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, guidance, 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 requesting accommodations and providing supporting documentation. Individuals can request accommodations at any time; however, sufficient time must be provided in order to review documentation and implement the accommodation request. Please keep in mind that accommodations are not provided retroactively.
College Students
Accessibility Resources are available for undergraduate and graduate students. The Office of Student Accessibility Services is responsible for reviewing disability documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations, auxiliary aids, and adjustments 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
Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans are available for students to request from their high school. Some students will bring a 504 Plan or IEP from their previous school (community college, transfer school, etc). When admitted to UMES, please feel free to reach out to our office to discuss accommodations and to have an in-depth discussion regarding your IEP or 504 plan through an interactive dialogue meeting.
Employees
The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance responds to requests for accommodation from employees with disabilities through the designed ADA Coordinator for the campus community (information below). That person is also responsible for overseeing compliance with regard to state and federal regulations that prohibit employee discrimination on the basis of disability and requests for reasonable accommodations. Please complete the following information to formally request an employee related accommodation: UMES Employee Accommodation Request Form. Please submit completed forms with supporting documentation to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance at jacasares@umes.edu and to ADA@umes.edu.
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
Visitor Accommodation Request Form
Employee Information Forms
ADA and Section 504 Procedures for Employees
ADA Section 504 Documentation Guidelines for Employees
Employee Accommodation Request Form
Employee Accommodation Appeal Form
Student Information
Student Accommodation Process Flow Chart
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: 410-651-7994
Email: jbchittams@umes.edu
Shelita Allen
Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services
Phone: 410-651-7995
Email: ssallen@umes.edu
Student Accessibility Services is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UMES.
