Disability Services

Our Mission:

The mission of Disability Services is to provide individuals with disabilities support services that will allow them to access programs, services and facilities, and activities of the University.

Our Commitment:

It is Missouri Southern State University’s policy to provide access to its programs and facilities to all students and faculty so that no one shall, solely by reason of a disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any program or activity.  Students and faculty shall receive reasonable accommodations to provide equally effective access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate unless provision for reasonable accommodation would constitute an undue hardship on the University or would substantially alter essential elements of the academic program or course of study or would otherwise compromise academic standards.  This policy shall apply to all programs, services, and activities of the University, including but not limited to recruitment, admissions, registration, financial aid, academic programs, advising, counseling, student health, housing and employment.

            This policy is intended to be consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which states that no recipient of federal financial assistance may discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities solely by reason of disability.  This policy is also intended to be consistent with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Missouri Human Rights Act.  To the extent it is inconsistent with said laws, the legal requirements and standards shall govern.  (MSSU Policy 1.00)

Our Staff:

The Office of Disability Services consists of professional and para-professional staff members.  Judy Elimelech is the Coordinator of Disability Services.  Para-professionals such as note takers, textbook readers and sign language interpreters are hired on an as needed basis.
 

What We Offer:

Accommodations are individualized based on the needs of each student as identified in documentation of the student’s disability.  Examples of what we can do include:

  • Review of documentation to establish eligibility for services

  • Letters to faculty identifying appropriate classroom accommodations

  • Classroom and course requirement accommodations

  • Materials in alternative formats

  • Academic aides (note takers, sign language interpreters, readers, scribes, etc.)

  • Equipment loan related to academic needs

  • Advocacy

What Missouri Southern State University does not offer:

  • A reduced standard for academic performance

  • Special admissions standards

  • Special, disability-based classes

  • Mentors, coaches, trainers

  • Special, disability-only tutoring programs

  • Personal Care Attendants

  • Retroactive consideration if services are requested after the semesters begins. Services only affect the remainder of the semester.

  • Substitution of a required courses without specific documentation to support the request and generally, only after an attempt using appropriate accommodations has been made.

Return to MSSU home page