Appalachian State University is committed to providing an institutional environment free from discriminiation and harassment to the Appalachian community, including students, faculty, staff and others who participate in University Programs, activities, or conduct business on behalf of the University.
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.
The Office of Disability Resources (ODR) is responsible for oversight of compliance with Section 504 and the ADA. ODR leads the collaboration of University efforts related to accessibility and assists eligible students, faculty, staff and visitors with disabilities by determining access needs and coordinating academic adjustments or workplace accommodations. Additionally, ODR has been identified and tasked as the administrative office responsible for reviewing and investigating prohibited conduct matters governed by Policy 110 Discrimination & Harassment pertaining to disability.
The Office of Disability Resources will conduct a timely and impartial review of concerns to ensure a prompt and equitable resolution. The ADA/504 Coordinator, or designee will confer with relevant campus administrators as needed to resolve concerns.
Options for reporting such concerns are outlined below. All concerns should be reported as soon as possible.
Report an Access Concern
Report an Access Concern
Individuals who encounter a barrier to access (physical, programmatic, parking, etc.) on the basis of disability at Appalachian State University, may report using the Access Concern form.
Upon receipt the ADA/504 Coordinator, or designee, will conduct a timely and impartial review of concerns. Relevant campus administrators will be consulted as needed to resolve concerns.
Report a Digital Access Barrier
Individuals who encounter a disability-barrier or access concern with digital content/materials or technology may report to ITS.
Upon receipt, ITS or designee will conduct a timely and impartial review. Relevant campus administrators will be consulted as needed to resolve barriers. App State will provide its initial response to the complainant within two (2) business days. App State will resolve the complaint within seven (7) business days by either remediating or resolving the access barrier and provide notice of the resolution to the complainant.
Visit our dedicated websites for assistance with passwords or wifi access. For general technical support, call (828)262-6266 or submit a service request at support.appstate.edu.
Accommodation Concerns
Accommodation Reconsideration
Individuals who disagree with a determination of eligibility have the option to request a reconsideration. An Accommodation Reconsideration process provides individuals with the opportunity to request a review of a prior ODR decision regarding an eligibility determination. To initiate this process individuals should submit a request in writing to the ADA/504 Coordinator by completing the Accommodation Reconsideration Request form.
Individuals are encouraged to submit their request for reconsideration as soon as possible following their receipt of the disputed determination.
The ADA/504 Coordinator, or designee, will review the information leading to the original eligibility decision. During the review, the ADA/504 Coordinator, or designee may request additional information to ensure a careful and thorough reassessment of the initial determination(s) made. A final determination will be made by the ADA/504 Coordinator, or designee within 15 business days of receipt of the reconsideration requests.
Concern Regarding Accommodations
Individuals who have concerns related to receiving ODR approved academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and services, or reasonable workplace accommodations may report using the Concerns Regarding Accommodations form. Upon receipt, the ADA/504 Coordinator or designee will conduct a timely and impartial review of concern.
Internal Complaint Process
The Equal Opportunity (EO) unit within the Office of Access & Equity is the designated office to receive and navigate concerns of discrimination or harassment based on protected status, workplace bullying, and sexual misconduct.
External Complaint Processes
An individual may also file a complaint with the appropriate external federal, state, or local agency within the time frame required by law. Depending upon the nature of the complaint, the appropriate agency may be the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education, or the Department of Justice.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Headquarters
131 M Street, NE
Washington, DC 20507
Phone: 202-663-4900
Email: info@eeoc.gov
Web: http://www.eeoc.gov
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Office for Civil Rights, National Headquarters
U.S. Department of Education
Lyndon Baines Johnson Dept. of Education Building
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
Telephone: 800-421-3481
Fax: 202-453-6012; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: OCR@ed.gov