Accessibility Resources: Accessibility Resources: An Introduction to the MemoAn Introduction to the Memo

Professor and student sitting and talking

Hello! This presentation is to explain what is a “Memo” from Accessibility Resources. This presentation is viewed best after the Transition Power Point that explores how to set up accommodations at the University at Buffalo. If you have not already done so we encourage you to view that presentation first.

The details that will be covered in this presentation are:

1. What is a “Memo”2. How does a student receive Memos every semester.3. The Student Role4. The instructors Role

Door matt that says “Hello”.

What is a Memo?What is a Memo?• A memo from the Accessibility

Resources Office is an official letter that states accommodations that were discussed and agreed upon in the students initial meeting with an AR staff person.

• This letter informs your professors so that they know how to support you in the classroom.

• It is important to note that only the accommodations are noted on the memo and no mention of the Disability.

• Communicating this letter with the faculty is a essential to building an understanding on obtaining accommodations for each course.

Sample of a UB Memo

The Memo Lifecycle:The Memo Lifecycle:The next four slides will explore the four basic steps to

obtaining your memo every semester. In addition to obtaining the memo the next few slides will outline the responsibilities and roles for the Student, the Instructor

and Accessibility Resources.

Step 1: Request & ReviseStep 1: Request & Revise

Order your memos at least 5 business days prior to the first day of classes every semester.

Rule of Thumb: One memo per every course where you will be using accommodations

You can order your memos by phone 716-645-2608, email stu-accessibility@buffalo.edu, or stop by our office at 25 Capen Hall.

Step 2: Pick-Up & ReadStep 2: Pick-Up & Read

Review the accommodations and ALL the attachments you received. There are many helpful procedures and dates in this packet to make note of.

Attached to the memos are events that you may be interested in. For example, check out the Universal Yoga event.

Step 3: Meet & ShareStep 3: Meet & ShareContact your professors to meet with them to talk

about how your accommodations are to be met.

It is encouraged to meet with your instructors as early as possible to discuss accommodations.• Note: Timely notice is essential. Failure to give

enough notice to faculty or Accessibility Resources may result in not being fully accommodated.

Speaking with professors one-on-one in a confidential setting allows both the student and the professors the time and the environment that will be conductive to exploring implementation of the accommodations.

Step 4: Discuss & ConnectStep 4: Discuss & Connect

If you or your professors have any questions about implementing your accommodations please contact our office.

If questions arise regarding accommodations and services contact Accessibility Resources at 716-645-2608.

Student Right & Student Right & ResponsibilitiesResponsibilitiesStudents are responsible for or to:

•identify themselves as needing accommodation in a timely fashion; professors will not retroactively provide academic accommodations in situations where students did not submit their accommodation letters.•Have the same obligation as any student to meet and maintain the institution's academic standards, technical standards, and codes of conduct;Students have the right to:•be evaluated based on their ability, not their disability. If their disability affects the outcome of an evaluation format, they are entitled to an evaluation by alternate means if the alternative measures the essential skills, knowledge or abilities;•appeal decisions concerning accommodations. For information on appeal processes, contact the university’s Office for Institutional Equity.

Faculty ResponsibilitiesFaculty Responsibilities

Provide reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids in a timely manner.

Maintain the confidentiality of information regarding disability issues.

Meet with the student individually to discuss a specific plan for implementing accommodations.  You are encouraged to follow up with an email reviewing the plan so that you and the student have a common reference outlining your individual responsibilities.

Implement AR accommodations once the student provides an accommodation memorandum from the AR office.

Faculty ResponsibilitiesFaculty ResponsibilitiesAn instructor should contact AR for consultation whenever there is

a question or concern about a recommended academic adjustment

AR strongly encourages faculty members to put the following statement (example) in their syllabus: Faculty and Instructors are strongly encouraged to include a statement on their syllabus informing students of their rights and providing information on how to contact Accessibility Resources. Please feel free to use the following sample statement:

"If you have a disability and may require some type of instructional and/or examination accommodation, please inform me early in the semester so that we can coordinate the accommodations you may need. If you have not already done so, please contact the Accessibility Resources office. The office is located at 25 Capen Hall and the telephone number is (716) 645-2608."

In Conclusion…In Conclusion…

Keep in mind:• Order and distribute your memo’s to your professors

as early as possible.• Meet with your professor in a quiet setting so that

you may ask questions about how to implement your accommodations for that course.

• Late accommodations are not retro active and cannot replace previous grades.

• Timely notice is essential to receiving your accommodations!

• Our staff is available to you if you have any questions or concerns!