Disability Services
A Disability Services Coordinator is available to assist students with documented disabilities with their full participation in the academic, labor, and social programs of Berea College. The Coordinator acts as a liaison with other College departments and offices in arranging responses appropriate to the student’s particular situation. Some of the services available to qualifying students with disabilities include: communication with faculty and advisor regarding student needs; accessible classroom and housing; determination of appropriate accommodations; academic accommodations or modifications such as testing accommodations; assistance with obtaining alternate format textbooks; use of assistive technology software; and information and referral for additional services. A student must contact the Disability and Accessibility Services Coordinator and provide appropriate documentation in order to receive services. For an appointment, call 859-985-3237.
The Disability and Accessibility Services Coordinator works closely with the Section 504/ADA Coordinator to assure compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1992. Also, the Section 504/ ADA Coordinator receives complaints related to possible discrimination based on physical access needs. The Vice President for Business and Administration serves as the Section 504/ ADA Coordinator.
Policy on Appeal of Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
A student with a complaint of discrimination or non-compliance on a disabilities matter should submit a written statement of the specific complaint of the alleged incident or action to the College’s Disability and Accessibility Services Coordinator (DAS), Lisa Ladanyi, CPO 2205, ext. 3237. The DAS will attempt to resolve such concerns informally through discussions with the student and with pertinent faculty or staff members. In some instances, appropriate administrators may be consulted or a meeting convened by the DAS in order to reach a resolution.
The following internal grievance policy is intended to address any remaining unresolved complaints concerning discrimination or the reasonableness of accommodations as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008.
If the student’s complaint is not resolved by the DAS, the student may submit a formal written grievance to the ADA Compliance Officer for Berea College. (Derrick Singleton, Lincoln 230, CPO 2211, 859-985-3339) The statement should include specific information about the concern or problem (describe the issue(s), indident(s) and the action(s) taken; state the name of the individual(s) or office(s) involved; and show documented efforts to resolve the complaint. The Compliance Officer will meet with the student to discuss the complaint and will conduct any necessary investigation. The Compliance Officer will issue a written decision including findings and remedial actions, if any, to be taken by the College and/or the student. This decision shall be issued to the student and any others deemed appropriate within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Compliance Officer’s receipt of the complaint. The process stops when: a) the complaint is resolved, b) the student decides not to pursue the matter further, or c) the Compliance Officer completes a review and issues a written decision.
If a student is not satisfied with the formal grievance procedure, they may appeal to the President ofr de nova review of the Compliance Officer's decision. The appeal must be made in writing within five (5) calendar days of the decision. The determination of the President on any such appeal is final.
If the grievance is not resolve internally at the College, the student may choose to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 100 Penn Square East, Suite 515, Philadelphia, PA 19107; or Tel.: (215) 656-8541; or Fax: (215) 656-8605, or website: OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov.