What is a disability ?




The term disability means, with respect to an individual,

 

• a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities;
• record of such an impairment; or
• being regarded as having such an impairment.

Temporary disabilities include serious illness, surgery, or other medical conditions that impede a person's participation at Illinois State University for more than three working days.

Disability Concerns serves Faculty/Staff and students who have continuing or temporary disabilities. Persons with disabilities needing appropriate accommodations or parking permits for health or disability reasons, should meet with the staff to obtain appropriate services.

Disability Concerns includes the following personnel:

Director of Disability Concerns - Ann Caldwell: Oversees the Disability Concerns office.

Assistant Director/Coordinator for Learning Disabilities & ADHD/ADD- Christine Smith: Provides services to Students, Faculty/Staff with disabilities such as ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, auditory processing impairments, and traumatic brain injuries.

Assistant Director/Medical, Visual, Physical, Psychiatric Services - Sarah Metivier: Provides services to Students, Faculty/Staff with disabilities such as Visual impairments, physical impairments, and psychiatric diagnosis.

Assistant Director/Coordinator for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services - Nick Ziemer: Provides services to Students, Faculty/Staff who are Deaf or hard of hearing, suffering from deteriorating hearing loss, and speech impairments. Serves as the Staff Advisor to a student organization known as the Deaf Redbirds Association. You will find this organization listed in the Registered Student Organizations Website.

Coordinator of Temporary Services - Mary Combes: Provides services to students with temporary disabilities that cause absence for more than three working days. Temporary disabilities such as surgery, sickness such as mono, chicken pox, etc, broken limbs that may affect daily activities.
 

The aforementioned professionals are devoted to providing services regarding accessible environment, reasonable accommodations, non-discriminatory policies, procedures, and Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Environmental Barriers Act.

In order to receive services from Disability Concerns, appropriate medical/psycho educational documentation must be provided. Upon receipt of documentation, the case coordinator works with the student, faculty, or staff on a case-by-case basis to determine the impact of the disability and the appropriate accommodation.

Since the passage of the ADA Law, more and more individuals with disabilities are entering Illinois State University as students or Faculty/Staff members. Therefore, Disability Concerns provides many of the services needed to for accommodation. Many of the services provided, but not limited to are:

• Accessible Housing Referral
• Assistance in obtaining Personal Assistants (PAs)
• Assistance in receiving Books on Tape
• Advocacy
• Audio Taping of Lectures
• Notetakers
• Readers
• Real-Time Captioning
• Reproducing information in alternative formats
• Scribes
• Self Help Groups
• Sign Language Interpreters
• Study Buddies
• Testing accommodations
• Typists

Disabled parking permit
 

Take your state disability tag/plate and registration to Parking Services and purchase the necessary University permit. Disability Concerns will be notified.

 

Health/Medical parking permit

 

1. Obtain a medical form at Disability Concerns and have it completed by your physician.
2. Bring the completed form, driver's license, and license plate number to Disability Concerns.
3. Take the completed parking form to Parking Services to obtain an appropriate University tag.

    

   Health permits: Assigned to students, allowing them to park in a faculty/staff lot when neccesary for a designated time frame.
    

   Medical permits: Assigned to faculty/staff members for a limited time.

Inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of the University is important. In order to achieve full participation, technical assistance and awareness training is available from the Disability Concerns staff. Assistance is available for accessible environments, reasonable accommodations, nondiscriminatory policies, procedures, Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Illinois Environmental Barriers Act.

Disability Concerns believes that everyone has something to give. The success of Disability Concerns is due largely to the fact that the majority of services are provided by volunteers. Disability Concerns encourages all students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University to volunteer.

Through the volunteer program you have the opportunity to obtain volunteer hours, develop experience to enhance a resume, and, perhaps most important, meet interesting people. Persons interested in providing volunteer assistance should inquire at Disability Concerns.

For individuals seeking information regarding disability issues, a small resource area that includes journals, books, and catalogs is available. Additionally the knowledgeable Disability Concerns staff is a vast resource. For information, contact the Disability Concerns office.

Links to Disability Web Sites

Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)

Web Accessibility Initiative

Centers for Independent Living (Illinois)

Recording For The Blind & Dyslexic

Illinois Department of Human Services - Blind Services

Welcome to HumanWare

Illinois Assistive Technology Project (IATP)

Telesensory Home Page

Department of Justice ADA Home Page

Illinois Department of Human Services - Deaf/HOH Services

Illinois Interpreters for the Deaf Act - 225 ILCS 442/1

Interpreter Skills Assessment Screening (ISAS)

Postsecondary Education Programs Network (PEPNet)

Midwest Center for Postsecondary Outreach (MCPO)

Deaf Resources Links

Deaf World Web

Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA)

LD Online

Learning Disabilities Association of America

International Dyslexia Association

National Attention Deficit Disorder Association

Disability Concerns is open to those who may need services or assistance.
 
 

Diversity and Affirmative Action is responsible for participating and monitoring the campus affirmative action/equal employment opportunity compliance program. Diversity and Affirmative Action oversees the university's plan for diversity; encouraging recruitment and retention efforts of the University's underrepresented students, faculty and staff; implementing and increasing university-wide activities emphasizing diversity; and coordinating training and information programs.

A TTY (also known as a TDD - Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) is a device which Deaf and hard of hearing callers use when making or receiving phone calls. This device is a small teletypewriter consisting of a keyboard, display screen, and acoustic cups (for the handheld receiver).

Illinois State University has several TTYs available across campus, including the Disability Concerns office. Students, faculty, and staff may utilize the TTY during regular office hours. A calling card or personal access number will be required for long-distance calls. The area code for numbers listed below is (309).
 

Bone Student Center/Braden Auditorium has a TDD/TT pay phone which is located on the first floor with the other pay phones.

* In manager's office

What is the Disability Concerns office?

Where is Disability Concerns?
 

How long have you provided this service?
 

What kinds of disabilities are served?
 

Who is eligible for services?
 

What does Disability Concerns do for persons with disabilities?
 

How do I become a client of Disability Concerns?
 

Is the campus accessible?
 

What do I do if I need close parking because of my disability, medical condition or injury?
 

What documentation do I need for any disability?
 

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
 

Who is covered by the ADA?
 

What does accessibility mean?
 

What is an accommodation?
 

What is a reasonable accommodation?

Why would two individuals with the same condition receive different accommodations?
 
 

EMPLOYEE SERVICES:

As an employee, how does one obtain a reasonable accommodation?
 

I have had a mental illness and am on medication and functioning quite well. What assurance do I have that I will not be discriminated against if that illness is discovered?
 

I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Am I protected by ADA in the work place?
 

I have had an initial recent bout with depression due to the death of a family member. Am I protected under ADA for absences from my job at Illinois State University?
 

What types of accommodations might Illinois State University provide as my employer if I have a psychiatric disability?
 

If I see a person with a disability who I think needs help, how should I approach them?
 

I am an individual with an addiction disability. Are my rights protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act?
 

STUDENT SERVICES:

As a student, how does one obtain a reasonable accommodation?
 

What are my responsibilities as a client of the Disability Concerns office?

As a student, I have a disability but I don’t want any of my friends or classmates to know. How can I get services without them knowing?
 

Do all of my professors have to know about my disability?
 

Why does this student get this accommodation?
 

As a faculty member, can I know my student’s disability?
 

As a faculty member do I approach the student after I get a letter from Disability Concerns?
 

Is it my responsibility as a faculty member, to arrange for test pick up/deliver?
 

Who is liable if I do not honor an accommodation or provide an accommodation as indicated in a letter from the Disability Concerns office?
 

There’s a student in my class that I suspect has a disability, can I suggest he/she go to Disability Concerns to get services?
 

What can your office provide for a student with disabilities?
 

What do I need to do in order for you to provide letters to my instructors?
 

How do I get documentation? Locally and at home?
 

What testing is needed to document a learning disability or Attention Deficit Disorder?
 

How current does the documentation have to be in the area of Learning Disabilities and ADD?
 

Are there special admission procedures for students with disabilities?
 

What is Preview?
 

Do I notify Disability Concerns prior to attending Illinois State Univeristy and Preview?
 

 

TEMPORARY CLIENT SERVICES:

What is a "temporary disability"?
 

I have a student who has been out ill for the past week and wants to have extra time to turn in their assignment and make up a quiz. Do I have to let them?
 

What can services can Disability Concerns provide for a student with a temporary illness?
 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
 

1. What is the Disability Concerns office?

It is the office on the Illinois State University campus, located in Normal, Illinois. Disability Concerns assists individuals with documented disabilities in obtaining the services for which they are eligible.
 

2. Where is Disability Concerns?

Fell Hall 350. The office is on the third floor of Fell Hall, which is centrally located on the main campus. An elevator is located in the front of the lobby. When you reach third floor turn right and the Disability Concerns office is located through the double doors at the end of the hall. A member of the office staff will be there during regular hours to assist you.
 

3. How long have you provided this service?

The Disability Concerns office has been providing services to University students and employees since January 9, 1978.
 

4. What kinds of disabilities are served?

All disabilities are served, including those that are invisible and visible. They may include learning, medical, physical, emotional and psychiatric, etc. They may also be continuous or temporary.
 

5. Who is eligible for services?

Any student or employee of Illinois State University who has the appropriate documentation of their disability, meets with the appropriate coordinator in the Disability Concerns office for the intake/interview process, signs the Client Responsibility form when necessary, and who is determined to be eligible for services.
 

6. What does Disability Concerns do for persons with disabilities?

Assist individuals with disabilities to function as independently as possible in the University setting.
 

7. How do I become a client of Disability Concerns?

Initially, a professional staff member will meet with you individually to discuss your documentation, particular situation including the impact your disability has on your overall functioning, accommodations you are eligible for, and your responsibilities as a client.
 

8. Is the campus accessible?

The Illinois State University campus is programmatically fully accessible.
 

9. What do I do if I need close parking because of my disability, medical condition or injury?
Take your state disability tag/plate and registration to Parking Services and purchase the necessary Illinois State University permit. Disability Concerns will be notified. Then follow the procedure below: Health/Medical parking permit:

1. Obtain a medical form at Disability Concerns and have it completed by your physician.
2. Bring the completed form, driver’s license, and license plate number to Disability Concerns.
3. Take the completed parking form to Parking services to obtain an appropriate University tag. Health permits are assigned to students, allowing them to park in a faculty/staff lot when necessary for a designated time frame. Medical permits are assigned to faculty/staff members for a limited time.
    

10. What documentation do I need for a medical disability?

Medical information should be received by the Disability Concerns office before you receive accommodations. That information should come from the appropriate medical professional and should include the diagnosis, prognosis, any limitations and the imact of the medical condition on the individual.
 

11. What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Civil Rights Legislation for persons with disabilities.
 

12. Who is covered by the ADA?
The term disability applies with respect to individuals:

• a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities;
• record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.
   

13. What does accessibility mean?

Accessibility is the ability to use a service or participate in activities with everyone else without having to identify yourself as having a disability.
 

14. What is an accommodation?

An accommodation is specific to the individual and allows the playing field to be leveled so the person with a disability is able to function as well as the non-disabled person.
 

15. What is a reasonable accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is determined on a case-by-case basis with review of the documentation, situation, and impact of the person's disability.
 

 

16.Why would two individuals with the same condition receive different accommodations?

Situations are considered on a case-by-case basis because the impact of that condition on each person can be totally different in its effect.
 

EMPLOYEE SERVICES:

17. As an employee, how does one obtain a reasonable accommodation?

1. Obtain pertinent documentation from medical doctor/psychologist including diagnosis, prognosis, limitations imposed by disability, maintenance plan and any concerns of professional regarding accommodations.
2. Obtain a copy of your current job description.
3. Schedule an appointment with the Director of Disability Concerns on campus, Ann Caldwell, in the Disability Concerns office, (309)438-5853 (Voice), or, (309)438-8620 (TTY/TDD), and bring the above-mentioned documentation and job description.

Based on the meeting with Disability Concerns, you may be told you meet the definition, then:

• your supervisor and the Director will talk and determine if possible accommodations are appropriate in the work environment, or if other solutions need to be devised,
• if supervisor agrees that the accommodation is feasible, implementation will occur in a timely manner,
• the Director of Disability Concerns will authorize reasonable limited fiscal resources for specific accommodations which require equipment/technology/devices on a case-by-case basis.
   

18. I have had a mental illness and am on medication and functioning quite well. What assurance do I have that I will not be discriminated against if that illness is discovered?

Americans with Disabilities Act covers individuals with physical and psychiatric disabilities. The issue is that even though you are currently not substantially limited in one or more of your major life activities, you would be guaranteed protection under the law based on your record of having a disability as well as if you were regarded as being disabled. Also, of primary importance is that your ability to perform a job will depend on your skills, training and work experience not merely on whether you have been diagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder.
 

19. I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Am I protected by ADA in the work place?

Individuals with disorders such as anxiety, personality, dissociative, or post-traumatic stress may also be protected under ADA. The following question should be considered. Is the individual qualified to perform the specific job functions? All situations are considered on a case-by-case basis. That is why all concerns should be brought to the attention of the 504/ADA Coordinator at Illinois State University by calling (309)438-3383 (Voice), or (309)438-2554 (TTY/TDD)

to make an appointment.
 

20. I have had an initial recent bout with depression due to the death of a family member. Am I protected under ADA for absences from my job at Illinois State University?

The ADA does not usually cover impairments of short duration that have little or no long-term impact on the individual. It would be in your best interest to initiate contact with your supervisor and/or Human Resources on campus. If you have reason to believe there are ADA issues call the 504/ADA Coordinator at (309)438-3383 (Voice), or (309)438-2554 (TTY/TDD).
 

21. What types of accommodations might Illinois State University provide as my employer if I have a psychiatric disability?

Accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis. However, good management practices will produce many of the workplace accommodations needed by everyone including people with psychiatric disabilities.
 

22. If I see a person with a disability who I think needs help, how should I approach them?

Treat individuals with disabilities as you would anyone else. Approach them and ask if they would like your assistance. Any discomfort you experience is a result of how you feel about their disability, not how they feel. If they decline your offer or accept it, you were both appropriate.
 

23. I am an individual with an addiction disability. Are my rights protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Yes, but only if you are in recovery. Those individuals who continue to engage in the addictive behavior are not protected under the law.
 

STUDENTS SERVICES

24. As a student, how does one obtain a reasonable accommodation?

1. Obtain pertinent documentation from medical doctor/psychologist including diagnosis, prognosis, limitations imposed by disability, maintenance plan and any concerns of professional regarding accommodations.
2. Schedule an appointment with the appropriate professional in Disability Concerns, (309)438-5853 (Voice), or (309)438-8620 (TTY/TDD).
3. Meet with the appropriate professional to discuss your individual situation. During this meeting your documentation will be reviewed and the appropriate accommodations will be determined based on the impact of the disability. A client responsibility contract will need to be signed by you. With your permission, a letter will be sent to each faculty member that you designate stating the accommodations for which you are eligible.
    

25. What are my responsibilities as a client of the Disability Concerns office?
Once you begin receiving services from the Disability Concerns office you need to do the following:

1. Assume the responsibility for self-advocacy by talking with your instructors when necessary regarding your accommodations.
2. Follow the timelines for requesting services according to the "Client Responsibility" form which you will be asked to sign during your Intake Interview.
3. Follow all guidelines listed on the Client Responsibility form.
4. Keep appointment times or contact the office as early as possible should you have to change those times. Messages can be left on the answering machine after the office is closed at (309) 438-5853 (Voice) or (309) 438-8620 (TTY/TDD).

Meet with your case coordinator on a regular basis beginning early in the semester in an attempt to avoid academic or other difficulties in the future. Sooner is better. Do not wait until problems arise. Remember, it is a long uphill battle to improve a low GPA.
 

26. As a student, I have a disability but I don’t want any of my friends or classmates to know. How can I get services without them knowing?

Your disability is confidential and you determine to whom and when to disclose it. No one employed by the Disability Concerns office will disclose to anyone else that you have a disability. All information is confidential and you can be as discrete as you choose to be regarding your disability with friends.
 

27. Do all of my professors have to know about my disability?

No. None of your professors have to know that you have a disability. That is your choice. However, without disclosure no accommodation can be made. Your instructors only need to know that you have a disability and the appropriate accommodation, not your diagnosis. It would be in your best interest to discuss this with your case coordinator, as there may be instances when an instructor should know.
 

28. Why does this student get this accommodation?

Students receive accommodations based upon written documentation from the appropriate professional. This may include a physician, psychologist, audiologist, or ophthalmologist. The students receive only those accommodations which make them able to function (as well as) or on a level playing field with those without disabilities, while still making them responsible for their own learning. The impact that the disability has on the individual’s ability to function in a given situation is important and is a determining factor when considering accommodations.
 

29. As a faculty member, can I know my student’s disability?

The Disability Concerns office cannot release that information unless the person with the disability gives us permission. What is important is the impact of the disability in your course on the student's learning.
 

30. As a faculty member do I approach the student after I get a letter from Disability Concerns?

No. The students have been told that they should approach faculty to discuss their specific accommodations. This may, for example, include test taking.
 

31. Is it my responsibility as a faculty member, to arrange for test pick up/deliver?

No, not initially. The students should initiate this discussion with their instructor and ask if the faculty member would like to deliver/pick up exams or have the Disability Concerns office do this. The student then provides the Disability Concerns office with that information on their test request form. This request form needs to be completed by the student and submitted to the Accommodations Office, 350 Fell Hall at least three school days before the exam. Faculty questions are always welcome in the Disability Concerns office. Please feel free to call the office at (309)438-5853 (Voice), or (309)438-8620 (TTY/TDD).

.

32. Who is liable if I do not honor an accommodation or provide an accommodation as indicated in a letter from the Disability Concerns office?

The instructor is responsible, not Illinois State University. If a student does have the appropriate documentation of his/her

disability then his/her rights are protected under Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitiation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
 

33. There’s a student in my class that I suspect has a disability, can I suggest he/she go to Disability Concerns to get services?

Yes. Many students are referred to our office out of concern by faculty. We do not diagnose disabilities, however, we can interview the student and make suggestions and a referral when appropriate.
 

34. What can your office provide for a student with disabilities?

Examples of accommodations/services that have been appropriate for some individuals include: study buddies, wheelchair pushers, advocacy, readers, technical assistance, parking, test taking, rooms, extended test time, sign language interpreters, walkers, personal assistants, test/study strategies, and FM System.
 

35. What do I need to do in order for you to provide letters to my instructors?

During the Intake Interview students are asked by their coordinator if they want any or all of their instructors to be aware of their need for services. Once they have indicated they want their instructors notified, letters are sent each semester of enrollment until the student notifies their case coordinator otherwise.
 

36. How do I get documentation? Locally and at home?

If you have been diagnosed with a disability, then you will need to sign a release form giving that professional permission to release your documentation to the Disability Concerns office. You can sign a release form in our office and have us send it to the professional or you can obtain a release form from our office and give it to the professional yourself. This would apply to obtaining the information from local sources or in your hometown.
 

37. What testing is needed to document a learning disability or Attention Deficit Disorder?

When assessing learning disabilities and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder at the post-secondary level it is important to include and evaluate the student according to the following diagnostic criteria and address these in the psycho-educational report:
 

APTITUDE: A complete intellectual assessment with all subtests and standard scores reported.
 

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: A comprehensive academic battery is essential with all subtests and standard scores reported. The battery should include current levels of academic functioning in relevant areas such as reading, mathematics, and oral and written language.
 

INFORMATION PROCESSING: Specific areas of information processing (i.e. short- and long-term memory, sequential memory, auditory and visual perception/processing, processing speed, and motor ability) should be assessed.
 

ABILITY TO ATTEND: This assesses the student's ability to attend and sustain attention to various stimuli and is included only in an evaluation for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
 

THE IMPACT of the disability on the academic performance of the individual.
 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: by the evaluator in view of the impact of the student's disability on learning.

For further information and suggested tests to complete an evaluation, contact the Disability Concerns office at 309-438-5853 (voice) or 309-438-8620 (TTY/TDD).
 

38. How current does the documentation have to be in the area of Learning Disabilities and ADD?

A psychological evaluation must have been completed when the individual was seventeen years or older to be accepted by the Disability Concerns office.
 

39. Are there special admission procedures for students with disabilities?

Students must first be admitted to the University under regular admission requirements. Once admitted, it is the student's responsibility to notify the Disability Concerns office regarding his/her need for services. The Disability Concerns office will not know of the enrollment otherwise. As soon as you have been accepted for enrollment at Illinois State University, contact the Disability Concerns office to either set up an appointment to bring your documentation or arrange to have it sent. If you will be attending Preview in the summer, be sure you have sent your documentation ahead of time.
 

40. What is Preview?

Preview is an introduction to life at Illinois State University. It is a two day orientation for parents and incoming students held in the summer before their freshman year.
 

41. Do I notify Disability Concerns prior to attending Illinois State University and Preview?

Yes. You can make an appointment with your future case coordinator by calling Illinois State University as soon as you have been accepted for enrollment or know when you are scheduled to be on campus for Preview. During Preview, all students are required to take Math and English Placement Tests. If you need accommodations to take these tests, Disability Concerns must have your documentation several weeks before you attend Preview. If parents or students need an sign language interpreter during Preview, please contact Disability Concerns at least five business days before your arrival.
 

TEMPORARY CLIENT SERVICES:

42. What is a "temporary disability"?

A temporary disability is a medical condition that prevents an individual from participating at the University for more than three working days. Examples may include serious illness, surgery, or other medical conditions.
 

43. I have a student who has been out ill for the past week and wants to have extra time to turn in their assignment and make up a quiz. Do I have to let them?

Our primary goal for students is learning, and with that in mind, you may work with the Disability Concerns office to determine an equitable plan to address each student’s needs. This office serves the student once appropriate medical documentation has been received and the student requests our help. Temporary disabilities are not covered under Section 504 or the Americans with Disabilities Act.
 

44. What services can Disability Concerns provide for a student with a temporary illness? "http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

We can explain the procedures, assist the student in obtaining the appropriate documentation, and notify the instructors of their illness. However, if a student is able, we always recommend that he/she contact their instructors to discuss arrangements. Then the instructors can make the necessary accommodations for the student. Other accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis.
 

 
 

Comments or Suggestions

Mailing Information:

Disability Concerns

Room 350 Fell Hall

Campus Box 1290

Normal, Illinois 61790-1290

Telephone: (309) 438-5853 (Voice)

(309) 438-8620 (TTY/TDD)

Facsimile: (309) 438-7713

Email: ableisu@ilstu.edu

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This page last updated on January 9, 2000
Copyright © 2000 Illinois State University.
All rights reserved. No part of this page or
pages may be recreated without expressed
written consent from the Director and/or
designated webmaster of Disability Concerns.

If you are in need of a special accommodation, please contact (309)438-5853 (Voice) or (309)438-8620 (TTY/TDD).

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