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General University Information
The Office of Disabilities (ODS) is the primary University
office responsible for the coordination of auxiliary aids
and services for students with disabilities (Please also see
information listed under the Academic Resource Center (ARC).
Information is available to prospective and enrolled students,
their parents and/or sponsors.
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines an individual
with a disability as a person who
a) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially
limits one or more of the person’s major life activities,
b) has a record of such an impairment or
c) is regarded as having such an impairment.
Students requesting services must submit current documentation
to the Office of Disabilities along with a written request
for services. The Office of Disabilities requires that documentation
be current (within 3 years) and describe the nature of the
disability, include a diagnosis by professionals in the field,
outline the history of the disability and the treatment. Documentation
should include a description of how the disability relates
to the need for services. Auxiliary aids and services are
provided on an individual basis, and may include, but are
not limited to: letters to instructors outlining accommodation
needs, note takers, testing accommodations and assistance
with accessibility issues. Students should submit documentation
at least one month prior to the start of classes to ensure
time for the coordination of services. Academic accommodations
are not applied retroactively and may only be provided to
students officially registered with the Office of Disability
Services. Confidentiality of records is maintained by the
Office of Disabilities. Students seeking services should contact
Office of Disabilities to discuss individual needs and obtain
documentation guidelines specific to their disability.
The Office of Disability Services also reviews documentation
for University housing accommodations. Students are required
to complete all the necessary applications, pay all deposits,
and meet all deadlines set forth by University Housing. Students
must then submit documentation to the Office of Disabilities
along with a written request for housing accommodations. Students
are encouraged to submit requests early or prior to regular
housing registration. Requests received after housing assignments
have been published may not be considered until the following
semester due to availability.
Documentation will only be reviewed once it is complete.
Students are notified in writing of the decision. Documentation
guidelines may be obtained by contacting the office or visiting
our website.
Services of a personal nature (for example, readers for personal
use or assistance in eating or dressing) are not provided
through ODS. However, ODS counselors may make referrals, where
possible, to other offices or agencies that may assist in
providing nonacademic or personal services.
Office of Disabilities is located in the Academic Resource
Center in Whitten University Center N201. ODS staff can be
reached at 284-2374 (Voice), 284-3401 (TDD) or 284-1999 (Fax).
Office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Individuals may email the office staff at disabilityservices@miami.edu
for quick responses to questions.
Office of Disabilities Internal Appeals Procedure:
The University of Miami, through the Office of Disability
Services, has adopted a grievance procedure providing for
prompt resolution of complaints by persons who believe they
have been subjected to discrimination based upon their disability.
All complaints must be addressed to the University of Miami,
Office of Disability Services, P.O. Box 249003, Coral Gables,
Florida, 33124 or emailed to disabilityservices@miami.edu
to the attention of the director.
1. All complaints must be in writing and must contain the
name and address of the Complainant, and set forth specific
facts in support of his/her complaint.
2. All grievances must be filed within 90 days of the alleged
discriminatory event. If the complaint involves the denial
of a student's request for auxiliary aids and services or
other modifications, the grievance must be filed within five
(5) days after the student receives notification that their
request for auxiliary aids and services or other modifications
has been denied.
3. An investigation, if appropriate, will be conducted by
the Director of the Academic Resource Center (“the Director”)
or a designee following receipt of the grievance. The Director
may review information and documentation contained in a student's
file, academic record and/or any other information an individual
may submit in support of his/her grievance.
4. Within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the grievance,
the grieving party will receive a written decision from the
Director.
5. If the person does not agree with the decision, he/she
may submit a final written appeal to the Vice Provost for
Undergraduate Affairs or his designee, Ashe Building, Room
240, Coral Gables, Florida, 33124. The written appeal must:
specifically state the issues to be considered and set forth
“why” the individual disagrees with the Director's
decision. This appeal must be received by the Vice Provost's
office within ten (10) days of the date of the Director's
decision. The individual may not include any new or additional
information that was not presented in the initial grievance.
6. Although the University will make every effort to comply
with the timelines set forth herein, circumstances such as
school breaks, may justify an extension of time.
Retaliation against a person who files a grievance, or opposes
a policy he/she believes to be discriminatory is prohibited.
Persons may contact the Assistant Director of Disability
Services, who is responsible for coordinating the University's
504 compliance efforts at (305) 284- 2374 (P.O. Box 249003,
Coral Gables, Florida, 33124), with any questions or concerns.
Individuals, who believe that they were subjected to discrimination
on the basis of disability by the University of Miami, are
encouraged to use this grievance procedure to resolve their
concerns. Individuals may, however, wish to file a complaint
directly with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for
Civil Rights, 61 Forsyth Street, Suite 19T70, Atlanta, Georgia,
30303 (404) 562-6350.
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