SUNY Fredonia's Commitment to Accessibility: Meeting Legal Guidelines and Regulations

Owned by Daniel LaGrow
Last updated: Feb 14, 2024
2 min read

SUNY Fredonia, a part of the State University of New York system, is dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In line with legal guidelines and regulations, SUNY Fredonia will ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to educational programs, services, and facilities.

As a public institution, SUNY Fredonia is bound by various laws and regulations aimed at promoting accessibility and eliminating discrimination on the basis of disability. These include federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as state laws and university policies.

The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including education, employment, and public accommodations. Under the ADA, SUNY Fredonia is required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate in university programs and activities.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that institutions receiving federal financial assistance, such as SUNY Fredonia, cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodations and ensuring accessibility in all aspects of campus life.

Efforts to Ensure Accessibility:

SUNY Fredonia has implemented various initiatives and programs to ensure compliance with accessibility laws and regulations:

  1. Accessible Campus Facilities: The university regularly assesses its physical campus to identify and address barriers to accessibility. This includes installing ramps, elevators, and accessible parking spaces, as well as ensuring that classrooms, dorms, and other facilities are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments.

  2. Accessible Technology: SUNY Fredonia is committed to ensuring that its digital platforms and technology tools are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes providing training and resources to faculty and staff on creating accessible content, as well as procuring accessible software and assistive technologies for students with disabilities.

  3. Disability Services Office: The Disability Support Services (DSS) office at SUNY Fredonia serves as a central resource for students with disabilities. DSS works closely with students to determine their accommodation needs and coordinates support services such as note-taking assistance, exam accommodations, and assistive technology loans.

  4. Awareness and Training: The university conducts ongoing awareness and training programs to educate faculty, staff, and students about disability rights and accommodations. This includes workshops, presentations, and online resources to promote understanding and compliance with accessibility guidelines.

SUNY Fredonia is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible campus environment in accordance with legal guidelines and regulations. By proactively addressing barriers to accessibility and providing support services to individuals with disabilities, the university strives to ensure equal opportunities for all members of its community. Through continued efforts and collaboration, SUNY Fredonia aims to uphold its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, enriching the educational experience for everyone.