Accessibility Policies

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require that Stanford University ensure that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Stanford University, in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of disability in administration of its education-related programs and activities, and has an institutional commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for disabled students who are otherwise qualified.

For information concerning policies and procedures for students with disabilities, see http://www.stanford.edu/dept/ocr/access/student.html, or the ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer, Diversity and Access Office, Mariposa House, 585 Capistrano Way, Stanford University, Stanford CA, 94305-8230, (650) 723-0755 (voice), (650) 723-1216 (TTY), (650) 723-1791 (fax); see also the Student Disability Resource Center at http://www.stanford.edu/group/DRC/.

Instructors with a disability may request a specific classroom, or a classroom with specific characteristics through their departmental course and scheduling student services officer. The staff member communicates that request to the Registrar's Office. Requests should be made as early as possible in the scheduling cycle. Classroom changes after scheduling has been completed are restricted to disability-related requests and changes in expected class enrollment.

See the Stanford University Policy and Procedure for Student Requests for Services and Accommodations for the complete policy.

Note especially the following quoted from the policy:

Definition of an "Accommodation" (Section IIc)

Such modifications to the course, program or educational requirements as are necessary and appropriate so that such requirements do not discriminate or have the effect of discriminating on the basis of disability. Academic requirements that are essential to the course or to the program of instruction being pursued by the student or which relate directly to licensing requirements will not be regarded as discriminatory within the meaning of this section. Potential modifications that may be considered include (but are not limited to) changes in the length of time permitted for completion of a degree, substitutions of specific courses required for the completion of degree requirements, extended time on an examination or paper, and other appropriate accommodations which do not fundamentally alter the essential nature of a course or academic program.

Examination and Paper Accommodations (Section Vb)

1. Students with a documented disability may request an accommodation in regard to an examination or paper. The request shall be in writing and made through a SDRC Program Coordinator. After reviewing the requested examination or paper accommodation and determining the appropriate accommodation, the Program Coordinator will write a letter addressed to the professor of the course in which the accommodation is needed. This letter is provided to the student making the request who bears the responsibility of providing the letter to the professor. It is best for students to contact the Program Coordinator before the beginning of the quarter or within the first two weeks of each quarter to request that such letters be written to professors. At a minimum, students should request letters at least seven (7) business days prior to the date of the examination or due date of the paper.
2. When a professor wishes for a student to take an exam in a SDRC-provided room, the student should make a written request to the SDRC for an exam room at least seven (7) business days prior to the date of the exam.
3. If a student requires the use of a computer, scribe, reader, or transcriptionist with which to take an exam, he/she should request such services in writing at least seven (7) business days prior to the date the service is needed.

Modification of Academic Requirements (Section Vc1)

A student with a documented disability may request a modification of certain generally applicable academic requirements (for example, the number of units to be taken in an academic quarter, substitution for otherwise required courses, course retakes or completion of courses, certain aspects of academic standing, etc.). [Note: this request is made by the student to the Student Disability Resource Center; see the Stanford University Policy and Procedure for Student Requests for Services and Accommodations for the complete policy.]

• Disability Access @Stanford: Created by the Diversity and Access Office which oversees compliance with federal and state statutes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and provides disability-related access information for faculty, staff, students, and visitors of the Stanford community. They host a useful FAQ.
• Administrative Guide Memo 23.5: Requesting Workplace Accommodations For Employees With Disabilities (pdf)
• Office of Accessible Education (OAE): The Office of Accessible Education coordinates services and resources for undergraduates and graduate students with documented disabilities. The students who use the OAE’s services have a variety of disabilities, including mobility impairments, learning disabilities, chronic illness, psychological disabilities, and sensory disabilities. The mission of the OAE is to provide disabled students equal access to all facets of university life: education, housing, opportunities for recreation, and extracurricular activities.
• The Stanford Online Accessibility Program (SOAP): "The Stanford Online Accessibility Program has been established to provide guidance to the Stanford Community as they use various online means to share information to their respective constituents. The program has the mandate to assist web designers and online content creators in producing material that is accessible to the greatest audience possible. The program achieves this through the promotion of Universal Accessibility and web standards compliance."
• Campus Access Guide: an online system of maps detailing wheelchair accessibility.