Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures that qualified handicapped individuals are not discriminated against in programs receiving federal aid. Academic institutions like the University of Iowa must provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities to succeed. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) expands these protections, requiring public facilities, services, and communications to be accessible to persons with disabilities, including providing auxiliary aids unless an undue burden is imposed.

Reasonable accommodation, as defined by the ADA, modifies the learning environment to ensure equal educational opportunities without giving special advantages or different grading scales. It involves steps that can be taken easily and affordably to help students meet course requirements despite their disabilities. If accommodations are not apparent, efforts should be made to identify effective methods. Student Disability Services assesses eligibility and recommends specific accommodations based on medical information

The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who:

• has a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities,
• has a record of such an impairment, or
• is regarded as having such an impairment.

Major life activities include self-care, manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, lifting, bending, learning, and functions of the immune system, cell growth, digestion, bowel and bladder functions, neurological and brain functions, respiration, circulation, endocrine, and reproduction. This definition covers a wide range of disabilities. Instructors should consult Student Disability Services (SDS) for guidance on how a student's disability may affect their academic performance.

If a student requests accommodations by presenting a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) from SDS, the instructor must ensure accessibility in the learning environment. Instructors should create a welcoming atmosphere for students to discuss accommodation needs and maintain confidentiality.

Instructors can show willingness to assist by including a statement in their syllabus encouraging students needing accommodations, emergency medical information, or evacuation arrangements to make an appointment.

It is recommended that instructors meet privately with students who identify themselves as having a disability. If a student discloses a disability but hasn't registered with SDS, they should be referred to SDS to request accommodations. Once eligible, the instructor will receive an LOA detailing approved accommodations. Any concerns about accommodations should be directed to SDS, not the student. Instructors can also seek assistance from their academic department.

While it is the instructor's responsibility to establish an accessible learning environment, students have several key responsibilities:

• Registering with Student Disability Services
• Contacting Student Disability Services for alternative formats for textbooks and exams
• Requesting alternative testing procedures in advance
• Providing a Letter of Accommodations to their instructors every semester

For further information on providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, please refer to Student Disability Services