The McBurney Disability Resource Center provides services to students with disabilities to insure accessibility to university programs. McBurney offers accommodations counseling, evaluation referral, disability-related information, adaptive technology counseling and equipment, and interpreter services for academically related purposes. McBurney does not offer disability evaluation and/or testing, tutoring, personal expenses, or attendants.
» topA disability is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Learning is an example of a major life activity. If you have a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition, or a condition which may be considered by others as substantially limiting, you may have a legally defined disability. (http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm)
» topAccording to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, substantially limiting is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people.
» topAccording to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a major life activity is defined as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
» topAppropriate academic adjustments create equal access to education, as long as they don't require a substantial change in an essential element of the curriculum. The institution determines this. Such modifications may include an adjustment in the amount of time allowed to complete a degree, substitution of degree requirements, and adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted.
» topIf you suspect you have a disability you will need to provide documentation of that disability to McBurney. A qualified professional who is licensed or certified to diagnose the disability in question must supply this documentation. An appointment should be scheduled with an accommodations specialist at McBurney to review the documentation and the need for services. See the Disability Documentation Policies
» topYes. University Health Services (http://www.uhs.wisc.edu/) and Counseling and Consultation Services (http://www.uhs.wisc.edu/ex/counseling/) are available to students registered at the UW. Also, the Student Assessment Services provides assessment of learning disabilities for a nominal fee. (http://www.education.wisc.edu/eptc/)
» topAcademic accommodations include, but are not limited to, testing accommodations, interpreting, captioning, notetaker services, document conversion services (e.g., books on tape, digital audio and electronic formats), and registration assistance. Although not accommodations, McBurney assists students with issues and situations related to advocacy, accessibility, on-campus housing, transportation services, and attendant care. McBurney is a resource for information including, but not limited to, tutoring services, study skills and time management, community resources, disability awareness, and various university services.
» topThe IEP is a valuable resource of information, but it cannot be used as documentation of the disability.
» topStudents who are 18 years old or older are legally recognized as adults. In this case, the student is responsible for their own accommodation requests and disability-related decisions. However, students are encouraged to have an open dialogue with their parents. Parents can be a great source of support.
» topStudents with physical disabilities are encouraged to register with McBurney so that a McBurney accommodations specialist can help them assess physical access needs for courses and other university activities. The department of Facilities, Access and Management has an Accessibility Specialist who works closely with McBurney staff in solving barrier-related access issues. (http://www.fpm.wisc.edu/accessibility/) Paratransit services are available through the city transit service (http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/metro/Paratransit/ParatransitMain/Paratransit.html.)
» topThere are several factors taken into account before consideration is given for a foreign language substitution. At this time, only two colleges within the university, the College of Letters and Sciences and the School of Business, require a foreign language to graduate. ( http://www.wisc.edu/pubs/ug/10lettsci/geninfo.html#for) Students should refer to the their individual policies and procedures for specific information and/or speak with a McBurney counselor.
» topWe recommend you check out 3 sources of possible funding:
We have interpreters on staff and we employ hourly interpreters as needed. We employ certified interpreters who are able to offer sign language interpreting in ASL, PSE, and ENGLISH; we also offer ORAL interpreting and captioning.
» topYou can refer to the university's appeal and complaint process which can be found at http://www.wisc.edu/adac/students/studentappeal.html.
» topPlease review the information and resources for students with temporary impairments.
» topAccommodating employees is ultimately a departmental responsibility. The university's Office of Equity and Diversity (http://oed.wisc.edu/) employs a Disability Specialist to assist departments and employees with identifying appropriate work-related accommodations.
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