Faculty Resources

At Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES), a student's accommodations are based on the functional limitations of his or her disability. The university’s commitment to welcoming a diverse community requires that every individual has an equal opportunity to contribute in the classroom based on his or her knowledge and skills without regard to disability.

CSU Learn course, "Serving Students with Disabilities: Introduction" This course, while primarily intended for those in the classroom environment, is useful for any employee who serves students with disabilities. Disability is part of the human condition. To ensure inclusion in higher education, campus leaders, faculty, and staff must consider how to fully embrace all students with and without disabilities. When developing a culture of inclusion, colleges and universities have specific responsibilities to students with disabilities to ensure they can learn and achieve their goals.

We suggest you look over our Faculty Guide to Accommodating Students with Disabilities and University Counseling Services’ manual, Assisting Students in Distress. In addition, specific faculty resources are listed below.

Audio Recording

Some students who are registered with DRES are authorized to have audio recorders in the classroom as one of their accommodations. It may be uncomfortable for some faculty members to have their lectures recorded and available for later use, but audio recording remains an accommodation that must be provided to the student. Use our recommended faculty-student audio recording agreement to clarify the limits of the audio accommodation in accordance with course expectations.

Syllabus statement

Instructors may find it useful to include a statement on the syllabus that educates students with disabilities about the steps they need to take to receive classroom accommodations. Faculty members are further encouraged to include a statement that invites students with disabilities to meet in a confidential environment to discuss arrangements for accommodations.

There are several reasons why the syllabus statement is critical. The statement both normalizes the accommodation process and helps create a positive and welcoming environment for students with disabilities. It also creates a collaborative environment for providing legally mandated accommodations. Lastly, it is a tangible reminder for students who need the accommodations that arrangements must be made with sufficient lead time to ensure successful implementation.

Below is a sample of a syllabus statement.

If you have a disability and need accommodations, please register with the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) office or the National Center on Deafness (NCOD). The DRES office is located in Bayramian Hall 110 and can be reached at (818) 677-2684. NCOD is located on Bertrand Street in Jeanne Chisholm Hall and can be reached at (818) 677-2054. If you would like to discuss your need for accommodations, please contact me to set up an appointment.

Video resources

The following informational videos may assist faculty and staff in working with students with disabilities.

"From Where I Sit" video series
IT Accessibility: What Campus Leaders Have to Say
Technology to Enhance Learning: A Faculty Guide
Understanding Asperger Syndrome: A Professor's Guide
Equal Access: Universal Design of an Academic Department