Center for Disability & Accommodations

Embarking from 2024 onwards, the HB 22-1255 Improve Higher Education For Students With A Disability Act introduces a transformative phase for educational inclusivity. This initiative mandates the department of higher education to integrate essential data into its yearly “State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act” hearing. The focus lies on postsecondary achievements of students with disabilities.

In an unprecedented stride towards transparency and progress, the department will actively collaborate with institutions of higher education to compile this invaluable data. By working in harmony, we aim to empower students with disabilities, fostering an environment where their achievements are accurately documented, celebrated, and furthered.

Join us in embracing this pivotal chapter in higher education, one that reaffirms our commitment to a more inclusive and equitable future for all learners.

At Western Colorado University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all individuals. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) stands as a cornerstone of this commitment, prohibiting any form of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. House Bill 21-1110 serves to reinforce and extend this protection by introducing key provisions:

1. Equal Access to Services: Under the new regulations, it is considered discrimination to exclude an individual with a disability from participating in, or being denied the benefits of, services, programs, or activities offered by any Colorado government entity.

2. Accessibility Planning and Compliance: A significant stride towards inclusivity is marked by the requirement for all Colorado government entities to develop a comprehensive accessibility plan by July 1, 2022. Additionally, these entities must ensure full compliance with accessibility standards established by the Office of Information Technology (OIT) by July 1, 2024. This ensures that government information technology is accessible to all, expanding the scope of accessibility standards beyond just those with vision impairments, encompassing all individuals with disabilities as defined by the ADA.

3. As advocates for an equitable educational journey, we stand with House Bill 21-1110, advocating for broader accessibility and equal opportunities for all members of our community. Join us in embracing these pivotal changes and contributing to a future where inclusion knows no bounds.

Section 504 is a federal law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities  in the context of public universities. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participating in, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

At our University, we are committed to upholding the principles of Section 504. We provide reasonable accommodation and support services to ensure equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities. These accommodations may include academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, accessible facilities, and other necessary modifications.

Our office works closely with students, faculty, and staff to assess accommodation needs, implement reasonable adjustments, and promote an inclusive campus environment. We strive to create an atmosphere where all students can thrive academically, participate fully in campus life, and achieve their goals.

If you have a disability and require accommodations, we encourage you to contact our office. We are here to support you, advocate for your rights, and ensure your educational experience is accessible, inclusive, and empowering. Together, we can work towards removing barriers and creating an inclusive campus community that values diversity and fosters success for all.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including public universities. At our university, we are committed to upholding the principles and requirements of the ADA.

Under the ADA, qualified individuals with disabilities are entitled to equal access and opportunities in all aspects of university life. This includes access to programs, services, facilities, activities, and employment. Our university strives to provide reasonable accommodations and support services to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in the educational experience.

Our office is here to assist students with disabilities in navigating the ADA guidelines. We work closely with students, faculty, and staff to determine appropriate accommodations, facilitate communication, and address any concerns related to accessibility. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.

If you have a disability and require accommodation, we encourage you to connect with our Disability Services office. We are here to provide support, advocate for your rights, and collaborate with you to ensure equal access and opportunities in accordance with the ADA. Together, we can create a university community that values diversity, inclusivity, and the success of all individuals.

The Federal Fair Housing Act is a federal law that protects individuals with disabilities from housing discrimination, including within the context of housing at our public university.

Under the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in housing-related matters. This includes university-owned or affiliated housing options. Western is committed to complying with the Fair Housing Act and providing equal housing opportunities for all students, regardless of their disability status.

Our office works closely with University housing departments to ensure that reasonable accommodations are available to students with disabilities. These accommodations may include accessible housing options, modifications to living spaces, or other necessary adjustments. We strive to create an inclusive housing environment that supports the needs and preferences of all students.

If you require housing accommodations due to a disability, we encourage you to contact our office and the Residence Life department. We are here to assist you in navigating the process and ensuring that you have equal access to university housing options.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive community where all students can live comfortably and participate fully in university life. By adhering to the Fair Housing Act, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

Western Colorado University must ensure its compliance with the HEOA textbook provision.  Section 133 of the HEOA states the following:

SEC. 133. TEXTBOOK INFORMATION.

(a)     PURPOSE AND INTENT. —The purpose of this section is to ensure that students have access to affordable course materials by decreasing costs to students and enhancing transparency and disclosure with respect to the selection, purchase, sale, and use of course materials. It is the intent of this section to encourage all of the involved parties, including faculty, students, administrators, institutions of higher education, bookstores, distributors, and publishers, to work together to identify ways to decrease the cost of college textbooks and supplemental materials for students while supporting the academic freedom of faculty members to select high quality course materials for students.

The portion of Section 133 that most affects college faculty is the following:

(d) PROVISION OF ISBN COLLEGE TEXTBOOK INFORMATION IN COURSE SCHEDULES.—
To the maximum extent practicable, each institution of higher education receiving Federal financial assistance shall—
(1) disclose, on the institution’s Internet course schedule and in a manner of the institution’s choosing, the International Standard Book Number and retail price information of required and recommended college textbooks and supplemental materials for each course listed in the institution’s course schedule used for preregistration and registration purposes, except that—

(A) if the International Standard Book Number is not available for such college textbook or supplemental material, then the institution shall include in the Internet course schedule the author, title, publisher, and copyright date for such college textbook or supplemental material; and
(B) if the institution determines that the disclosure of the information described in this subsection is not practicable for a college textbook or supplemental material, then the institution shall so indicate by placing the designation ‘To Be Determined’ in lieu of the information required under this subsection; and

(2) if applicable, include on the institution’s written course schedule a notice that textbook information is available on the institution’s Internet course schedule, and the Internet address for such schedule.

In other words, by the time registration opens for students, they should be able to view not only the courses available but the textbooks (or other supplemental materials) that will be required for the course.  You can read the full list of provisions here.

The Center for Disability and Accommodations at Western works with staff, faculty, and students to ensure that all students have equitable access to educational opportunities including high school students who are receiving college credit through Western’s Concurrent Enrollment program.

Please see Western’s Center for Disability and Accommodations’ Concurrent Enrollment Policy for more information.

III. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

A student who believes they have been discriminated against on the basis of disability may seek advice and assistance from the Director of Disability Services or their Designee. The Director or Designee will explain the student’s options including informal resolution of the matter and formal complaint procedures.

A. Compliance Responsibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was enacted to protect individuals with disabilities against discrimination in critical areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, communication, health services and access to public services. The purpose of the ADA is to provide a clear mandate for the elimination of discrimination against people with disabilities, thus bringing them into the social and economic mainstream.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Civil Rights legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the programs and activities of public and private colleges/universities that receive federal financial assistance. Eliminating barriers to education programs and services, increasing building accessibility and establishing equitable employment practices are addressed in Section 504 regulations. The U.S. Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education is responsible for the enforcement and investigation of compliance with Section 504.

The Director of Disability Services serves as the ADA Coordinator and is responsible for facilitating the University’s efforts to comply with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Director of Disability Services will work with University personnel and students to resolve complaints regarding ADA compliance issues. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the student may file a formal complaint. Additional information is available in the Disability Services office located in Taylor Hall 302 (970.943.7056).

B. Complaint Procedure

A student who believes that he, she or they have been discriminated against on the basis of disability status is entitled to file a complaint with the Director of Disability Services, an external agency or both.

Discrimination can include, but is not limited to:

1. Failure to accommodate the student’s disability in a reasonable manner
2. Exclusion from a University program or activity
3. Disability-related harassment

The procedure for filing an internal complaint is published in the Grievance Policy for Filing a Complaint Based on a Disability. To file an internal complaint of disability discrimination, notify the Director of Disability Services in person or in writing. Complaints will be promptly acknowledged and investigated.

Disputes may arise between Western and students with disabilities as a result of misunderstanding or miscommunication. The Director of Disability Services can frequently facilitate the resolution of such disputes through informal mediation.

A student may choose to file a complaint of disability discrimination with an external agency instead of or in addition to filing an internal complaint. Most external complaints should be filed with the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, which has a local office in Denver. Complaints alleging disability-based employment discrimination may also be filed with the Colorado Civil Rights Division or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Additional information on internal and external complaint procedures is available from the Office of Human Resources, located in Taylor Hall 321.