Disabled Student Academic Services

It is the intent of St. Thomas University , consistently with its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to insure equal access to quality education for its diverse student population. The Academic Enhancement Center (AEC) provides auxiliary aids and services, guidance and other appropriate academic assistance to students with disabilities.

Requesting services 
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of disability is adopted by the AEC. The ADA defines an individual with a disability as a person who: a) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of the person’s major life activities, b) has a record of such an impairment or c) is regarded as having such an impairment.

The AEC requires current (during the last three years), appropriate documentation from a doctor or other professional with knowledge of the disability, describing the nature of the disability and indicating the need for services. This requirement extends to all students seeking services, even when the existence of the disability is readily apparent. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with learning disabilities are guaranteed certain protections and rights to equal access to programs and services; thus the documentation should indicate that the disability substantially limits some major life activity.

Information on accommodations, services and access will be included as part of the new student orientation at the beginning of each academic year. Students requesting services for the first time must meet with an advisor and complete the registration paperwork. At this meeting, the student will have the opportunity to discuss available services and the accommodations that he or she is requesting.

St. Thomas University prohibits discrimination based on disabilities in admissions and recruitment, and in the provisions of programs and services.

Reasonable accommodations that are not unduly burdensome and that do not require a fundamental alteration of the program will be made. St. Thomas University will also ensure that programs and activities are physically readily accessible.

Disabled students requesting accommodations at St. Thomas University , who receive financial aid, are required to make “satisfactory progress” in their course of study as required by the financial aid regulations. Disabled students will be extended the same consideration presently given to students without disabilities.

Services Available
The following is the description of academic services and accommodations commonly requested through the Academic Enhancement Center. The Disability Services Advisor will be able to provide additional information on other services offered.

St. Thomas University does not have a comprehensive learning disabilities program, or any other disability-specific program, but it addresses individual needs through a system of support services.

  • Registration
  • Letter to Instructors
  • Tutors
  • Adapted Equipment (Magnifiers, hand magnifiers, recorders, grandstands)
  • Testing Accommodations
  • Placement and Other
  • Confidentiality

Further information regarding accommodations for students with disabilities may be obtained by contacting Ms. Janae Thomas, Associate Director, Accessibility Student Services, by phone at 305-625-6000 ext. 6601, email jthomas28435b@stu.edu.

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