I. POLICY RATIONALE

The American University of Science (AUS) is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities access to participate in its educational programs and activities and employment opportunities equally. AUS shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines concerning providing reasonable accommodations as necessary to provide equal participation for qualified persons with disabilities.

II. POLICY APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all students, staff, and the general public as well as all aspects of the university’s operations, programs, and activities. Failure to reasonably accommodate qualified persons with disabilities is a violation of federal and/or state laws as well as university policy.

III. POLICY PURPOSE

AUS is committed to the principles of inclusion necessary to create a campus community in which the unique contributions of all its members are valued equally. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the laws of the State of Hawaii, AUS will provide qualified persons with the accommodations deemed reasonable for equal access to educational programs and activities, and employment opportunities, in the most integrated setting feasible.

IV. POLICY STATEMENT

A. Definition

Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is defined as a person who has an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a history or record of such an impairment, or is perceived by others as having such an impairment. Major life activities, as defined by the ADA, include activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, eating, hearing, speaking, breathing, reading, thinking, communicating, learning and working. Temporary impairments, including pregnancy, are not considered disabilities under the ADA in and of themselves. However, complications that limit one or more major life activities resulting from these temporary conditions may constitute coverage under certain circumstances.

B. Principles

1. Prospective and Current Students

Disability Support (DS) assists students with disabilities as they navigate AUS. The DS website maintains information related to students, academics, and accommodations. Students with a disability in need of accommodations or other services must register with DS and submit the requisite documentation to establish their eligibility for, and subsequent implementation of, reasonable and appropriate accommodations. For more information, students should contact Disability Support at DS@TheAUS.us.

To request information about the protections against discrimination on the basis of disability, students should contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (202) 994-6710 or OAA@TheAUS.us.

2. Prospective, Current Employees and Visitors

Applicants, current employees, and campus visitors who believe they need an accommodation because of a disability are responsible for requesting a reasonable accommodation. AUS will provide a qualified individual with a disability a reasonable accommodation in regards to the job application process and in employment, and to participate in university events or programming.

To request information about reasonable accommodations or the protections against discrimination on the basis of disability, employees and other professional members of the AUS community should contact the Office of University Services OUS@TheAUS.us.

3. Protections Against Discrimination and Retaliation

Protection from discrimination applies to all university applicants and employees: student employees, classified employees, professional faculty, academic employees, and all employment applicants. Retaliation against an individual for reporting discrimination or requesting an accommodation is prohibited. To be a violation of this policy, the retaliatory action must be one that has or could have the effect of deterring a reasonable individual from engaging in a protected activity. Those found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

C. Related Information

Americans with Disability Act of 1990

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973