Disability Accommodations & Services
The individual is encouraged to disclose to the ODS and provide the necessary documentation. Reasonable accommodations will be arranged to assist a student or staff member with a disability based on a plan supported by complete documentation and developed conjointly with the Office of Disability Services. Such services may include testing accommodations, alternate text formats, and other reasonable classroom and learning strategies that provide equal access to the learning environment. Personal services and personal aides are not ADA/504 accommodations and are not provided by the University.
A student, with disabilities verified by the Office of Disability Services, shall also be entitled to alternate testing conditions to help the student accurately demonstrate his/her true competency in that particular subject. Alternate testing conditions will only be granted if they are supported by documentation and do not alter the fundamental nature of the course. These examination accommodations might include extended time, oral exams, use of a reader, use of a scribe, and alternate test format.
In all instances involving an academic course, the classroom instructor is responsible for providing equal access to the learning and examination processes by meeting each student's needs as outlined on his or her accommodation form. Students wishing to utilize their approved accommodations are responsible for meeting with their professors to discuss their accommodation needs and to have their accommodation forms signed and dated by the faculty. Faculty should contact ODS with any questions or concerns regarding accommodations.
Complaints regarding accommodations should be filed with the ADA/504 Compliance Officer. Steps for filing a grievance are outlined below in addition to the Undergraduate and Graduate catalogues:
ADA/504 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Southern New Hampshire University has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints regarding any action prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and by the Department of Education regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794). Section 504 states, in part, that "no otherwise qualified handicapped individual...shall solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance...."
Complaints should be addressed to the following:
ADA/504 Compliance Officer, c/o Wellness Center, Southern New Hampshire University, 2500 N. River Road, Manchester, NH 03106-1045
Phone: 603-645-9679 Fax: 603-645-9711
Steps of the grievance procedure.
1. A complaint must be filed in writing or orally, contain the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violations of the regulations.
2. A complaint must be filed within 30 working days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. (Processing allegations of discrimination that occurred before this grievance procedure was in place will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
3. The ADA/504 Compliance Officer or his/her designee will conduct an investigation, as may be appropriate, following the filing of a complaint. These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint
4. The ADA/504 Compliance Officer will issue written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, and forward a copy to the complainant no later than 15 working days after the complaint is received.
5. The ADA/504 Compliance Officer will maintain the files and records of Southern New Hampshire University relating to the complaints filed.
6. The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration must be made within 10 working days to the ADA/504 Compliance Committee who will involve other university officials as deemed necessary.
7. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder will not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of a Section 504 or ADA complaint with the responsible federal agency or department. Using this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.
8. These rules will be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons, meet the appropriate due process standards and assure that Southern New Hampshire University complies with the ADA and Section 504 and their implementing regulations. Any of the above time frames for the University may be extended if the University determines there are extenuating circumstances.