What is meant by the phrase, “with or without reasonable accommodations?
Understanding this phrase is critical to understanding the distinction between a civil right and an entitlement. Civil rights laws such as the ADA and 504 do not mandate a safety net, meaning DSS does not guarantee academic success. Students with disabilities must perform at the same level that their academic and professional programs expect of other students. The university has the responsibility to level the playing field, but ultimately the student’s work must be their own and be of satisfactory quality. Students have the right to refuse any accommodations available to them. DSS cannot make a student request and/or utilize accommodations. Ultimately, if students do not request reasonable accommodations and perform poorly without them, their civil rights have not be violated.
