Our Obligation to Provide Access
The campus must provide equal access for people with disabilities to all university sponsored programs, services, and activities. Even when we are uncertain about funding or logistics for an accommodation, we should proceed assuming that the service should be provided. Campus Access Services staff can help determine the best approach to responding to any situation where an event planner needs guidance/support.
Responding to a Request
In general, we assume that every accommodations request is valid. Campus Access Services can help you determine the legitimacy of a request if you have serious doubts. Before confirming the availability of a specific accommodation, collect the details of the accommodations needs for the guest/event participant including:
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Their contact information
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Their requested accommodation(s)
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Any preferences issued about that accommodation
(If your event receives multiple requests for a similar accommodation, collect the contact information of every person making that request. This can help our service providers understand how to deliver that accommodation most effectively.
If the request is for an accommodation or information that you need help in answering, please contact Campus Access Services with as much advance notice as possible.
Giving a Good Faith Effort
Even after careful planning, some requests will come too late to get addressed or other logistical problems might prevent us from addressing an accommodations request. Although this outcome feels bad for all involved, we are only responsible for trying with all reasonable resources to make an accommodation work.
If you are unable to meet an accommodations request, explain that clearly to the guest/participant and try to hold compassion in the process. Humility goes a long way in holding the frustration a person experiences when their needs are not met.