Disability Services

Access & Accommodation Services

Policy on Equal Opportunity and Access

This institution is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to all programs and services for qualified students with disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). Our goal is to ensure that institutional compliance and access are the primary objects of attention, ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to participate in university programs.

Consistent with our institutional mission and the standards of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, we provide services that address diverse student needs and abilities.

Definition of Disability

Under the ADAAA, “disability” is interpreted broadly. A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more “major life activities”.

  • Major Life Activities include, but are not limited to, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.

  • Major Bodily Functions are also included, such as neurological, brain, respiratory, and circulatory functions.

Impairments that are episodic or in remission (e.g., epilepsy, bipolar disorder) are considered disabilities if they would substantially limit a major life activity when active.

Reasonable Accommodations (Academic Adjustments)

The University provides “academic adjustments” and “auxiliary aids and services” to address barriers to access. Common accommodations may include:

  • Sign language interpreters or real-time captioning (CART).

  • Notetakers, readers, and accessible media (e.g., digital text).

  • Testing accommodations (e.g., extended time, reduced distraction environment).

Limitations: The University is not required to provide personal attendants (e.g., for bathing or dressing), personal-use devices (e.g., wheelchairs, prescription eyeglasses), or modifications that would “fundamentally alter the nature of a service, program, or activity”.

How to Request Accommodations

The University’s obligation to provide accommodations is triggered by the student. Accommodations are not retroactive; they do not apply to coursework or exams completed prior to approval.

Students seeking services must follow these four steps:

1. Self-Identify

You must initiate the process by contacting the designated Student Success Officer. We cannot provide accommodations if we do not know you need them.

2. Participate in the Interactive Process

You must meet with the Academic Affairs Office to engage in a good-faith “interactive process”. During this meeting, you will discuss the specific barriers you face in the educational environment.

3. Provide Documentation

You must provide sufficient documentation verifying your disability. This documentation must support the need for the requested accommodation by demonstrating a specific “functional limitation”.

4. Request in a Timely Manner

To ensure services are in place when classes begin, you must submit your request by the following deadlines:

  • New Students: Must begin the intake process and submit requests 30 days before the start of the semester.

  • Returning Students: Must renew requests for term-specific services two weeks before the start of the semester.

Contact Information

To schedule an intake meeting, renew accommodations, or ask questions regarding accessibility, please contact:

Shalom Lagon: Director of Student Success

Dr. Sean Sartler: Vice President for Academic Affairs