Teacher's Question of the Week
Q: If I am taking my class on a field trip locally or taking students on a study abroad program, am I responsible for providing accommodations to students outside of class?
A: Yes, students with disabilities must be given the same opportunites as students without disabilities in any program or offering from the school. Of course we can't control conditions in foreign countries, but we must make a good faith effort to meet the needs of those with disabilities as best we can.
The pamphlet from The Center for Research on Learning of the University of Kansas (see below) describes the major responsibilities that we need to know about to meet the needs of the students and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Click here to read "Accommodating Students and Others Outside the Classroom".
Students should be invited to an office hour to discuss the accommodations they will need when going on a trip outside of campus. Investigation into the conditions may be necessary to ensure physical accessibility. The DSPS Accommodations Specialist can help find interpreters, while the professor can provide extended time on tests if out of the country. The needs will vary for the individual, so it is important to speak with the student with a disability. Contact the DSPS specialists on your campus to discuss any questions about procedure and obligations.
Click here
to see the whole series: "The Instructor Series: Accommodating Students
with Disabilities in Post-Secondary Environments".
Please call the DSPS Office if you have any questions regarding accommodations.