Underutilized Retention Experts

Overview of Complete College America Conference

  • Focus on retention and academic ableism in higher education.

  • Presenter: Mary Lee Vance, Ph.D., CSU Sacramento.

  • Date: November 20, 2024.

Use Guidelines

  • This PowerPoint is for registered attendees only.

  • Consent for conversion to Braille or alternative formats is granted.

  • All other reproduction and distribution requires written permission.

Civil Rights and Disability Rights

  • Disability rights are essential civil rights that intersect with various identities.

  • Understanding systemic racism and ableism is crucial for advocacy.

Definitions

Racism

  • Belief in inherent racial differences leading to superiority/inferiority claims.

  • Prejudice and discrimination against marginalized racial or ethnic groups.

Ableism

  • A set of beliefs devaluing individuals with disabilities, often assuming they need fixing.

  • Discriminatory practices favoring able-bodied individuals.

Historical Context

  • Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504: Mandates equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs.

  • Requirement to provide necessary auxiliary aids for equal access.

Legal Framework

ADA and Reasonable Accommodations

  • Colleges must ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities.

  • Auxiliary aids include interpreters and accessible technology.

  • Academic adjustments can be modifications like reduced course loads or extra time on exams.

Reasonable Accommodations and Definitions

  • Accommodations should ensure equal participation in academic settings.

  • They cannot fundamentally alter academic standards or create undue burden.

  • Addressing accommodations responsibly involves ongoing dialogue with students and faculty.

Key Regulations

  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Ensures accessibility of information technology for people with disabilities.

  • Continual responsibility exists for ensuring equal access to information and communication.

Interactive Processes

With Students

  • Identify qualified accommodations collaboratively.

  • Ensure a continuous dialogue regarding necessary modifications.

With Faculty

  • Ensure compliance with laws and protection of academic integrity.

  • Engage faculty in discussions regarding necessary adjustments.

Common Accommodations

  • Attendance flexibility, audio recordings, extended exam times, captioning, etc.

Universal Design (UD)

  • Promotes accessibility for all, minimizing the need for individual accommodations.

  • Recognizes disability as a natural and socially constructed experience.

Current Issues

Threats to Disability Rights

  • Legal challenges against Section 504 and ADA arise, questioning definitions and compliance obligations.

  • Implications for colleges in maintaining disability accommodations and support systems.

Advocacy and Awareness

  • Faculty roles are critical in reducing academic ableism.

  • Discussion questions to engage faculty and provoke thought on essential learning objectives.

Conclusion

  • Emphasizing that all students, regardless of ability, deserve equitable access to education.

  • Ongoing efforts are needed to create inclusive environments that combat ableism and promote retention.