Each institution should develop guidelines governing support services for students with disabilities. These guidelines, which must adhere to the law, should cover issues specific to each institution, as well as to each institution’s sense of mission and commitment in the area of disability support services (Scott, 1994). Complaints against institutions can often be easily resolved if the institution has guidelines in place governing that particular issue. A statement of these guidelines should be disseminated to all involved parties. As a minimum, these guidelines should include the following (Rothstein, 1991):

1. A general statement of the institution’s level of commitment to providing services to people with disabilities



2. A description of the institution’s procedures to ensure access to services
1. its method of disseminating information about who is responsible for disability services
2. its method of publicizing services (see sample DSS brochure)


3. A description of the manner in which students secure services (who, what, when, where)



4. A definition of each disability (cite the definition(s) in use at the institution)



5. An enumeration of the institution's rights and responsibilities in the process



6. An enumeration of student rights and responsibilities in the process (Include any information pertinent to discontinuation of services, i.e., non-attendance, notification)


Students must:
1. self-identify
2. request specific accommodations
3. follow institutional procedural policies (including provision of appropriate documentation)
4. monitor effectiveness of accommodations
5. notify disability services office if any difficulties arise

Sample "Rights and Responsibilities" statement from Montgomery College.


7. An enumeration of faculty rights and responsibilities in the process (Having a contract with the institution means faculty members must uphold the policies of the institution - University of California, Berkeley case - Campbell A. Dinsmore vs. Charles C. Pugh & the Regents of the University of California, 1989; Disability Accommodation Digest, 1, 1.)


Faculty must:
1. identify essential vs. nonessential course requirements (Scott, 1990)
2. provide necessary accommodations in teaching methods and methods of evaluation
3. allow the use of needed auxiliary aids


8. A description of the grievance procedure, including the process for settling disagreements between faculty and students over accommodations or services (Rothstein, 1991)

For a reference see Disability Services Procedures Checklist.

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