In institutions of higher education, disability resource professionals (DRPs) have the responsibility of upholding compliance with federal legislation regarding college students with disabilities. Specifically, DRPs are tasked with determining reasonable accommodations to ensure access to all aspects of the campus community while simultaneously…

This issue of "Policy and Practice" offers counselors and student affairs professionals strategies to effectively support the mental health needs of today's students. Students require transparent, connected, and flexible systems that meet the full range of mental health needs. To achieve such systems, institutions must have a robust…

Understanding the law has become an integral part of the work of higher education professionals, especially residence life staff. For decades, courts have contributed an increasingly important role in shaping the litigious nature of society at large and within higher education (Greenleaf, 1982). Barr and Associates (1988) noted the increasingly…

"Beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act" is a primer and quick reference guide for higher education professionals who work with students with disabilities, both apparent and hidden. Written for administrators, faculty, and staff, the book provides transferable information that is applicable to any campus. Since the Americans with…

At the postsecondary and secondary levels of education, students with learning disabilities are by law entitled to reasonable accommodation in support of their education. Secondary and postsecondary institutions as disability service providers are required to follow guidelines and direction to make this accommodation possible. Yet as these…

Students with learning disabilities (LD) transitioning from secondary school to postsecondary education must submit documentation verifying the existence of a disability and that describes a current and substantial limitation to learning. Preparing acceptable documentation can be a challenge for secondary personnel because of differing laws at the…

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), which became effective at the beginning of 2009, is poised to have potentially wide-reaching implications for higher education. The article reviews the recent amendments to the original Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990), summarizes the relevant Supreme Court cases that have…

"Who is responsible for developing, ensuring, and assessing learning outcomes--student affairs, academic affairs, or both?" This question yielded a spirited debate between faculty members and student affairs professionals in the author's course Disability in Higher Education and Society. The author was prompted to learn more about this…

Assesses the accomplishments in assisting students with disabilities over the past two decades. Outlines the critical issues for complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Defines disability and access, and examines ways to organize and structure services, fund accommodations, evaluate services, and collaborate with faculty. (RJM)

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), colleges and universities are required to provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Understanding the law and applying it to student affairs personnel can be a complicated process. This article presents an overview of the ADA and emphasizes its application to recruiting and…

Student affairs practitioners today must often face difficulties related to the promotion of multiculturalism while maintaining individual rights and freedoms with a college population. Addresses concerns faced by student affairs practitioners: law and regulations and promoting diversity. Discusses legislative directives, current laws, and recent…