A Disability Services Coordinator is available to assist students with disabilities in anticipating and planning for their full participation in the academic, labor, and social programs of Berea College. The Coordinator acts as a liaison with other College departments and offices in arranging responses appropriate to the student’s particular situation. Some of the services available to qualifying students with disabilities include: communication with faculty and advisor regarding student needs; accessible classroom and housing; determination of appropriate accommodations; classroom accommodations or modifications; assistance with obtaining recorded textbooks; extended testing time; and information and referral for additional services. A student must contact the Disability Services Coordinator and provide appropriate documentation in order to receive services. For an appointment call ext. 3212.
The Disability Services Coordinator works closely with the Section 504/ADA Coordinator to assure compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1992. Also, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator receives complaints related to possible discrimination based on physical access needs. The Vice President for Operations and Sustainability serves as the Section 504/ADA Coordinator.
Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS) Grievance Policy and Procedures
Disability & Accessibility Services (DAS) is committed to promoting equal access to all programs, services, and activities at Berea College. Students who are concerned that they have been denied equal access as described in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) are encouraged to follow the procedures outlined below. Please see the U.S. Department of Education website for more information about Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities.,
Students have two ways to express their concerns: an informal resolution procedure available through the DAS Coordinator and a more formal grievance procedure through the ADA Compliance Officer. Although students are encouraged to solve disputes at the lowest possible level and to use internal procedures to the fullest extent, a student may choose to initiate a formal grievance at any time.
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), encourages individuals first to use internal grievance procedures, and when such procedures meet OCR's investigative standards, OCR will generally defer to the results reached if the process provided for fair consideration of the grievance (http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/prevention.html).
Informal Resolution Procedure
Clear communication between students, faculty/staff, and DAS is vital to utilizing DAS services effectively. Where possible, students are encouraged to first address concerns and problems with the individuals most directly involved in the situation: the DAS coordinator regarding eligibility for accommodations and specific accommodations; the individual faculty or staff member in the cases of implementation or lack of approved accommodations.
Students are encouraged to express any concerns with the DAS Coordinator, Lisa Ladanyi (985-3327, 111 Lincoln Hall, lisa.ladanyi@berea.edu). If for a specific reason the grievance cannot be discussed with the DAS Coordinator, or if the complaint is about the DAS Coordinator, contact DAS supervisor, Curtis Sandberg (985-3237, 113 Lincoln Hall, Curtis_Sandberg@berea.edu).
Students who are experiencing difficulty in receiving authorized accommodations by a faculty or staff member, department, or program should first address their concerns with the faculty or staff member charged with providing the accommodation.
DAS is available to offer assistance by discussing and exploring options with the student and/or faculty or staff member, contacting the concerned party in an effort to clarify issues, facilitating a meeting with the concerned parties, and/or advocating for the student’s right to receive appropriate and effective accommodations to the extent required under either the Rehabilitation Act or the ADA.
The Kentucky Department of Education State ADA Coordinator is available for consultation in regard to any questions or concern a student may have about one’s accommodations (1-877-423-2933 or www.ada.ky.gov).
A student who is not satisfied with the resolution on this level may choose to file a formal complaint.
Formal Grievance procedure
The student may submit a formal written grievance to the Berea College ADA Compliance Officer, Derrick Singleton (985-3131, 230 Lincoln Hall, Derrick_Singleton@berea.edu). When making a formal complaint, a student should include specific information about the concern or problem (describe the issue(s), incident(s) and the action(s) taken; state the name of the individual(s) or office(s) involved; and show documented efforts to resolve the complaint). The Compliance Officer will meet with the student to discuss the complaint and will conduct any necessary investigation.
The Compliance Officer will issue a written decision including findings and remedial actions, if any, to be taken by Berea College and/or the student. This decision shall be issued to the student and any others deemed appropriate within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Compliance Officer’s receipt of the complaint. Files and records on all formal grievances shall be maintained by the ADA Compliance Officer.
Appeal procedure
If a student is not satisfied with the formal grievance procedure, the student may appeal to the President for de novo review of the Compliance Officer’s decision. The appeal must be made in writing within five (5) calendar days of the decision. The determination of the President on any such appeal is final.
If the grievance is not resolved internally at the College, the student may choose to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (100 Penn Square East, Suite 515, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Tel: (215) 656-8541; Fax: (215) 656-8605; OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov. How to file a complaint of discrimination with OCR.
Approved by the Administrative Committee, February 2015.