The Office of Disability Services
"Helping Individuals Achieve Success"

POLICY and PROCEDURES

As defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a "person with a disability" is someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A person is considered to be a person with a disability if s/he has the disability, has a record of the disability, or is regarded as having the disability. The University will make a "good faith" effort to provide reasonable accommodations to persons identified as having disabilities on a case by case basis.

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

William Paterson University provides equal access to all programs, activities, awards and related benefits of its educational programs for all students without discrimination on the basis of disabling conditions. The University also believes in a total educational experience and, as such, mainstreams all students with disabilities into its regular programs and activities. This is done through the adaptation of programs, evaluation and services delivery to meet the individualized needs of the student while maintaining high academic standards. Students are encouraged to participate in the diverse activities of the university community.

The Office of Student Development, specifically the Coordinator of Disability Services, coordinates services for students with permanent disabilities. These services include assistance in registration, parking, referrals, adapted classroom activities and other special needs. It is the responsibility of the student to identify him/herself as a disabled person and request assistance from the Coordinator of Disability Services who is located in Morrison Hall, room 132.

All offices, departments, programs and personnel of the University cooperate in striving to provide an equally accessible educational environment. A pamphlet outlining the services available as well as large print materials and access maps are available from the Coordinator of Disability Services. The university adapts teaching and evaluation techniques to accommodate a student's specific needs. The University does not provide specialized classes, tutors or individual assistants for students.

If a student experiences difficulty because a class, program, or service is housed in a facility that is inaccessible, the Coordinator of Disability Services should be contacted to facilitate the relocation of that class, program or service to an accessible area.

The Coordinator may also involve the instructor, department chairperson and/or appropriate dean when a problem arises concerning a specific classroom activity or course requirement. At the beginning of each semester, the student should contact the Coordinator of Disability Services to notify the student's instructors of the accommodations to be provided to a student with a disability. This cooperation enhances the probability of the student's success in a course.

To ensure the safety of all students, the University requires that all students with mobility impairments file their schedules with the Campus Police Department each semester. This information will be used only in the event of a fire or other emergency. Students may contact Campus Police by calling 720-2300.

ADMISSION TO WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY

Students with disabilities will be admitted to the University according to the regular admission policies and deadlines established by the Admissions Department. Although the requirement of the Scholastic Aptitude Test will not be waived for disabled students, alternate administration of the SAT will satisfy admission requirements. Perspective students needing assistance when visiting the campus during Open Houses and campus tours should notify the Admissions Office of any special needs. This office will ensure that all activities are held in accessible areas and that appropriate directional signs are in place to assist visitors with disabilities. (Admissions)

Administration of the Basic Skills Test: All newly admitted students to the University are required to take the New Jersey Basic Skills Test. In order to be eligible for alternate testing accommodations, documentation must be provided to the Coordinator of Disability Services, prior to the request for an alternate administration of the N.J. Basic Skills Test. The Coordinator will notify the Test & Measurements Specialist of the request who will then arrange for the alternate administration directly with the student.

Campus Housing
There is a limited number of specially equipped rooms for students with physical disabilities in the Towers and Hillside Hall Residence Life complexes. Students wishing to live on campus must be completely self-sufficient. The final determination as to occupancy will be made by the Director of Residence Life in consultation with the Director of Student Health Services and other university specialists. Best efforts will be made to place students with mobility impairments on "ground level" floors to facilitate evacuation in case of emergency.

Suggestions as to how William Paterson University can more effectively assist students with disabilities should be addressed to the Office of Disability Services. General questions pertaining to accessibility and accommodations for students should be directed to the Coordinator of Disability Services, Morrison Hall Room 132, (973) 720-2853.

Sarah Byrd Askew Library

The Sarah Byrd Askew Library recognizes that individuals with disabilities may need special assistance in accessing library services and materials. To accommodate such requests for assistance, a reference librarian will act as ombudsman for coordinating and expediting assistance with reference service, photocopying, retrieving materials and mail deliveries.
Arrangements for these services can be made by calling the Reference Desk at 973-720-2116. A librarian will return the call within 24 business hours. Since it is difficult to anticipate specific requests, patrons are encouraged to call in advance if special assistance is needed. The Library will work directly with the University's Office of Disability Services 973-720-2218 to develop other accommodations. New students, faculty and staff are encouraged to contact both the Library Reference Department and the Office of Disability Services in advance of their arrival on campus if special library accommodations are needed.

Examples of Services:

Circulation of Materials and Photocopy Assistance

Individuals with disabilities can make arrangements to have circulating library materials delivered on campus or mailed. Lending Services staff will also assist individuals with the retrieval of materials from both the circulating and reserve collections, and photocopying. Periodicals Department staff will assist in the retrieval of magazines, newspapers and journals and will provide photocopy assistance for all formats (paper, fiche and film). A wheelchair-accessible photocopier is available in the Periodicals Department. Most library photocopiers can make enlarged copies of documents.

Reference Service
Reference staff provide individualized reference and research assistance by appointment, via e-mail and, in person, at the reference desk. Reference staff will assist in the use of the Library's Online Catalog and electronic reference databases. A copy of all library brochures and instructional handouts can be provided on disk upon request and many are already accessible on the Library Web page.

Adaptive Technology

The following equipment is available for use by individuals with disabilities

• An Optelec video magnification system is located in the Periodicals Department. The magnification is approximately 4x to 100x.
• A Kurzweil Omni 1000 reading/scanning workstation for individuals with visual impairments is located in the Adaptive Technology Room, Room 105, in the Reference Department. Users must register at the Reference Desk.
• A Kurzweil Omni 3000 reading/scanning workstation for individuals with learning disabilities is located in the Adaptive Technology Room, Room, 105, in the Reference Department of the library. Users must register at the Reference Desk. The Onmi 3000 software is also available in the Atrium.
• ZoomText software has been installed in labs throughout campus to assist individuals with visual impairments. Those needing to utilize this software should contact the Office of Disability Services.
• Dragon Systems Naturally Speaking speech recognition software is available as a typing/writing tool for those who have difficulty with hand or finger dexterity or students with learning difficulties that affect writing skills. This program is available in the Adaptive Technology Room, Room, 105, in the Reference Department. Users must register at the Reference Desk.

The Office of Disability Services is located in:
Morrison Hall, Room 132, 300 Pompton Road Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone 973.720.2853 Fax 973.720.2095