MAKING YOUR ORGANIZATION ACCESSIBLE TO
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT WELCOMING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

• A commitment to making your organization accessible could be acknowledged with a statement or policy in the organization’s handbook.  For example: 

[Name of organization] is committed to providing equal access to our
activities, meetings and events hosted and endorsed by us.

• • Include a disability access statement in all materials/publications about the organization. For example,

To request this material in alternate format, contact  
name/organization/phone.

• For information on how to provide printed materials in alternate formats, see the Disability Services for Students website: www.und.edu/dept/dss/html; click on INFO Sheets and Alternate Formats.


• Include an access statement in advertisements for meetings and events. For example,

  To request an accommodation, contact name/organization/phone.

• It is good practice to always schedule meetings in accessible locations.


• Make the organization’s website accessible to students who use assistive computer technology (e.g. screen readers and large print). Two of the websites that evaluate web pages for access barriers are http://validator.w3.org/ and www.webaim.org/resources/wave/. DSS is also available for consultation on making websites more user friendly for people with disabilities.

Know who’s responsible for what.

• The student with a disability is responsible for requesting an accommodation in a timely manner and working out the details with a representative from the organization. Even when the request is made at the last minute, it is necessary to make a good faith effort to comply. However, some accommodations, such as, sign language interpreting, cannot be arranged without some lead time.


• The organization is responsible for providing the accommodation.


• Disability Services for Students (DSS) (777-3425 V/TTY, McCannel Hall, Rm. 190) will consult with the organization regarding providing accommodations and will help the organization identify possible funding sources when necessary.


• Accommodations that must be scheduled prior to the day of the event include sign language interpreting and realtime captioning. Contact DSS to schedule these services.

Negotiating accommodations.

When the request for an accommodation is appropriate and reasonable, that request for access must be honored. However, how the accommodation is provided is negotiable. The organization’s representative can suggest an alternative to the accommodation the student requests, as long as the alternative provides equal access, is respectful and inclusive. For example, if the student requests the membership list in Braille, you may offer to send the student an electronic file instead. Both methods provide access to the members’ names, and the electronic file is readily available. If the organization and student cannot reach an agreement on the accommodation, DSS can assist with problem solving.

All University programs and activities must be accessible to students with disabilities.