Disability Services in Higher Education

Description

Disability Services in Higher Education is the first comprehensive guide for people working in the field of ADA compliance in higher education. The authors examine how disabilities are supported to ensure students receive appropriate accommodations throughout their collegiate experience as well as provide guidance on overall campus accessibility. 
This volume provides an overview of the responsibilities of a Disabilities Service professional through an examination of relevant literature, laws and regulatory language, case law, and narrative on established practices. It also offers resources that current professionals can modify for use in their day-to-day practice immediately. The authors explore the complexities of accessibility, paying careful attention to the nuances of disability evaluation, accommodation decisions, management of a disability service office, advocating for resources and collaboration within and outside of higher education institutions. 
This practitioner-friendly book will help newcomers and seasoned professionals explore and evaluate best practices in the field through questions, examples, and functional job aids available for immediate use.  
  “Whether you are working directly in disability services, supervising those who are doing so, or serving as an institutional partner, this text provides a great entry point for professionals in higher education. Readers will find a comprehensive grounding in the letter and spirit of the law that establishes a firm foundation for how institutions serve students with disabilities. The authors draw from their experience to offer specific examples, reflective exercises, and practical tools to help manage day-to-day operations.”—Kaela Parks, Director of Accessible Education & Disability Resources at Portland Community College “The field of disability services has undergone rapid change in recent years. In Disability Services in Higher Education the authors have assembled an exceptional text that reflects both theoretical and practice-based content. For example, it provides readers with the opportunity to consider campus accessibility through the lens of both case law and campus culture. Moreover, it does so while also sharing many practical tools for disability services professionals including policy statements, sample office forms, and letters, as well as many helpful professional tips based upon years of field-based experience. This text should be considered required reading for new and seasoned professionals; all affiliated professionals who promote access, equity, and inclusion; and all future disability services professionals studying the field.”—Dr. Lyman L. Dukes III, Professor, Exceptional Student Education, at the University of South Florida

Kirsten T. Behling is the Associate Dean of the Student Accessibility and Academic Resource (StAAR) Center at Tufts University. She is the coauthor of Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education.
Eileen H. Bellemore is a Senior Specialist and clinician at the Association of American Medical Colleges. She formerly led disability services offices at several small private colleges.
Lisa B. Bibeau is the Assistant Dean for Student Success and Disability Services as well as Adjunct Professor in the Health Care Studies Program at Salem State University.
Andrew S. Cioffi is the Director of Disability Services and Co-Founder and Adjunct Professor in the Disability Services in Higher Education Graduate Certificate Program at Suffolk University.
Bridget A. McNamee is an Accommodations Advisor in corporate human resources. She was the former Associate Director of Accessibility Services at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

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