Policies and Procedures
Documentation Guidelines
DSS requires documentation to both establish that a student has a disability and to support the services a student is requesting. This means that the documentation should go beyond simply stating a condition or disability; it should address functional limitations that impact a student on a college campus. Please click on the link for full documentation guidelines.
Grievance Procedures
The University Grievance Procedures for Students with Disabilities was revised in December 2007.
The Disability Grievance procedures will include the following new provisions:
3. Advisors
At their own discretion, complainants and respondents may be advised by an American University student, faculty, or staff member. The role of advisors is limited to consultation and support. While advisors may be present at a proceeding, they may not address the Grievance Committee or question witnesses. Because the purpose of this proceeding is to provide a fair review of complaints filed by students with disabilities rather than a formal legal proceeding, participation of persons acting as legal counsel is not permitted.
4. Request for Accommodations
The 504 coordinator will provide a party with reasonable accommodations to participate in an informal or formal grievance. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to: sign language interpreting services or information in alternative formats. If a party requires an accommodation for a disability to participate in the grievance process, please contact the 504 coordinator. The 504 coordinator will interact with a party and the appropriate university disability offices to review the request. Generally, a five (5) business day advance notice of an accommodation is required to review reasonable accommodation requests. However, a response to an immediate need for accommodation will be considered to the fullest extent possible.
Please click here to read the full revised policy. (html version)
