Puget Sound is committed to an inclusive learning environment. Accessibility and accommodations are two ways in which we strive to enable all students to take part meaningfully in our educational program and campus life.
Disabilities, both visible and invisible, affect students in unique ways and in varying severities. Potential accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis relative to the student’s identified barriers to the learning environment. Identification and approval of accommodations must be supported by the educational barriers specific to the student’s disability.
Instructors are responsible for assuring program accessibility by implementing approved accommodations. After students receive accommodations from SAA, an Accommodation Letter is generated and sent to the faculty member. The letter is signed following a meeting between the faculty member and student to discuss how accommodations will apply to the course.
Accommodations pertaining to tests and exams are logistically difficult and may prove frustrating for instructors, students, and SAA. Therefore, instructors should always bear in mind that these accommodations are necessary in order to ensure students’ full access to the curriculum. In order to request a testing-related accommodation, they must have a disability and be registered with SAA.
It is important to make all course materials be rendered in a machine-readable format (OCR), as this is an important part of making the educational environment accessible to all students. Note that even if a student in a given course does not require such an accommodation, it is essential that the instructor be prepared in advance for such a possibility.
Please do not hesitate to email saa@pugetsound.edu for assistance with concerns, accessibility questions, or implementing accommodations.
SAA Faculty Advisory Board
The mission of the SAA Faculty Advisory Board is to facilitate communication and promote common understanding between the Office of Student Accessibility and Accommodation and faculty members, and to assist faculty in teaching, implementing accommodations, and understanding students with various disabilities. It does this by providing spaces and events where the perspectives and concerns of faculty and SAA can be discussed and creative solutions can be crafted. The committee will also discuss SAA policies and procedures for which faculty input is needed, including challenges that arise in the implementation of accommodations. Chaired by Benjamin Tromly (btromly@pugetsound.edu), the SAA Faculty Advisory Board works closely with Peggy Perno, Director of SAA, and is eager to respond to feedback and requests. Please do not hesitate to give SAA feedback.