Information for Instructors

In keeping with the University of Oregon’s commitment to equal opportunity in education, Disability Services collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to create an educational environment that is useable, equitable, and sustainable.  Disability Services, as part of the Office of Academic Advising, provides support to students and instructors through direct services, outreach, training and consultation.

Instructors play an important role in ensuring that students with disabilities have the opportunity to fully participate in the academic setting.  Compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 are minimum expectations.  The university strives for a higher standard of access and inclusiveness and recognizes disability as a valued aspect of diversity. 

Instructors should encourage students to communicate with them directly if students encounter barriers to full participation due to the design of lectures, web-based information, in-class activities, format of exams, program timelines or curriculum.  As instructors incorporate instructional strategies that are effective for a broad range of students with varying abilities and backgrounds, the majority of students with disabilities will be able to fully participate in the academic setting without the need for specialized adaptations or accommodations. Disability Services promotes Universal Design in Instruction as an approach for making classes accessible to and usable by most, if not all, students. 

Disability Services responds to requests from students and instructors to help facilitate access in individual classes and academic programs. Students can request an instructor notification letter that lists options, possible accommodations, and adjustments to class design that will allow for that student’s full and effective participation. It may not be known if a class is fully accessible until a problem arises.  For this reason, we encourage students to communicate directly with their instructors. Coordinated services include sign language interpreting, computer-based notetaking, classroom relocation, exam modifications, and alternative text conversion. In some cases, policy modifications may be appropriate such as the substitution of some degree requirements or attendance policies.

Access to technology has become an increasingly important factor in creating equal educational opportunities. Disability Services maintains an Adaptive Technology Lab in the Knight Library.  The Adaptive Technology Access Adviser provides orientation and training to students on current adaptive technology, information on web accessibility, and is a resource to other technology providers on campus.

For assistance with access or disability-related questions or concerns, contact Disability Services at 346-1155.