Student Accessibility Services
Student Accessibility Programs and Services
Our primary goal in Student Accessibility Services is to provide academic support for students with disabilities and special needs to have equal opportunity within all aspects of our academic environment. We do this work supporting our students to help you maximize your potential and rise to the challenges of a Coppin education.
We also educate faculty and staff on disabilities and accommodations, so that they feel confident in supporting students with disabilities in every classroom and learning space on campus.
Accessibility Services for Students
We offer a variety of services to students with disabilities, including but not limited to:
- Interpreters
- Readers
- Classroom and academic accommodations
- Tutors
- Note takers
- Adaptive technology (i.e. screen readers, etc.)
Student Accessibility Services works with students individually to determine need and eligibility for these services. We encourage newly admitted students to register with Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible to make sure we can provide services in a timely fashion.
Confidentiality
Services offered through the Student Accessibility Services office are firmly grounded in ethical practices and confidentiality supported by federal laws: American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Student Accessibility Services staff are respectful of students' right to privacy and confidentiality.
Our office does not reveal any information regarding students who are receiving services based on their disability. The records are maintained in locked files that are only accessible by Student Accessibility Services staff. No information about a student is ever given to a professor, advisor, or any other individual without the written permission of a student.
Faculty Communication
We encourage faculty to support students who receive services without questions a student regarding their disability. Faculty members must respect a student's right to confidentiality. It is the student's right to choose whether to disclose or not disclose any information about their ability. If you are faculty and working with a student receiving accommodations, know those accommodations have been authorized by a physician or other qualified professional, and also the Student Accessibility Services office.
Our staff is available to answer any faculty questions and also refer students to the appropriate campus offices. The Student Accessibility Services office is in Room 223 of the Health and Human Services building (HHSB). You can also call us at (410) 951-3944.
Temporary Disability
A temporary disability is a short-term injury or impairment that may have a serious impact on the student’s ability to function in their usual manner. Temporary disabilities may also call for short-term accommodations.
Temporary disabilities can include fractures, severe sprains, or recovery from an operation. Students who develop a short-term disability due to an illness, accident, family catastrophe, or surgery are eligible for services and resources through Student Accessibility Services. In addition, Student Accessibility Services works with students to determine appropriate next steps to make up for coursework and missed classes.
When a student requires a prolonged absence from class or experiences a medical emergency, contact the Student Accessibility Services office to immediately inform us of the situation. Student Accessibility Services staff then notifies the student's professors. Staff are also available to answer any questions and refer students to the appropriate campus offices.
Although students with temporary disabilities are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Student Accessibility Services is available to assist these students with their needs. Faculty can refer students with temporary disabilities to Student Accessibility Services where a counselor will work individually with a student to determine appropriate intervention and support services, if any. This could include test accommodations, resources for physical access, classroom, and/or lab needs.
Criteria for Documenting Temporary Disabilities
- A clear statement of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnosis, including relevant history
- Documentation must be current (at least within the last 2 months)
- Description of present symptoms, changing conditions/symptoms, expected duration of the condition, and prognosis