Disability Discrimination: Informational Resolution and Formal Appeal Procedures
Informational Resolution
Accommodation requests are determined on a case-by-case basis through an interactive
active process. This process involves the student with disabilities and a Coordinator
from the Office of Disability Accessibility for Students (DAS) working together to
develop an accommodation plan. There are times that the interactive process may not
sufficiently determine the reasonableness of a specific accommodation, so the DAS
Coordinator will bring the information to the Case Review Team (CRT) for further discussion
and review. If the accommodation is denied by the full case review team, then the
DAS Coordinator involved in the initial interactive process will report this to the
student. The student may then appeal this decision to the DAS Director as soon as
practicable upon receipt of the denial. The appeal must detail, in writing via email,
a full description of the individual's concern, including the facts that support an
accommodation approval. The DAS Director will review all relevant information and
will issue a written decision in response to the appeal within 7 business days.
Formal Appeal Procedures
Students may appeal the denial of an accommodation request through the College's ADA/Section
504 Coordinator as soon as practicable upon receipt of the denial. The appeal must
detail, in writing, a full description of the individual's concern, including the
facts that support an accommodation approval, efforts made to resolve the concern
through The Office of Disability Accessibility for Students and any other information
relevant to the determination (including supporting documentation). Through the submission
of an appeal, the appealing party authorizes the release of their accommodation-related
health information to the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (or their designee). Please
note, this is a confidential process and health information will not be shared beyond
what is necessary to process the appeal. Upon receipt of the appeal, the ADA/Section
504 Coordinator will review the denial by evaluating all relevant information and
will make a determination regarding the matter. At their discretion, the ADA/Section
504 Coordinator may meet with the appealing party or other individuals with knowledge
of the relevant facts. The ADA/Section 504 Coordinator will issue a written decision
in response to the appeal.
The Community College of Rhode Island’s ADA/Section 504 Coordinator can be reached
at: https://www.ccri.edu/hr/civil_rights_and_title_IX/
The ADA/Section 504 Coordinator will consider the following factors during their review:
- Whether designated procedures were followed
- If the appropriate information was utilized, reasonably considered, and supports the
denial
- Whether the individual and the College engaged in an interactive dialogue
- Whether the requested accommodation poses an undue burden on the College
- Any other factors the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator determines to be relevant to the
matter.
The ADA/Section 504 Coordinator will have the final determination in all appeals cases
and if applicable will notify all relevant parties.
US Department of Education Contact Information
Individuals may always contact the following regarding allegations of disability discrimination
in violation of Section 504:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights
Email: U.S. Office [email protected]
Boston Office: [email protected]