Privacy and Respect

Students’ disability status and information is always treated as confidential. As a result, it is essential that disability related information is only shared as needed, and that discussions around a student’s status as a person with a disability and their accommodations are held in a private setting. 

• Students provide documentation of their disability to the Accessibility Coordinator. This documentation remains confidential with the Accessibility Coordinator
• Students provide their express consent before any information is shared about their disability including providing an accommodation letter to instructors
• Instructors receive information about a student’s eligible accommodations, and may receive some information concerning the functional impacts of the students disability (if needed & with the student’s permission); however, the diagnosis and documentation of disability remain confidential
• Any requests for further information should be directed to the Accessibility Coordinator first

How to Maintain Confidentiality

• Ensure that discussions regarding disability accommodations take place in a private setting and are handled with discretion if in public
• Avoid asking questions about the nature or cause of a student’s disability
• Recognize that a student may not identify if she/he is uncomfortable in discussing their disability
• Ask a student in what ways you can help them to be successful in your class, or ask if certain approaches would be helpful