Creating a Welcoming Environment and Inviting Participation

 

As one of the University’s many diversity efforts, colleges, departments, programs, and student organizations are being encouraged to include statements about the availability of disability-related accommodations on their materials.

Statements about the availability of accommodations are a way of creating a welcoming environment. By encouraging advance inquires, you can identify any needed accommodations early so that they can be implemented in a seamless fashion.

When you receive questions about accessibility or an accommodation request you may not always be sure how to respond. When that happens, obtain the individual's contact information, make sure you understand their question or request, and let them know you will get back to them shortly. If you need assistance in responding you can contact Sue Kroeger, at Disability Resources (626-7674 or suek@email.arizona.edu). Below are four model statements. You should be able to adapt one of them for almost any situation.

Model Statements

1. Events: (To appear on calendars, posters, flyers and other announcements or advertising for the event.)
• If you have questions concerning access, wish to request a sign language interpreter or accommodations for a disability please contact {insert name and contact information including an e-mail or TTY number}.
2. Web Pages (To appear as text on pages if you are not sure of usability)
• If you have difficulty accessing any portions of this page with adaptive technology, please contact {insert page owner/web master name, e-mail, phone, and TTY if available}. 
• Information on why websites need to be accessible to people with disabilities and how to create an accessible website - http://www.arizona.edu/uaweb/accessible
3. Publications (To appear on catalogs, brochures, and other University publications)
• If you need this information in an accessible format (Braille, digital, tape or large print) please contact {insert name and contact information including an e-mail or TTY number}.
4. Syllabi (To appear on all syllabi)
• If you anticipate issues related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with me.  I would like us to discuss ways to ensure your full participation in the course.  If you determine that formal, disability-related accommodations are necessary, it is very important that you be registered with Disability Resources (621-3268; drc.arizona.edu) and notify me of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations.  We can then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.