What is ADA
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA was signed in 1990 and then amended in 2008 to broaden the definition of disability so that more could qualify for protections and support under the law. You may also see ADA written as ADA-AA (Americans with Disabilities Act - As Amended)
Who is the ADA Director AND what is the ADA Office?
See the "Staff" link [Here] to view and make an appointment with the ADA Director. The ADA Office is an administrative office at the university that is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal laws and guidance that include the American's with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act. Within the ADA Office, you will find the ADA Director.
What does the ADA Director do?
The ADA director serves The University of the South by assessing compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and The Fair Housing Act. The ADA Director works with campus partners and administrators to develop compliance plans for the domain. The ADA director also coordinates ADA awareness programs, ADA education and training, and facilitates investigations of complaints regarding non-compliance with the above mentioned laws and regulations. Where applicable, the ADA Director assists Human Resources with employee and participant accommodation requests.
What if I’m unsure if a Non-Discrimination Harassment, or Retaliation report is the right report to file?
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation due to your disability, then filing a report is a step that you can take. You're encouraged to discuss your concerns with the Senior Director of Equity and Equal Opportunity and/or the ADA Director. We are here to help you navigate your concerns and next steps. Individuals with disabilities are a protected classes under federal law.
What is the difference between Student Accessibility Services, The ADA OFFICE, and Human resources?
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) helps to provide support and education specifically to students at the University of the South, including Undergraduate, School of Letters, and School of Theology students.
Similarly, Human Resources (HR) helps to provide support and education to specifically to employees at the University of the South.
The ADA Office works with campus administration to develop plans to increase accessibility on campus and to ensure we are meeting our compliance requirements under the ADA, Section 504 of the rehabilitation act, and any other disability related federal or state law. If you or someone you know believes that they have experienced disability discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or a barrier, then the ADA Office is where you are encouraged to go.
Where do I go if I want to request accommodations?
Undergraduate, School or Letters, and School of Theology Students can request accommodations from Student Accessibility Services.
Employees can request accommodations from Human Resources including student employees and third party contractors.
Guests and Visitors (aka participants) can request accommodations from the ADA Office. This includes summer programs and conference attendees.
[Click Here] for a visual of where to request accommodations.
What do I do if I think I may qualify as having a disability, but have never spoken with a doctor?
If you are unsure how to start the process of determining if you meet criteria for a disability, then there is an office that can assist you based on your role at the university. Students can reach out to Student Accessibility Services (sas@sewanee.edu), employees can reach out to Human Resources (hr@sewanee.edu), and guest/visitors can reach out to the ADA Office (ada@sewanee.edu).
Do I still qualify for support if I am not an American citizen?
The Americans with Disability Act grants protection to individuals with disabilities who are American citizens and aliens who are authorized for residence in the USA. The ADA does not grant protection to American citizens in foreign countries. The University of the South is committed to working with individuals to provide access whenever possible.
What do I do if I notice something that might make life harder for an individual with a disability?
The University encourages all individuals who notice any barriers to use the "Report A Barrier form" [CLICK HERE] to let us know. Barriers may be; physical, programmatic, communication, or other. Please note that some barriers may take longer than others to address.
How do I show people that my event, class, organization, and other programS ARE accessible?
The University encourages program/event organizers to include an accessibility statement on all advertisements and/or registration materials. An example of an accessibility statement is:
If you have questions about the accessibility of our event or wish to inquire about accommodations, please contact (program coordinator - [that's you!]) at (email) or (phone).
Keep in mind that not all abilities may be able to use email or their voice to communicate, so it is important to provide more than one way to contact program coordinators. If program coordinators need help in processing accommodations or addressing accessibility concerns they can contact the ADA Office at ada@sewanee.edu.
Do I have to make things accessible? Aren’t we a private institution?
The University of the South falls under both Title II and Title III of the ADA. As an institution that receives federal assistance as well as an institution that periodically has programs/events open to the public. As such, the university has a federal requirement to be in compliance with the ADA.
