This page is part of the 2016 Lane website archive, and is presented for historical reference only.

Grievances

Grievances

Periodically, students with disabilities run into problems implementing their accommodations. This may be because a faculty member is unfamiliar with how to assist in the process, the student may feel unsure or intimidated about advocating for his/her needs, or the class is designed in such a way that it is not readily clear what accommodations would be appropriate.

Whatever the problem, Center for Accessible Resources (CAR) staff members are available to assist students in working on creative solutions and brainstorming options. CAR facilitates communication between students and faculty or helps arrange meetings with the student, faculty, and/or other staff who may have important ideas or information. Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to contact CAR when problems first arise so they can be resolved as quickly as possible.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is an amendment which safeguards the rights of people with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, and education. New decisions are frequently handed down by the United States Supreme Court. These decisions further clarify how people with disabilities are to be accommodated at work, at school, and in the community.

Lane Community College is committed to compliance with the ADA, and will assist the student in obtaining academic accommodations or offer students other resources as needed.

CAR has formal and informal steps students can use to resolve disagreements concerning their academic accommodations. Most of these problems can be resolved quickly, but others may take longer. Everyone involved will do his or her best to ensure that the process goes smoothly. It is the student's responsibility to start this process as soon as the problem arises—don't wait until it becomes a terrible clash.

When a student has a concern about an accommodation or a CAR staff member, the informal complaint process is as follows:

Step 1: Student discusses the situation immediately with her/his CAR primary advisor or the person with whom she/he is having the disagreement.

Step 2: Student discusses the situation with her/his CAR primary advisor (if CAR primary advisor is not the person student is disagreeing with).

Step 3: If student remains dissatisfied, she/he fills out the CAR Informal Complaint Form and returns it to the CAR office. Student will recieve a written response within one (1) business day.

Step 4: If student is not satisfied, she/he may wish to file a formal ADA complaint through the Office of Student Affairs. The student's CAR primary advisor will be able to explain the process; or view the resources on this page. Students do not have to file an informal complaint before they file a formal complaint.

When a student and a faculty member disagree about an accommodation, CAR recommends the following steps:

Step 1: Student discusses the situation directly with the faculty member.

Step 2: Student discusses the situation with her/his CAR primary advisor who may discuss the situation with the faculty member.

Step 3: Student discuss the situation with the Department's division Dean. (See Informal Complaint).

Step 4: The Associate Dean for Accessibility and Support may be consulted simultaneously and take additional action as needed.

Step 5: If student is not satisfied, she/he may wish to file a formal complaint. The student's CAR primary advisor can explain the process. (See Formal Complaint.)

Step 6: If student is still not satisfied, she/he may wish to file a formal ADA complaint. The student's CAR primary advisor can explain the process. (See ADA complaint.) Students do not have to file an informal complaint before they file a formal complaint.

Formal ADA Complaint Forms are available online and at the following locations:

Center for Accessible Resources logo

To request this information in an alternate format (Braille, digital, audio, or large print), please contact Center for Accessible Resources: (541) 463-5150 (voice); 711 (relay); Building 19, 231; or AccessibleResources@lanecc.edu.