Accessibility Services
Welcome to Cumberland University Office of Accessibility. 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.
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Contact Information
Andrea Davis, Coordinator of Accessibility Services
Phone: (615) 547-1286
Email: adavis@cumberland.edu
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Location
Labry Hall 226
Cumberland University
Lebanon, TN 37087
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Etiquette
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 questions when you’re unsure of what to do.
Source: Tennessee Technological University Office of Disability Services
Contact Us. We’re Here to Help
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you succeed at Cumberland University.
The Office of Accessibility is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm CST. Please contact the Office of Accessibility at 615-547-1286 to speak with the Coordinator of Accessibility Services or email adavis@cumberland.edu.