Information for Faculty

The Office of Disability Services values the input of the Yeshiva University faculty members and shares their concern about maintaining academic standards and integrity as we educate our students. ODS determines reasonable accommodations that are then submitted to you by the student. The accommodations are based on a careful review of disability-related documentation submitted by students, who self- identify as having a disability.

Students receiving accommodations are expected to meet the same academic standards as their non-disabled peers. The goal of the accommodations is to level the playing field for students with disabilities, and afford them equal access to obtaining the information being taught and demonstrating their knowledge of said information.

ODS collaborates with faculty members and staff to best meet the needs of our students and encourages faculty members to create an environment that fosters education and growth for all kinds of learners.

Faculty responsibilities

As is expected with all of our students at Yeshiva University, faculty members will evaluate a student with a disability based upon his/her academic performance. Faculty are encouraged to provide educational equality in their teaching styles and foster an educational environment that meets the diverse needs of students who may learn differently. Faculty members may collaborate with ODS and a student with a disability in an effort to best meet the needs of the student and to ensure the provision of reasonable accommodations throughout the semester.

Accommodations

• Insert ODS Statement (link) in your syllabi each semester.
• Students must submit a current accommodation letter from ODS for each course.
• Review ODS accommodation letter with student.
• Discuss options to accommodate student’s testing needs which may include addressing issues related to extended time or testing in a reduced distraction location.
• Contact the Office of Disability Services to resolve any questions about classroom or testing accommodations.

Faculty Procedures for Arranging Testing Accommodations

• Faculty members can ensure that a student with a disability is afforded an equal opportunity with regard to exam administration by providing testing accommodations such as extended time, a location with reduced distraction, and the use of a laptop when these types of accommodations are indicated on a student’s accommodation letter.
• If a faculty member is unable to provide the accommodations that are requested, ODS will arrange the testing accommodations.
• Faculty should please provide ODS with advance notice of at least ONE WEEK and submit the Exam in a Reduced Distraction Location form (link) to ensure that ODS can provide the accommodation.

Faculty and Staff Training

Please follow this link to a brief web-based interactive training program designed for faculty and staff in higher education called "In Their Shoes."

The goal is to provide you with an understanding of the ADA based responsibilities of those in higher education, and provides a glimpse of what it might be like to walk in the shoes of an individual with a disability.

The YU college ID is "Beren" . You do not need to enter a User ID the first time you view the training.

Please print out your certificate upon completion of training and display in your office. This may help students feel more comfortable discussing their accommodations with you.