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Fall 2008 Conference Notes

Current Legislation & Its Affect on Higher Education
OK.AHEAD Fall conference
7 November 2008

  1. Relevance of Legislation
    1. Defines "disability"
      1. screening process
      2. who is covered
    2. Provides framework for deliberation
      1. key words/terms
      2. thought & intent behind law(s)
      3. examples, differences, nuances (e.g. Title II, Title III)
    3. Identifies legal obligations
    4. Answers "why?", "what's the legal reference?"
  2. Critical Thought Process
    1. Philosophical approach
      1. "disability" only
      2. any educational need
      3. universal design
      4. minimum required v. maximum usability
      5. proactive v. response to
    2. Access and Accommodation
      1. existing issue(s)
      2. assessing disability, documentation
      3. requirements/expectations/standards
      4. appropriate accommodations
    3. Information gathering
      1. ask questions
      2. evaluate options... & potential impact(s)
      3. resources (e.g. AHEAD, JAN, DBTAC, PEPnet)
  3. Current Legislative Impact
    1. ADA Amendments Act
      1. broader scope of impact on major life activity
      2. nature of disability that is 'episodic' or 'in remission'
      3. consideration of mitigating measures
      4. transitory & minor impairments
    2. Higher Education Opportunity Act
      1. increased opportunity for students w/ intellectual disabilities
        1. degree programs, courses
        2. correspondence/community/online/outreach programs, courses
        3. creation of non-degree granting programs
        4. access to & use of campus facilities, services
      2. access to federal financial aid for non-degree courses
      3. accessible instructional materials; e-text clearinghouse
      4. statistical account of swd registered & receiving services
  4. Provision of Services & Accommodations
    1. Current process
    2. Expected change in process