Rebecca Erlinder

I think that it is very important for the educational institution to all be on the same page with a clearly defined process and referral system for students who are inquiring about accommations. Outlining the process, and identifying the appropriate departments/staff members who will be completing the ADA review process is an important step to avoiding any potential miscommunication along the way. 

Prior to reading this section, I had not been familiar with the concept of Universal Design, nor Universal Design Learning as it applies to educational institutions. I found it interesting that with proper UDL, this could potentially eliminate the need for possible individual accommodations. 

This section provided helpful information in terms of learning about the vast array of disorders and describing the functional limitations associated with them. Each individual's needs are different, and are unique to his/her circumstances. The shared factor is to identify ways to ensure that all students are provided with equal access to educational opportunities. 

This module defined the 504 Act vs. ADA with both of these falling under civil rights protection acts. I found that the information about the three different definitions associated with a disability was helpful: those that have a disability, thoe who have a history/record of a disability, and those who are perceived as having a disability. I think that the key takeaway is that the inent of these acts is to help to ensure that all students receive an equal opportunity; however, it should not be assumed that students are automatically entitled to receiving an accommodation according to what is… >>>

I gained a better understanding of the differences and similarities of the VAWA and Title IX policies, what falls within the Clery Act, as well as what the steps are for inverstigting a formal complaint, what steps consistute informal measures, and what the appropriate response is to the complaintant.