Student Accessibility Services
Accessibility applies everywhere on campus! The need for accessibility includes access to our built environments, instructional environments, and virtual environments (including online courses, web pages and other electronic information). A commitment to accessibility gives all of our students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to succeed. Not only is accessibility the right thing to do, compliance is a requirement mandated by Federal law.
At the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, we believe diversity and inclusivity are a key to success. Working in partnership with campus constituents, UMES is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment by making the university accessible to individuals with disabilities. This web page provides information, and resources to inform students, faculty, staff and the public of UMES’s efforts related to accessibility.
Requesting Disability-Related Accommodations
Individuals with disabilities are responsible for self identifying, completing the request form, and providing supporting documentation. Individuals can request accommodations at any time. Reasonable time must be provided to Student Accessibility Services Staff in order to:
- Review accommodate requests and provided documentation.
- Schedule a meeting with the student to participate in the interactive process.
- Implement the accommodation request.
Please keep in mind that accommodations are not provided retroactively.
Current UMES Students
Accessibility resources are available for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The Office of Student Accessibility Services is responsible for reviewing disability documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations in accordance with federal and state laws. Additionally, staff from the Office of Student Accessibility Services collaborate with faculty, staff, and university departments to assist them in providing accommodations to ensure access to university programs, activities, and services for students with documented disabilities. For instructions on how to request an accommodation, click here.
High School Students
Where to attend college is a big decision! For any student who is considering UMES, our staff is available to meet with you to assist you in gathering information or answering questions you may have regarding our services.
For students planning to attend college who have an IEP or 504 plan, we encourage you to contact your school to obtain a copy of your IEP or 504 plan prior to graduation.
We encourage any student who feels they may qualify for accommodations at UMES to complete your request form as soon as you are admitted to UMES. Once the request form is completed, a SAS Staff member will contact you to schedule a time for an interactive discussion virtually or in person. To complete the request form, please click here.
Programming
Navigate
Navigate is an accessibility-focused transition program, geared towards students of color with disabilities. This 6-week program, led by SAS professional staff, covers the following content:
- Campus Resources
- Communication Skills
- Faculty Engagement
- Advocacy Skills
- Time Management
- Academic Skills
- Stress Management
- Identifying Strengths and Barriers
OIE SAS Testing Center
The Office of Institutional Equity and Student Accessibility Services manages a Testing Center for students who have approved testing related accommodations. The Testing Center is located across the hall from the OIE Main Office suite in the Early Childhood Research Center. The Testing Center is equipped with cameras, noise cancelling headphones, fidget items, and a professional testing proctor.
If you are a current student with accommodations, here is information regarding how to schedule a test at the Testing Center:
Creating Accessible Courses, Programs and Events
Courses
Teaching faculty must ensure that the design of their instructional course materials are accessible. This includes all electronic information utilized for face-to-face courses, hybrid courses, and fully online courses that integrate electronic resources and platforms. The university offers training on the “Basics of Creating Accessible Online Course Content” and “Accessible PowerPoints.” More information about training can be requested through ADA@umes.edu.
Programs and Events
Departments, organizations, auxiliaries, or affiliated entities of UMES are responsible for ensuring that their programs, events, goods and services are accessible to the maximum extent feasible, and must provide an opportunity for individuals to request accommodation as well as respond appropriately to any request for accommodation. The “Creating Accessible Programs and Events” brochure (content being created) can assist those who are planning and developing events. Refer to the guidelines offered and reach out to the Office of Student Accessibility Services for any questions you may have.
Accessibility Forms, Policies, and Guidelines
Contact Us and Hours of Operation
Regular Hours
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday
Jason A. Casares
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity, Diversity and Compliance
Title IX Coordinator, Fair Practices Officer,
Equal Employment Opportunity Officer & ADA Coordinator
Phone: 410-651-6135
Email: jacasares@umes.edu or ADA@umes.edu
Jessica Chittams
Director of Student Accessibility Services
Phone: 410-651-6135
Email: jbchittams@umes.edu
Shelita Allen
Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services
Phone: 410-651-6135
Email: ssallen@umes.edu
Camilla Flagg
Student Accessibility Specialist
Phone: 410-651-6135
Email: crflagg@umes.edu
Student Accessibility Services is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UMES.
