Disability Services
Welcome to Cumberland University Disability Services. Our mission is to provide eligible students with documented disabilities equal access to Cumberland University academic and physical environments through reasonable accommodations.
Cumberland University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of education opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as codified in 42 U.S.C. 2000D; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Pub. L. 92-318: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-336; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (Pub. L. 90-202) (ADEA); and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 42 USC 6101, et. seq.
Proctoring is available upon request. Please contact adavis@cumberland.edu.
Andrea Davis, Coordinator of Disability Services
Location
Labry Hall 226
Cumberland University
Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone: (615) 547-1286
Email: adavis@cumberland.edu
When talking with a person with a disability, speak directly to that person rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter.
When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands. Shaking hands with the left hand is an acceptable greeting.
When meeting a person who is visually impaired, always identify yourself and others who may be with you. When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking.
If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen to or ask for instructions.
Treat adults as adults. Address people who have disabilities by their names only when extending the same familiarity to others. Never patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder.
Leaning on or hanging to a person's wheelchair is similar to leaning or hanging on to a person and is generally considered annoying. The chair is part of the personal body space of the person who uses it.
Listen attentively when you are talking with a person who has difficulty speaking. Be patient and wait for the person to finish, rather than correcting or speaking for the person. If necessary, ask short questions that require short answers, a nod or shake of the head. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty doing so. Instead, repeat what you have understood and allow the person to respond. The response will clue you in and guide your understanding.
When speaking to a person who uses a wheelchair or a person who uses crutches, place yourself at eye level in front of the person to facilitate the conversation.
To get the attention of a person who is deaf, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly, and expressively to determine if the person can read your lips. Not all persons who are deaf can read lips. For those who do lip read, be sensitive to their needs by placing yourself so that you face the light source and keep hands, cigarettes, and food away from your mouth when speaking.
Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted, common expressions such as "See you later," or "Did you hear about that?" that seem to relate to a person's disability. Don't be afraid to ask question when you're unsure of what to do.
Source: Tennessee Technological University Office of Disability Services
FAQs
As defined in the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a disability is a mental or physical impairment that materially restricts one or more major life activities. If there exists a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition, or a condition that may be considered by others as substantially limiting, then you may have a legally defined disability.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008, "substantially limiting" is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or being significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people.
The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 states that major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.
How to Receive Special Accomodations
At Cumberland University, the Coordinator of Disability Services coordinates Disability Services on campus. If a student suspects that s/he has a disability that is impacting his/her academic performance, the student will need to provide the Disabilities Services office with a Registration Form and appropriate documentation of that disability from a qualified professional. An appointment should be scheduled with the Coordinator of Disability Services in order to review the documentation and determine what academic adjustments may be appropriate. Once the appropriate accommodations have been determined, Academic Accommodation Forms will be completed for the student by the Coordinator of Disability Services. These forms are due back to the Disability Services within ten working days.
Cumberland University does not diagnose disabilities. However, students can contact the office for help in obtaining a referral to a qualified professional in our community.
Following the original registration process with the Coordinator of Disability Services, it is the responsibility of each student to notify the Coordinator of Disability Services at the beginning of each semester that they need Academic Accommodations Forms for classes.
Accommodations for Temporary Disabilities
When a student has a temporary disability which impacts his/her academic performance, the student will need to provide the Coordinator of Disability Services with a Registration for Temporary Accommodations form and appropriate documentation of that disability from a qualified professional. An appointment must be scheduled with the Disability Services Office in order to review the documentation and determine what academic adjustments may be appropriate. Once the appropriate accommodations have been determined, Academic Accommodation Forms will be completed for the student by the Coordinator of Disability Services. These forms are due back to Disability Services within ten working days.
Before a student may file for academic adjustments, documentation of the disability should be provided. Documentation should be as current as possible and furnished by a qualified professional who is licensed or certified to diagnose the disability in question. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) from high school is a valuable resource of information as well. As much information about the disability as possible should be provided, including:
- date of assessment and diagnosis
- current functional impact of the disability and limitations of the disorder on the student’s academic performance
- treatments or medications in current use
- estimated effectiveness of treatments or medications in lessening the impact of the disability
- expected duration, stability or progression of the condition
- clinical summary of the procedures and instruments used to make the diagnosis, to include a diagnostic interview as well as testing results
- specific recommended academic accommodations for the condition with a rationale for each recommendation
- for psychiatric disabilities, a complete DSM-IV-TR diagnosis in multiaxial format, current symptoms that meet the diagnosis, assessment procedures, and evaluation instruments and results in addition to all of the above
The disability must be a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A qualified individual with a disability must satisfy the requisite skill, experience, education, and other program-related requirements and can perform, with or without reasonable adjustments, the essential requirements of such a program.
The student will be asked to sign an Authorization for Release and Exchange of Information Form if they desire contact between the Disability Services and their healthcare provider for any reason.
Documentation can be submitted via:
- Regular mail to the office of disability services.
- Scan and e-mail to adavis@cumberland.edu
Students who are 18 years old or older are legally recognized as adults. As such, each student is responsible for his or her own accommodation requests and disability-related decisions. However, students are encouraged to have open communication with parents or other significant family members.
Students who have Special Accommodation needs during exams will have quizzes, tests, and exams proctored by faculty members whenever possible. Faculty members who are unable to meet this need should notify the Coordinator of Disability Services as soon as possible during the course of the semester.
If a student expresses concern that the faculty member is unable to meet their Special Accommodation needs in a given class and the faculty member and the student cannot resolve the issue, the faculty member should direct the student to complete a Written Notice of Failure of Accommodation to Meet a Need form and submit it to the Coordinator of Disability Services. This form should also be submitted by the student if a student and faculty member are unable to satisfactorily meet Special Accommodation needs and would like the student’s quizzes, tests, or exams proctored by Disability Services.
When a student or a faculty member requests that Disability Services proctor an exam, the Testing Procedures Policy must be followed. Disability Services will be unable to provide testing services if the procedures are disregarded. Each student is required to make his/her own arrangements for testing adjustments with the Coordinator of Disability Services at least 48 hours prior to the test time. The Test Information and Adjustment Forms must be given to the instructor at least 48 hours prior to the test time. The faculty member is to complete the form and send it, along with the test, to the Coordinator of Disability Services at least 24 hours prior to test time. Tests will remain in a securely locked cabinet until the time of the test.
- Tests will be proctored by Disability Services in a quiet, climate controlled room when a faculty member is unable to meet a student’s accommodation needs. At the beginning of each semester, students will be asked to sign an Accommodation Acknowledgement and Acceptance Form that the testing rooms identified by Disability Services that semester meet their needs.
- A proctor will be provided for each test. Students taking the tests will not be granted any more time than that determined to be appropriate prior to the test. Students will be expected to comply with the Testing Room Policy on Personal Belongings at all times during the course of the quiz or test.
Proctors will complete a Testing Report during each exam and will submit this along with the exam and the answer sheet to the Coordinator of Disability Services.
Students who have Special Accommodation needs during exams will have quizzes, tests, and exams proctored by faculty members whenever possible. Faculty members who are unable to meet this need should notify the Director of Counseling and Disability Services as soon as possible during the course of the semester. If a student expresses concern that the faculty member is unable to meet their Special Accommodation needs in a given class and the faculty member and the student cannot resolve the issue, through the interactive process with the Office of Disability Services, the faculty member or the Office of Disability Services should direct the student to complete a Written Notice of Failure of Accommodation to Meet a Need and submit it to the Director of Counseling and Disability Services.
A complaint that Special Accommodations for a student are not being met must be made in writing, and must provide the name and address of the person making it and a brief description of the alleged violation of ADA regulations. The complaint should be made using the Written Notice of Failure of Accommodation to Meet a Need.
A complaint should be addressed to the Cumberland University the Director of Counseling and Disability Services, Labry Hall 225, One Cumberland Square, Lebanon, Tennessee 37087. A copy of this complaint will be given to the Designated University Coordinator.
A complaint must be filed within ten (10) business days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation.
An investigation will be conducted. The investigation will include, but not necessarily be limited to, interviews with the complainant and with university personnel in charge of the area in which the alleged violation occurred. All involved parties will be provided an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. The investigation will be conducted in a manner which protects any due process right of parties concerned and also ensures that Cumberland University complies with the ADA and its implementing regulations.
When the investigation is complete the student will receive written determination concerning the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any. This statement will be provided to the complainant no later than ten (10) business days following receipt of the complaint and a copy will be given the Designated University Coordinator.
If the individual is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation, an appeal may be made through the Designated University Coordinator at the conclusion of the investigation within five (5) business days of the written determination. In the event of an appeal, the Designated University Coordinator will review the complaint, the results of the investigation, the written determination, and consult with the complainant in an attempt to resolve any remaining concerns within five (5) business days of receipt of the appeal. The final appeal rests with the President.
If the nature of the complaint is against the Cumberland University Director of Counseling and Disability Services or the Cumberland University Disability Services Office, the complaint should be filed with the Cumberland University Dean of Students, Labry Hall, One Cumberland Square, Lebanon, Tennessee 37087.
Complaint Resolution Policies and Procedures for Non-Tennessee Resident Students in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement States, commonly known as SARA.
Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws that involve distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution.
Complainants not satisfied with the outcome of the Institution’s internal process may appeal, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (https://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and- compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization/request-for-complaint-review.html).
For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of SARA or the laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the SARA Policies and Standards (http://www.nc-sara.org/content/sara-manual) have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.
For a list of SARA member States, please visit the NC-SARA website (http://nc-sara.org/sara- states-institutions). Students residing in non-SARA states should consult their respective State of residence for further instruction for filing a complaint.
Cumberland University is committed to assuring the constitutional and statutory confidentiality protections and the rights of non-disclosure of students with disabilities. Documentation required while verifying a disability is not shared with any person or entity without consultation with and written permission by the student unless prescribed by law.
It is the policy of Cumberland University to call 911 when a student has a seizure. Students who have a Seizure Disorder and want to register with Disability Services can complete a Seizure Response Plan and submit it to the Coordinator of Disability Services to express their wishes regarding the CU response if a seizure occurs on campus; however, CU reserves the right to call 911 when a student has a seizure even when a Seizure Response Plan is registered with Disability Services.
Students who utilize a service animal for assistance on campus must complete a Service Animal Registration Form and submit it to the Coordinator of Disability Services to register the animal with Disability Services.
The Disability Services office and the Residence Life Office seek to ensure consistency in evaluating special housing requests based on disabilities while at the same time carefully exploring each individual situation. A student who seeks special accommodations in housing must register with the Coordinator of Disability Services for special accommodations and the student must complete a Residence Life application. To aid this process, requests should include:
- Documentation of the condition or need that is the basis of the request;
- A clear description of the desired housing accommodation;
- An explanation of how the request relates to the impact of the condition;
- Possible alternatives if the recommended accommodation is not reasonable or available.
Documentation consists of an evaluation by an appropriate health care professional that relates the current impact of the condition to the request. Documentation should be typed on official letterhead and signed by the physician or other professional. The documentation should include:
- The current impact of (or limitations imposed by) the conditions;
- Treatments, medications, devices or services currently prescribed or used to minimize the impact of the condition;
- The expected duration, stability, or the progression of the condition;
- The credentials of the diagnosing professional.
Recommendations from the treating professional may be given consideration in evaluating a request and should:
- Provide a clear description of the recommended housing accommodations;
- Connect the recommended accommodation to the impact of the condition (diagnosis must be clearly stated);
- Provide possible alternatives to the recommended accommodation;
- Present statement of the level of need for (or the consequences of not receiving) the recommended accommodation.
Factors Considered when Evaluating Special Accommodation in Housing Requests:
Severity of the Condition
- Is the impact of the condition life threatening if the request is not met?
- Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan prescribed by a medical professional for the condition in question?
Timing of the Request
- Was the request made with the initial housing request?
- Was the request made as soon as possible after identifying the need? (Based on the date of the diagnosis, receipt of housing assignment, change in status, etc.)
Feasibility & Availability
- Is space available that meets the student's documented need?
- Can space be adapted to provide the requested accommodation without creating a safety hazard (electric load, etc.)?
- Are there other effective methods or housing accommodations that would achieve similar benefits as the requested accommodation?
- How does meeting this request impact housing commitments to other students?
The Office of Disability Services will carefully consider each request when reviewing documentation and recommendations.
Information for Faculty
General Info
Before a student may receive academic accommodations, the student must register with Disability Services and meet with Counselor of Disability Services to discuss his/her disability and requested accommodations. Documentation of the disability by a licensed and/or certified professional qualified to diagnose the disability is strongly recommended. Students who ask for information about documentation requirements can be directed to this webpage. The documented disability must be a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A qualified individual with a disability must satisfy the requisite skill, experience, education, and other program-related requirements and can perform, with or without reasonable adjustments, the essential requirements of such a program.
Once the Coordinator of Disability Services reviews the Registration Form and the documentation of a student’s disability and determines the appropriate accommodations, an Academic Accommodation Form will be completed and given to the student (and the faculty member if the course is online). This form should be signed by both the student and the faculty member and returned within ten working days to the Director of Disability Services. No faculty member may provide special accommodations to a student unless s/he has received an Academic Accommodation Form for that specific class in that specific semester.Once the Director of Coordinator of Disability Services reviews the Registration Form and the documentation of a student’s disability and determines the appropriate accommodations, an Academic Accommodation Form will be completed and given to the student. This form should be signed by both the student and the faculty member and returned within ten working days to the Coordinator of Disability Services. No faculty member may provide special accommodations to a student unless s/he has received an Academic Accommodation Form for that specific class in that specific semester.
Students with a disability can register with the Office of Disability Services, located in Labry Hall 226, to receive accommodations. Once registered and approved, students will receive Academic Accommodations Forms and should return the signed forms within 10 business days. Students are encouraged to register for accommodations as early in the semester as possible. The Office of Disability Services can be reached by phone (615-547-1286), email (adavis@cumberland.edu), or in person (Labry Hall, room 226). For more information, please visit: http://www.cumberland.edu/student-life/disability-services/
Faculty members are asked to proctor tests, quizzes, and exams for students who have Special Accommodation needs to the extent possible. Faculty members who are unable to meet this need should notify the Coordinator of Disability Services as soon as possible during the course of the semester. If a student expresses concern that the faculty member is unable to meet their Special Accommodation needs in a given class and the faculty member and student cannot resolve the issue, the faculty member should direct the student to complete a Written Notice of Failure of Accommodation to Meet a Need of a Student with a Disability Form and submit it to the Coordinator of Disability Services.
It is the responsibility of the student to provide a copy of the Test Information and Adjustment Form to the faculty member at least 48 hours prior to test time when Disability Services is proctoring an exam. Upon receipt of the Test Information and Adjustment Form, the faculty member should complete the form and send it, along with the test, to the Coordinator of Disability Services at least 24 hours prior to test time unless they have contacted the Coordinator of Disability Services to request an extension. Tests will remain in a securely locked cabinet until the time of the test.
