Faculty and Staff Resources
Accessibility Statements
Use the syllabus statement below to communicate accommodations and connect students with Disability Resources.
Syllabus Statement (Updated December 19, 2022)
Accommodations
If you have a documented disability that may impact your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please see the Disability Resources as soon as possible to arrange services. Disability Resources is located in OSC 104, and can be reached by phone (719-549-2648) and email (dro@csupueblo.edu).
Accommodation Information
Alternate Format Course Materials (Updated May 17, 2019)
As an instructor, you will encounter students who require an alternate format of textbooks, handouts, or exams. Students with sight or learning disabilities may be granted this type of accommodation.
Disability Resources provides by request classroom materials in alternative formats (electronic, audio, and Braille). The DRSC retrieves electronic copies of textbooks using four methods:
- AccessText is typically the fastest way to receive electronic copies of texts.
- Bookshare provides audio and electronic Braille versions of many titles.
- Publisher Lookup helps locate publisher contacts; this process can take up to 8 weeks (or longer).
- Scanning the student’s book (with publisher permission) is the last option.
If handouts or tests are not accessible (e.g., scanned documents, images), faculty can submit items to Disability Resources for conversion. Email documents to dro@csupueblo.edu and include:
- Student's name
- Course
- Date materials are needed for student use
- Whether the materials should be sent directly to the student
Disability Resources will send instructors the formatted materials once formatting is completed.
Note Taking Assistance (Updated May 26, 2017)
As an instructor, you may have never experienced teaching a student who utilizes a notetaker in the classroom. Students with sight, learning, and some physical disabilities may be granted this accommodation.
Notes as an accommodation reflect another student’s understanding and perception of what occurred during class and are not intended to be an exact duplication.
When a student needs a notetaker, Disability Resources will employ a student notetaker (ideally from the same course section). If a notetaker is not immediately available, instructors may provide interim support such as sharing slides, finding volunteers, or offering extra credit for note sharing.
Test Proctoring Services (Updated May 17, 2019)
Some students require additional time, separate space, or aids to complete exams and quizzes. These accommodations allow students to demonstrate knowledge while reducing barriers caused by disability.
If instructors are unable to proctor the exam themselves, alternatives may include using the University Testing Center.
Working with ASL Interpreters (Updated May 26, 2017)
Students at CSU Pueblo have a variety of abilities, including those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. An accommodation provided to ensure effective communication and participation is the presence of sign language interpreters.
Interpreter Roles and Responsibilities
- Interpreters translate lectures/discussions and the student's signed communication.
- Interpreters are neutral professionals and should not be asked to assist with schoolwork.
- Address the student directly; allow for interpretation lag time.
Support Animals on Campus (Updated December 19, 2022)
The University approved an Animals on Campus policy in 2022, unifying its separate policies for service animals and emotional support animals.
Service animals are dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities (working animals—not pets). Examples include:
- Assisting with navigation
- Alerting to the presence of people or sounds
- Pulling a wheelchair
- Assisting an individual during a seizure
- Retrieving items (e.g., medicine, telephone)
- Providing physical support with balance
- Preventing/interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors
Service animals are allowed in classrooms, laboratories (with safety gear when required for others), campus buildings, and sports facilities without pre-approval from the University or Disability Resources per the ADA (as amended in 2008).
Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Inquiry
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. University employees may ask two questions:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Employees cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require identification/training documents, or ask the dog to demonstrate its task.
Expected Behaviors
- Service animals must be controlled by device (e.g., harness, leash) unless that interferes with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents use. In that case, control must be maintained through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
- The animal must be as unobtrusive as possible.
- The animal must not display disruptive behaviors/noises (barking, whining, growling, rubbing against others, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive an accommodation letter for a service animal?
Students may use service animals without providing accommodation letters.
How will I know if a dog is a service animal?
You may ask the two Inquiry questions above. If unsure, contact the DRSC.
Are service animals required to wear vests or identification?
No. Vests/identification are not required.
What if the service animal is disruptive?
If disruptive, you may ask the student to remove the animal.
Colorado note: Under Colorado state law, it is illegal to misrepresent a pet or other untrained animal as a service animal, punishable by fine.
Other Resources
ACCESS Project
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) resources and examples.
Instructional Technology Center
Campus tools and support for instructional technology.
DO-IT
Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, & Technology.
