Your Rights Under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits the exclusion of people from jobs, services, activities, or benefits based on disabilities. In addition, Section 504 states that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Further, it specifically ensures that no qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.

Consistent with its nondiscrimination policy, Gallaudet has made many accommodations and implemented technological advancements to facilitate a fully accessible, barrier-free environment. Gallaudet will, upon disclosure, attempt to make other reasonable accommodations if needed.

Students who believe they have been discriminated against, in violation of the Acts, should follow the procedures described below:

• Students should present their concern in writing to their instructor or to the department head within 10 working days of the incident causing the complaint, and explain the nature of the problem and a suggested solution. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the instructor or department head will resolve the complaint or respond within 10 working days.
• If the action or response is not satisfactory, students should submit their complaints, in writing, to the appropriate director within five (5) working days. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the director will resolve the complaint or respond in writing within ten (10) working days.
• If the action or response is not satisfactory, students should submit their complaints, in writing, to the dean of the appropriate school or college or to the unit administrator within five (5) working days. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the dean or administrator will resolve the complaint or respond within ten (10) working days.
• If the action or response is not satisfactory, students should submit their complaints, in writing, to the appropriate senior administrator (vice president or provost) within five (5) working days. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the vice president or provost will resolve the complaint or respond within ten (10) working days.
• If the action or response is not satisfactory, students should contact the EEO Officer, in writing, within five (5) working days. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the EEO officer will investigate, if appropriate, and resolve the complaint or respond within ten (10) working days.

Note: Direct communication is important and valued at Gallaudet. Accordingly, faculty and staff are required to participate in sign language training if needed. Interpreters are provided in the classroom, when appropriate, and are assigned to visually impaired students upon request. Students who experience communication difficulties should contact the dean of their school.