Here is a list of topics and resources that may be useful to you. Our sources are primarily from the University Washington DO-IT program, a grant funded program centered on "advancing the success of people with disabilities in education, research & careers", and the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), a National Professional Organization focusing on issues concerning disabilities in post-secondary education.This list has been compiled with the help of, a grant-funded project at the University of Washington, dedicated to increasing the successful participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers, such as the sciences, technology, and engineering, and
Universal design
“Universal design” refers to the idea that instead of designing products and environments for the "average user", products and environments are designed to beaccessed and used by everyone, to the greatest extent possible without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
“Universal Design: Process, Principles, and Applications” (DO-IT) highlights the general principals of universal design for the classroom, technology, websites and, distance learning. Specific resources and suggestions for making the learning environment available to everyone are also listed.
Working with students with disabilities
The following site provide general information and additional tips and resources on working with all types of students with disabilities, both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, take some time to look through the resources listed by the (DO-IT) program, including their Faculty Room.
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Washington Association of Post-secondary Education and Disabilities (WAPED)
This site is geared toward professionals working in disability support services at post-secondary institutions, but it also includes resources on incorporating assistive technology into the classroom. It also includes information about technology, legal issues, and working with students with disabilities within the setting of higher education.
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Certification and testing
These links connect to information regarding registration and requesting accommodations for professional and graduate exams.
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DO-IT article
A helpful article that provides an overall picture of the various graduate and professional tests.
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Educational Testing Services (ETS)
Detailed information on requesting accommodations based on documented physical, psychological, or learning disabilities for ETS tests: GMAT, GRE, and Praxis.
Information regarding accommodations for specific tests:
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Assistive technology
Assistive technology refers to a large variety of technology such as software, computers, telecommunications equipment, and other devices that allow students with disabilities to access information in an alternative format. This technology often acts as a powerful tool enabling students with disabilities to live independently and achieve their educational goals.
Listed below are links to websites that provide information on various types of assistive technology.
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AccessCollege: The Faculty Room Distance Learning
This website focuses on helping faculty develop accessible online learning materials for people with disabilities.
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Closing the Gap
Closing the Gap serves as a clearing house for articles, forums, and workshops that promote the use of assistive technology.
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WebABLE
WebABLE is devoted to disability-related internet resources. The WebABLE site goal is to stimulate education, research, and development of technologies that will ensure accessibility for people with disabilities to advanced information systems and emerging technologies.
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Web Accessibility in Mind (WebAIM)
WebAIM seeks to improve accessibility to online learning opportunities for all people; in particular for individuals with disabilities who currently may have a difficult time getting access to online learning tools. WebAIM also helps raise awareness and assists education institutions in identifying and solving web-accessibility problems.
- Described and Captioned Media Program
Provides captioned films free of charge to individuals and institutions.
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Legal rights and issues
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Washington State statutes prohibit discrimination based on disability and outline the rights and responsibilities relating to accommodation for persons with disabilities both inside and outside the classroom. Listed below are links to the ADA, Section 504, and the Washington State codes.
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ADA Document Center
Provides links to current articles, websites, and recent court decisions regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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Americans with Disabilities Act information on the web
This link connects to the U.S. Department of Justice website. A variety of information regarding the ADA, including accessibility standards, can be found at this site.
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U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights helps students with disabilities, as well as other student populations facing discrimination, to gain equal access to educational opportunities through the enforcement of Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based of race, age, national origin, sex, or disability. It also contains information on prevention, procedures for filing a complaint, as well as links to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
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Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Department of Health and Human Services)
Nondiscrimination requirements of the law apply to employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from any Federal department or agency.
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Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Department of Labor)
This article outlines the main points and defines key terms referenced in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
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Washington State Administrative Codes
This site provides information concerning Washington State guidelines and statutes regarding the rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities.
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Washington State Human Rights Commission
The Washington State Human Rights Commission works in partnership with numerous organizations at the federal, state, and local level, providing you with assistance and information. This site is an excellent resource for information regarding state statutes governing discrimination based on disability, race, ethnicity, religion, or sex. It also provides more specific information on fair housing and equal-opportunity employment in the state of Washington.
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Working with students in specific programs
The following links provide information on accommodating and working with students with disabilities in the health science and medical professions.
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