Emotional Support Animal: Any animal that provides support by their presence alone. Emotional Support Animals are only allowed in student’s living spaces, not on campus.

How should I respond if a student tells me s/he has a disability?

Unless you have received an accommodation letter from the Office of Disability Resources, you should NOT provide accommodations or modifications.  Refer the student to the Office of Disability Resources.

I receive an accommodation letter from the Office of Disability Resources, but the student has not talked with me about it, what should I do?

Students are encouraged (not required) to speak with faculty members to ensure mutual understanding of suggested accommodations for that particular class.  If they do not request to meet with you, you may request to meet with them to discuss the letter.

Can I inquire whether a student who is struggling has been tested for or diagnosed with a disability?

No, you should not ask this question.  If you suspect a student has a disability but has not identified her/himself, it is suggested you meet with the student privately, give feedback on what you have observed, and ask the student if assistance is needed.  If the answer indicates there is a history of a disability, explain that the Office of Disability Resources may be of help and provide referral information.  If they say no, then respect that decision.

A student with a disability is working very hard and using the recommended accommodations.  I have contacted the Coordinator of Disability Resources to discuss inclusive practices and implemented appropriate suggestions.  The student is still not succeeding, what should I do?

The same thing you would do in the case of a student who does not have a disability.  If the student cannot satisfy the essential requirements of the course then they should be graded accordingly.  Accommodations are provided to remove barriers to access to the educational environment, not lower the rigor or standards of the learning environment.

How can I contact the Office of Disability Resources? 

The Office of Disability Resources can be reached Monday-Friday from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Please feel free to phone or email with questions, requests for support, etc.  You can contact Kristen Tully at ktully@naropa.edu or 303-245-4947.