Accessibility at UNCSA

At the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, we believe diversity and inclusivity are a key to success. Working in partnership with campus constituents, UNCSA is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment by making the university accessible to individuals with disabilities. This web page provides information, guidance, and resources to inform students, faculty, staff and the public of UNCSA’s efforts related to accessibility.

Accessibility applies everywhere on campus!  The need for accessibility includes access to our built environments, instructional environments, and virtual environments (including online courses, web pages and other electronic information). A commitment to accessibility gives all of our students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to succeed.  Not only is accessibility the right thing to do, compliance is a requirement mandated by Federal law.

Policy of Non-Discrimination

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides individuals with disabilities civil rights protection. ADA guarantees equal opportunity in employment, public accommodation, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act states: “No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely on the basis of his/her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Consistent with ADA and Section 504, the Policy of UNCSA, is that no qualified individual with a disability may be discriminated against on the basis of a disability. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to seek employment and/or admission to the university. UNCSA will make necessary efforts to accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. Such efforts include the elimination of physical barriers, and the provision of individual accommodations. Our goal is to promote institutional programs, services and employment practices that are accessible to all individuals with disabilities. Neither ADA nor Section 504 require post-secondary educational institutions to lower academic standards or substantially alter the essential requirements of a course, program, or degree. The requirement to provide reasonable accommodations is designed to afford equal opportunity to access.

Requesting Disability-Related Accommodations

Individuals with disabilities are responsible for requesting accommodations and providing supporting documentation. Individuals can request accommodations at any time, however, sufficient time must be provided in order to review documentation and implement the accommodation request. Please keep in mind that accommodations are not provided retroactively.

Disability appeal procedure for students

UNCSA has adopted an appeals process for disability-related matters to ensure a student's rights and privileges are protected. To learn more, please review the Disability Appeal Procedure. 

College Students

Accessibility Resources are available for undergraduate and graduate students.  The office of Learning Resources is responsible for reviewing disability documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations, auxiliary aids, and adjustments in accordance with federal and state laws.  Additionally, staff from the office of Learning Resources collaborate with faculty, staff, and university departments to assist them in providing accommodations to ensure access to university programs, activities, and services for students with documented disabilities.  Refer to Accessibility Resources for information on disability-related services and supports, including accommodations.

High School Students

Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans are available for students enrolled in the UNCSA High School Academic Program.  Some students will bring a 504 Plan or IEP from their previous school. Others may be more newly diagnosed as having a disability. Refer to Steps for Accommodations for High School Program.

• In order to determine services under Section 504 eligibility, the student must have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The disability must cause limited access to the regular educational program and does not require specifically designed instruction.
• To determine eligibility for specifically designed instruction via an Individual Education Plan (IEP), an IEP Team consisting of the student, parent, and designated officials from UNCSA review disability-related evaluation data and ensure there is evidence to support eligibility for special education and related services.

Employees

Human Resources responds to requests for accommodation from employees with disabilities. They are also responsible for overseeing compliance with regard to state and federal regulations that prohibit employee discrimination on the basis of disability and requests for reasonable accommodations. For assistance with requesting an ADA accommodation, please contact Angela Mahoney or Sharon Hill.

Creating Accessible Courses, Programs and Events

Courses

Teaching faculty must ensure that the design of their instructional course materials are accessible. This includes all electronic information utilized for face-to-face courses, hybrid courses, and fully online courses that integrate electronic resources and platforms. The university offers training on the "Basics of Creating Accessible Online Course Content" and "Accessible PDFs." More information is provided on the Faculty & Staff Resources webpage.

Programs and Events

Departments, organizations, auxiliaries, or affiliated entities of UNCSA are responsible for ensuring that their programs, events, goods and services are accessible to the maximum extent feasible, and must provide an opportunity for individuals to request accommodation as well as respond appropriately to any request for accommodation. Creating Accessible Programs and Events brochure can assist those who are planning and developing events.  Refer to the guidelines offered and reach out to the office of Learning Resources for any questions you may have.

Campus Accessibility Committee

The Campus Accessibility Committee is an intra-campus team that meets bi-annually.  The Committee consists of campus representatives from the following areas: Academic Affairs, Admissions, Campus Police & Safety, Facilities Management, Human Resources, Informative Technology, Disability/ADA/504, Library, Student Affairs & Residence Life and Housing, and Strategic Communications.

The goal of the Committee is to share information as well as to discuss, identify, and remedy potential barriers to access for students and individuals with disabilities.

ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer for the University

The ADA and Section 504 Compliance Officer for the university is committed to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UNCSA. For questions or concerns regarding access to programs and services please contact the ADA and Section 504 Compliance Officer for the university. Every effort will be made to resolve the situation or concern and/or the student will be referred to the appropriate individual for assessment and review. 

Contact:

Director of Learning Resources
Office: Teaching and Learning Center, 2nd floor of Library Annex
Phone: 336-726-6963
Fax: 336-726-6964
Email: learningresources@uncsa.edu