Northeastern State University

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990 to protect the rights of persons’ with disabilities. The University works to ensure a climate of understanding, access and awareness of students with disabilities, rights and interests of students with disabilities. All efforts are directed toward the full integration of each student into all aspects of university life. Under University policy, federal and state laws, “qualified students with disabilities” are entitled to reasonable accommodation that will allow them access to programs, jobs, services, and activities unless the accommodation would pose an undue hardship on the institution.

It is the student’s responsibility to request assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) through the Office of Student Affairs prior to enrollment or at the start of each new semester. Students must meet the federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) to have a qualified disability, which defines a disability as the following:

“A cognitive, physical, or emotional impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as working or learning.”

Students must also be able to provide valid documentation from an appropriate expert, professional or agency that:

1. States the disability(ies) and methods used to arrive at diagnosis.
2. Describes the diagnostic criteria and/or instruments used.
   
3. And in the case of a learning disability ADD, or ADHD, is reasonably current and describes the current functional limitations.

Any student requesting accommodation must submit a written request to the Office of Student Affairs. This procedure can be found in its entirety in that office. In compliance with the ADA and section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, any student who feels discriminated against on the basis of disability may file a grievance in the office of Human Resources or through the Dean of Student Affairs. There is a copy of the pertinent provisions of the ADA that is available at your request through the Student Affairs office. Students are allowed one free copy of this material. If you would like to review the law regarding disability rights in its entirety, it is recommended you consult the United States Department of Labor web site. If you have questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 918-456-5511, ext. 2120.