Faculty Information on the Americans with Disabilities Act

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Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a shared responsibility, and faculty members play an important role in Stockton's efforts. The ADA is a civil rights statute, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.  As a faculty member, it is important to understand and fulfill responsibilities regarding the ADA. This page provides a general overview of responsibilities related to the ADA.

Awareness and Sensitivity

  • Familiarize yourself with the ADA regulations and guidelines relevant to higher education.
  • Cultivate an understanding of the diverse needs of students with disabilities and develop sensitivity towards barriers and challenges.
  • Recognize that disability can take various forms, including physical, sensory, learning, and mental health disabilities.

Accommodations and Accessibility

  • Create accessible educational materials, activities, and assessments to comply with the ADA and best practices.  All students benefit from accessible course materials.
  • Ensure that all course materials, including syllabi, readings, presentations, and online resources, are accessible to students with disabilities.  Use the CTLD sample syllabus which is accessible and promotes best practices.
  • Use Stockton’s LMS (Blackboard) in all courses to provide students with accessible course materials. Blackboard Ally is available to all faculty and offers guidance in making sure text course materials are accessible.
  • Use accessible technologies and consider universal design principles when creating course content.
  • Familiarize yourself with Stockton’s accommodations process (student provides an accommodation letter each semester). Accommodations ensure that when students are evaluated, students are demonstrating what they learned rather than impacted by the effects of a disability. Work collaboratively with the Learning Access Program and be prepared to implement approved accommodations promptly and effectively.

Confidentiality

  • Respect and maintain the confidentiality of students' disability-related information. Be mindful of privacy concerns when communicating with students about their accommodations or disabilities.

Inclusive Teaching Practices

  • Incorporate inclusive teaching strategies to engage all students, including those with disabilities.  Contact the Center for Teaching & Learning Design (CTLD) for access to the Stockton Toolkit for Inclusive Learning & Teaching (STILT) offering resources to support inclusive teaching.
  • Use multiple instructional methods, provide clear instructions, and offer opportunities for student participation and feedback.
  • Encourage a supportive and respectful classroom environment that values diversity and fosters inclusivity.

Communication and Collaboration

  • Maintain open and effective communication with students regarding their accommodations and needs.
  • Collaborate with Learning Access Program professionals to address any concerns or questions related to accommodations.
  • Seek professional development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills related to disability inclusion in the classroom.

Accessibility in Physical Spaces

  • Ensure that physical spaces, such as classrooms, labs, and offices, are accessible to students with mobility impairments.

Remember, fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment is not only a legal obligation but also an ethical responsibility. By fulfilling ADA responsibilities, faculty contribute to the success and well-being of Stockton students.

For assistance with pedagogical issues related to accessible course design, contact the Center for Teaching & Learning Design (CTLD) at ctld@stockton.edu.  For information about student accommodations, contact the Learning Access Program at lap@stockton.edu.