Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:
Disclosure letters: At the written request of the students, the Director of Special Services (DSS) writes letter to some or all of the students' professors which clearly states the nature of the disability and the appropriate classroom accommodations.
Extended Time and Separate Environment Testing: Extended time testing (usually time and a half or double time) takes place either in classrooms and/or office space designated by the professor or in a separate secluded environment within the Jandrisevits Learning Center.
Interpreting and/or Technical Services: Sacred Heart University currently has four in-house interpreters (all are certified in either American Sign Language or Oral Transliteration) who are also trained c-print captionists. Deaf or hard of hearing students may choose which type of assistance they would prefer in the classroom to provide them with equal access. (Note: If the student requests both services present in the classroom, then a fee will be attached – please see the Non-Mandated Services section).
Alternative Forms of Testing: Depending upon students' documentation and disabilities, the Special Services Office negotiates appropriate alternative testing methods on a case-by-case basis.
Course Substitutions when Appropriate: A course substitution policy enables physically and learning challenged students, on a case-by-case basis, to request previously approved alternatives in place of specific required courses, but only when it is clear that the required courses would severely disadvantage students' ability to successfully compete in those courses.
Books on Tape: Students can be provided with recorded books (along with a narrator recorder when needed) through Sacred Heart University's institutional membership with Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D).
Classroom Learning Assistants Program: Tutoring in disciplines-across-the curriculum is provided for all SHU students free of charge by graduates and undergraduates in our Classroom Learning Assistants Program (CLA). The CLAs are responsible for providing students with a full set of notes for the class, assisting them with tests, study or paper preparation.