Faculty Support

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability is one who:

1. has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity;
2. has a record or history of such an impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment.

Major life activities include, but are not limited to, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks.  These impairments may be present among people with learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, chronic health impairments, attention deficit disorder, diabetes, asthma, physical disabilities, vision, speech, or hearing impairments, or other conditions.

Each case is considered individually, but generally, a chronic health condition that fits the above definition would be considered for disability status. Physical problems expected to last more than five weeks may be considered disabilities. Regardless, it must create a substantial limitation in ability to function as a student to qualify as a disability.

• In the first meeting of the class, ask students with disabilities to make an appointment with you to discuss accommodations.  This ensures privacy while making students aware that you are eager to help.  Include a similar statement in your syllabus.
• Provide students with a detailed course syllabus available before registration if possible.  Examples of appropriate syllabi demonstrating universal design are here. 
• Let students with disabilities know how they can receive accommodations in your classroom on the sulla

  Suggested Statement for Syllabi

• Option 1: 

  Messiah University is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me.

  If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you may also want to meet with Amy Slody, Director of the Office of Academic Accessibility, to begin this conversation or request an official accommodation. You can find more information about the Office of Academic Accessibility including contact information, here: https://www.messiah.edu/info/20974/about_us. If you have already been approved for accommodations through the Office of Academic Accessibility, please meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.

• Option 2:

  • Messiah University welcomes students with disabilities to participate in all of its courses, programs, services and activities. If you have a documented disability and are requesting accommodations, please:

    1.  Contact the Director of Academic Accessibility, Amy Slody, in Murray Library 115, by phone (796-5382) or  e-mail aslody@messiah.edu.  If your documentation meets the University's documentation guidelines, you will  be given a letter from the Office of Academic Accessibility for your professors and

    2. As early as possible in the semester, set up an appointment to meet with me, the instructor.  During this meeting, we will discuss the academic adjustments specified in your accommodations letter as they pertain to my class. Please note accommodations are not granted in a retroactive fashion.                                              

        Helpful Tips

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees the privacy of students with disabilities.  Please keep this information private unless the student requests that others be made aware.
• If possible, select a text with an accompanying study guide for student use.
• Clearly express course requirements, due dates, and expectations at the first meeting of the class.  Readings should be announced as early as possible to aid students who must use taped materials or other formats.  Allow at least six weeks to have a book recorded.
• Begin each class period with an outline of material that will be covered in the class.  Summarize key points at the end of class.
• Speak directly to students, using body language to help convey your meaning and looking at the class while speaking to allow a student to lipread, if necessary.
• Write new or technical vocabulary on the blackboard or use a handout or overhead.  Use terms in context to help students understand their meaning.
• Give assignments both aloud and in writing to reinforce understanding and avoid confusion about expectations.
• Allow students to tape record lectures.
• Allow time for questions and answers.  Include review sessions.
• Provide study questions for exams that demonstrate the format of the test, as well as study questions on content.  Explain what constitutes a good answer and why.
• Be prepared to use alternate testing formats (such as extended time or individually proctored exams) to aid students with disabilities.
• Encourage students to use the services offered by the Office of Academic Accessibility

Click on the quiz that needs to be edited. On the right side click on Moderate This Quiz. To the right of the students' name click on the edit tool. In the Student Extension box, enter the time the student will receive based on their accommodation (1.5x or 2x).

If you would like to see how to receive extra time via pictures, click here.

If you would like to see how to receive extra time via a video, click here.

The Office of Academic Accessibility at Messiah University plays a vital role in supporting students with disabilities and providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to education. Here are some ways in which the office assists students and collaborates with other university departments:

1. Documentation Review: The Office of Academic Accessibility reviews the documentation provided by students to determine their eligibility for academic accommodations. This documentation may include medical records, psycho-educational evaluations, or other relevant documentation. By carefully reviewing these materials, the office can assess the student's specific needs and determine appropriate accommodations.
2. Individualized Accommodation Plans: The office works closely with eligible students to develop individualized accommodation plans. These plans outline the accommodations and support services that will be provided to meet the student's unique academic needs. The office ensures that these accommodations are reasonable and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
3. Collaborative Communication: The Office of Academic Accessibility communicates and collaborates with various departments on campus to facilitate the implementation of accommodations. They engage in discussions with faculty members to discuss the specific accommodations required for each student. This collaboration helps to create an inclusive learning environment and ensures that faculty members are aware of the necessary adjustments.
4. Referrals to Support Services: The office serves as a resource for students with disabilities, providing guidance and referrals to other support services on campus. They may refer students to tutoring services, writing centers, counseling services, or other appropriate resources that can further enhance their academic success.
5. Student Advocacy: The Office of Academic Accessibility serves as an advocate for students with disabilities, helping them navigate challenges and ensuring their rights and needs are respected. They work with students to address any concerns or barriers they may encounter in their 6. academic journey and provide support in advocating for their accommodations.
6. Academic Coaching. Academic coaching serves as a valuable resource for students, providing them with personalized guidance and support to enhance their academic success
7. Ongoing Support and Education: The office serves as an ongoing support system for students with disabilities, providing guidance, resources, and educational programs. They offer workshops or individual consultations on study skills, time management, and other strategies to enhance academic success.

The Office of Academic Accessibility at Messiah University is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with disabilities. They strive to ensure students have equal opportunities to thrive academically and actively engage in the university community.

It's important to note that specific practices and procedures may vary at different institutions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Office of Academic Accessibility at Messiah University, it is advisable to consult the university's official resources or contact the office directly.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, combined with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against an individual with a qualifying disability. It assures equal access. Students who require accommodation have been certified as eligible for ADA accommodation and will have a letter from the Office of Academic Accessibility (OAA) detailing the academic accommodations for which the student is eligible.  

The purpose of the accommodation letter is to verify ADA eligibility, suggest possible accommodations that may be appropriate, and offer opportunity for dialogue with the student to determine how the accommodations can best be provided.  You are under no obligation to offer accommodations to students who do not present a letter from OAA. Accommodations are not retroactive, and thus you are not obligated to modify grades or points earned prior to a student’s request for accommodation. We expect students to provide sufficient time for faculty to make needed adjustments. Students are encouraged to meet with faculty within the first two weeks of classes, but there is no time-limit on these requests.

To refuse a student’s request for a reasonable accommodation is a violation of the student’s civil rights and could subject the University to investigation by the Office for Civil Rights and/or lawsuit. Discussion is critical. Unless the requested accommodation can be shown to substantially alter the nature of a course, or does not match up well with the style of instruction, or somehow violates performance expectations in the class, you are obligated to comply with the request.  In some cases, an alternative accommodation may be appropriate. When there are issues that cannot be resolved through discussion, instructors are encouraged to call OAA for clarification and/or intervention.

The links on the left side of the page will help you understand some of the accommodations you may be asked to make.

If you are planning a cross-cultural that might include a student with a disability, check out Mobility International USA for information about accommodating students with disabilities in international exchange programs.  The Office of Academic Accessability works with the Intercultural Center to identify any potential problems a student with a disability who is studying abroad may encounter.  They will meet with and advise the student prior to departure to be sure that any necessary supports are in place.

Treat a student with a disability with the same dignity and respect that you would treat any other student.  Do not draw attention to the student's disability in front of the class.  Handle accommodations in such a way that draws the least amount of attention to the fact that the student is receiving accommodation.  Have an open mind about the student's ability to perform in the classroom, the major, and in their selected career.  Be creative in finding ways to teach and assess a student with a disability.