Types of Needs Served

Tufts University provides assistance for students with disabilities such as impaired hearing, speech, mobility, or vision, and students coping with serious illness (both medical and psychiatric), and with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders.

Policy on Providing Services

Students are required to provide the university with current documentation (no more than 5 years old), including test results, from a qualified professional in the field related to the particular disability.  Accommodation decisions are made by a committee of professionals on the basis of the student's documentation.  Periodic re-evaluations may be necessary depending upon the nature of the disability, as determined on a case-by-case basis.  In the case that a student would like to be evaluated for a disability, referrals for assessment by appropriate professionals can by made by the university. Please contact the Program Director of Disability Services, Sandra Baer (x. 7-2000) for more information.

Academic Accommodations

Course requirements for students with disabilities should be consistent with those for other students.  When necessary, academic accommodations are made to create an opportunity for students with disabilities to learn, and for instructors to evaluate them fairly.  The following are the most common forms of accommodation:
 

• Individual academic counseling and support

• Tutoring in study skills

• Consulting in time management

• Note takers

• Peer tutoring

• Readers (in person or on tape)

• Taped textbooks

• Sign language interpretation

• Communication Access Real-Time Translation Provider (CART)

• Extended time on exams

• Distraction-reduced test environment

• Access to computers for tests, exams, and other required written work

• Use of tape recorder in lectures
   

Students with documented special needs that might prevent them from completing certain foundation or distribution requirements may apply to the Committee on Specific Learning Disabilities for possible substitutions to the requirement.  In making its determination, the Committee reviews and assesses the documentation provided.  Petitions should be submitted to the Program Director of Disability Services, Sandra Baer.

Adaptive Devices and Mobility Accommodations

Modifications are available as needed for students with visual and/or hearing impairments, and for students with physical limitations.  Classroom and dorm room modifications are also available as needed with respect to mobility issues.

On Campus Parking

Handicap parking is available throughout the campus for students with handicap license plates.  Students must register their vehicle with the University Police to receive a temporary or permanent parking permit.

Student's Responsibilites

The successful provision of reasonable accommodations will depend not only upon the above resources, but also upon the student’s commitment to and responsibility for following the required policies and procedures. Maintaining active communication with both faculty and the Program Director of Disability Services, and complying with deadlines for advance notice of specific accommodations are examples of these student responsibilities.

Resources

Listed below are a number of resources available on campus to assist students with disabilities

Porgram Director of Disability Services

Sandra Baer
Academic Resource Center (ARC) – Dowling Hall
617-627-5571
sandra.baer@tufts.edu

The Program Director provides academic support services and is available for academic counseling and assistance with appropriate accommodations.  She is the liaison between students with disabilities and faculty.

Associate Deans of Undergraduate Eduction

Jean Herbert (Last Names A - E)
Carol Baffi-Dugan (Last Names F - K)
Karen Garret Gould (Last Names L - R)
Jeanne Dillon (Last Names Rj - Z)
Kim Knox (Engineering)

Student Services Center - Dowling Hall            

617-627-2000

All incoming students with disabilities should contact their respective Dean, who can assist with individual academic advising and possible early registration.

Health Service

Michelle Bowdler

Senior Director Health & Wellness Services
124 Professors Row
617-627-3350
Website:  http://ase.tufts.edu/healthservices/

The Health Service assists in maintaining the health and well being of all Tufts students.  A prepaid health care plan provides both direct care and appropriate referral for all types of health problems.  Staff at the Health Service will serve as a liaison with students’ personal physicians and will review documentation of some disabilities.

Counseling & Mental Health Service

Julie Ross, Director
120 Curtis Street
617-627-3360
julie.ross@tufts.edu
website:  http://ase.tufts.edu/counselingcenter/

The Tufts University Counseling and Mental Health Service is staffed by professionally trained counselors who are available to discuss all personal concerns with students.  Students may be seen for personal counseling or, when appropriate, will be referred to other qualified university or community services.

Office of Equal Opportunity

Ballou Hall
617-627-3298
website:  http://www.tufts.edu/oeo/

The office is responsible for the university’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and federal regulations.  The Office of Equal Opportunity consults with various offices in the university, providing information about the law and ensures that everyone in the Tufts community has an equal chance to grow in intellectual knowledge and professional skills.

Faculty

Faculty work with students whose needs are documented to provide reasonable accommodations.  Students should feel free to visit their professors regularly and discuss their academic progress within their courses.