Disability Services
Legal Guidelines
The Disability Resource Center is an active part of helping Boise State move toward the goal of becoming a Metropolitan Research University of Distinction by supporting the strategic plan objectives of academic excellence by
- Promoting student centered services
- Responding to the educational needs of the region
- Creating and promoting diversity
- Creating an organization that is responsive to change
In order to for Boise State to fully meet the above Strategic Plan goals, we must all work toward meeting the civil rights of students with disabilities.
The Basics of the Law
Because Boise State University receives federal funding, we are held to civil rights laws—The American’s With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973—prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The American's With Disabilities Act (ADA) is civil rights legislation that "guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications."
Under the ADA, Boise State is considered a public accommodation and may not discriminate against people with disabilities and must provide equal access by removal of physical barriers, provision of auxiliary aides, and “make reasonable changes in policies, practices and procedures to avoid discrimination.” (source: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/hq9805.html)
Section 504 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subpart E-Postsecondary Education is a more specific legislation guiding how Boise State provides accommodations for students with disabilities.
What does Section 504 say?
Under Section 504, Boise State may not discriminate against a student with a disability in the admissions process and must provide equal access to qualified students.
Qualified means that the student, with or without accommodations, has met the University and/or program admissions requirements.
The University and/or program may not set admission requirements that would discriminate against a student with a disability, nor can the University and/or program impose rules or limit use of auxiliary aids (including tape recorders, Guide Dogs, interpreters, adapted classroom equipment) that would limit the student’s full participation in courses or University programs.
The University must provide academic modifications (known as accommodations at Boise State) to allow students with disabilities equal access to academics.
(source: http://www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-34cfr104.html#E)
