 |
About Our Services
+ Who is
Disabled?
→ Accommodations & Auxiliary Aids
+ Adaptive Technology
+ Transportation
+ Housing
+ Glossary of Terms
+ Residential Events Relocation Policy
+ Major Accessible House Venues
| | |
ABOUT OUR SERVICES: Accommodations and Auxiliary
Aids Accommodations
"Accommodations" are modifications to the course, program or
educational requirements such as are necessary and appropriate so that such requirements do not discriminate or have the
effect of discriminating on the basis of disability. Academic requirements that are essential to the course or to the
program of instruction being pursued by the student or which relate directly to licensing requirements will not be
regarded as discriminatory within the meaning of this section. Potential modifications that may be considered include
(but are not limited to) changes in the length of time permitted for completion of a degree, substitutions of specific
courses required for the completion of degree requirements (when approved by faculty), extended time on an examination or paper, and other
appropriate accommodations which do not fundamentally alter the essential nature of a course or academic program.
"Accommodations" is a broad term, not limited to wheelchair usage. Accommodations include such considerations as
adjustable lighting, sound amplification, material format and presentation, working with others to find suitable
relocations for inaccessible classes, meetings and events as circumstances and availability permit; and a wide range of
other methods of assistance addressing any number of different concerns. Since conditions can be variable and change
without warning, it is important that you seek guidance over the course of the school year so that we can determine what
is working and what isn't working. Monitoring helps us to determine the most appropriate accommodations for you.
Auxiliary Aids and Services
"Auxiliary Aids and Services" may include but are not limited to
note-takers, readers, Brailled or large print materials, and mobility training for students with visual impairments;
sign language interpreters, real time captioning, and note-takers for students who are deaf or hearing impaired; and
typists and scribes for students with manual impairments. (This is not an exhaustive list.) Devices or services of a
personal nature such as personal attendants, individually prescribed devices, or readers for personal use or study are
not provided. Even though students may have disabilities which seem to be quite similar, individuals have the right
to differing accommodations or auxiliary aids and services based upon their own training and experience. AEO helps
coordinate and customize a number of resources to accommodate a wide range of disabilities.
Resources can include:
- Introductory letter, presented by the student to designated persons, outlining students' needs for
accommodation (only with student authorization)
- Coordination with academic and administrative departments
- Sign language interpreting and C.A.R.T. services as well as note taking support. (617-496-3720 Voice/TTY, Jody_Steiner@harvard.edu);
- Adaptive Technology Laboratory (ATL): Adaptive Software Consultations, Accessible E-Text, Enlarged Text and Images, and Braille; All services require an AEO referral
- Liaison for learning disability screening, peer support group and counseling services; Role-play interviewing focusing on questions of when
and how to disclose disability when applying to graduate schools and/or seeking employment
- Certain loaned equipment and supplies
- Information about alternative testing arrangements and documentation for GMAT's, GRE's, LSAT's, etc.
- Information about disability support groups (EMPOWER - Encouraging Mankind to Perceive Others
With Equal Respect; empower@hcs.harvard.edu) and campus, regional, and
national service organizations
All students must meet with the AEO staff member before any accommodation can be granted. | |
