Office of Disability Services

Medaille College is dedicated to ensuring equal access and does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in its policies, procedures, programs, or employment processes. Medaille College, in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, recognizes the need to provide an environment that does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. The Office of Disability Services (ODS) was created to specifically answer the needs of our students with disabilities.

This pamphlet is designed to help students become more familiar with the services available through the Office of Disability Services at Medaille College. If you have specific concerns or need more in-depth information, please contact our office directly.

What is the Definition of a Disability?

A disability is defined as: a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working. In addition, students with chronic illness (e.g., AIDS, diabetes, seizure disorder, lupus, and psychiatric disabilities) may be eligible for services. Individuals with temporary disabilities may also be eligible to receive services through our office.

Who is Eligible for Services?

Any currently enrolled Medaille student with a documented disability and who is registered with the Office of Disability Services is eligible to be reviewed for services. However, the student is responsible for initiating contact and submitting appropriate documentation to the ODs to determine if he/she is eligible for services at Medaille College.

Medaille College is committed to making reasonable accommodations, as determined on a case-by-case basis, for any individual with a documented disability. All students, even those currently in the admissions process, should contact our office immediately if you feel you are eligible for services.

Who Do I Contact?

The only way to know for certain if you are eligible for services or accommodations is to contact our office directly at (716) 884-3281, ext. 227.

What Type of Documentation is Needed?

• Current documentation from an authorized expert in their field, such as an M.D., audiologist, psychologist, etc., that verifies your disability.
• Documentation must state the nature of your disability (diagnosis, duration, and manifestations). It must also state what accommodations your disability requires.
• If your disability is temporary, the verification must also state the earliest date at which services will no longer be needed.

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain appropriate documentation and submit it for consideration. The student will bear the cost, if any, of obtaining such documentation. Pending receipt of documentation, the College reserves the right to deny services or accommodations until such documents are received and reviewed.

When and Where Should Documentation be Sent?

Documentation should be sent directly to the ADA Compliance Coordinator in the Office of Disability Services. Our address is listed on the back of this brochure. Documentation should be submitted as soon as possible. It will then be reviewed and a decision will be made in a timely manner as to the nature of the disability and what, if any, accommodations will be made. Information forwarded to our office will be kept confidential, within the Disability Services Team. The information will not be given to Admissions, Faculty, or other areas not directly related to the Office of Disability Services without the student’s written consent.

Our office is located in the lower level of the Main Building, Room 031. We can be reached by phone at (716) 884-3281, ext. 227.

Our Services

Below are a few examples of the types of services/accommodations that are available through the Office of Disability Services:

• Testing accommodations
• Readers
• Scribes
• Notetakers
• Advocacy
• Academic and social support
• Sign language interpreters
• Taped textbooks
• Elevator/lift keys
• Liaison with community agencies (VESID, CBVH, etc.)
• Adaptive equipment

For more information or to find answers to your specific questions, please contact us directly.

Office of Disability Services Staff

ODS Address and Phone Number

Medaille College Office of Disability Services
18 Agassiz Circle
Buffalo, New York 14214
Main Building - Room M031

PHONE NUMBER (716)884-3281 ext. 227
FAX NUMBER: (716) 884-0291

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