Disability Support Services
Confidentiality
Students have a right to non-discrimination on the basis of disability. The
rationale for privacy and protection of disability-related data is
the possibility that breach of confidentiality will lead to discrimination.
The University acknowledges the highly confidential nature of students'
disability-related information and records and ascribes to the federal
guidelines (Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title I of the
Americans with Disabilities Act) that mandate control of and restrict
access to such information. Note: Unless specifically contraindicated
by another title, the confidentiality requirements of Title I of the
ADA apply to all titles.
The responsibility for collecting and retaining disability-related
information and records is assigned to the DSS office. Information
is maintained in a separate file that is not for inclusion with students'
University records. When students choose to share their disability
diagnosis and related information with faculty and/or staff, it must
never be released to other faculty/staff without the student's written
authorization. Access to students' disability-related information
is limited and shared only on a "need to know" basis (in
order to better serve the student). Therefore, students who request
consideration for accommodations, services or support must provide
written authorization for DSS to notify or collaborate with institutional
personnel regarding their needs. Legal requirements or issues or medical
emergencies could present an exception to this policy.
Disability related information that exists in other University areas
(i.e. Admissions, Housing, Registration & Records) would, likewise,
not be shared with or scrutinized by unauthorized parties.
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