CGI does not discriminate based on disability. CGI is committed to compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and all other applicable laws prohibiting disability discrimination.
Admitted or enrolled students who believe they have a current and essential need for disability accommodations are responsible for registering with and requesting accommodations through CGI. The student must provide CGI with qualifying disability documentation verifying the nature and extent of the disability prior to receiving any accommodations. CGI will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.
Eligibility
The Americans with Disabilities Act as amended (ADAAA) 2008 provides comprehensive Civil Rights protection and is designed to remove barriers which prevent persons with disabilities from accessing the same educational and employment opportunities as persons without disabilities. The law also provides access to public accommodations, state and local government services, transportation, and telecommunications. The Americans with Disabilities Act also prohibits discrimination against a qualified individual with a disability with regard to admission to educational institutions or vocational training programs (public or private); employee compensation; job training; and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.
Definition of a Disability
The Definition of Disability is provided in the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008, Section 4. An individual with a disability is defined in the act as someone who has “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.” The regulations define “physical or mental impairment” as any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more body systems, such as neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, immune, circulatory, hemic, lymphatic, skin, and endocrine. The regulations also cover any mental or psychological disorder, such as intellectual disability (formerly termed mental retardation), organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness and specific learning disabilities.
Notes
Individuals who are current illegal users of drugs are not protected under the ADA. The legal use of a controlled substance under medical perspective is permitted. Addiction is considered a disability. A person who is addicted to drugs, but is not actively using drugs, is considered a person with a disability and is protected by the law. Alcohol is not considered a controlled substance.
No Requirement for Citizenship
The Americans with Disabilities Act covers all persons with disabilities in the United States, whether or not they are citizens and without regard to racial or ethnic origin.
Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation is the provision of an auxiliary aid, or modification to the course or program which will allow access to the job duties, the educational process, program and degree, or activity. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires an institution of higher education to provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a disability provided that accommodation does not create an undue hardship. Some examples of reasonable accommodation are making existing facilities readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities; flexible timeline for program completion; acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; appropriate adjustment or modification of examinations or policies; the provision of qualified readers, note takers, and/or sign language interpreters; provision of alternative print formats.
Accommodation Request Process
CGI is dedicated to serving degree seeking and non-degree students with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations for everyone to be successful in furthering their education at this institution. Students with disabilities are encouraged to disclose and submit a Disability Notification and Accommodation Form at least/minimum of two (2) weeks before the start date of classes or immediately after diagnosis. In addition, registration with Disability Services may take place at any point during the term. Once the student has provided the appropriate documentation, the accommodations can be instituted. A student may choose to attempt a class without accommodations and to self-identify later in the process. However, if the student opts for this approach, any grades that have been earned without the use of accommodations remain as published. Once a student identifies they need an accommodation, they should follow the following steps:
- If a student believes they are in need of a disability accommodation plan, the student should fill out a Disability Notification and Accommodation Form on the Student Form Page.
- The student must provide CGI with qualifying disability documentation verifying the nature and extent of the disability prior to receiving any accommodations.
- The Operations Department will receive the request and will work with the Program Director and Curriculum Team to review the accommodation request and documentation submitted and provide accommodations options for the student.
- Once a plan is developed, the Operations Department will send the drafted plan to the student to review and final approve.
- Once approved by the student, the Operations Department will send the plan out for electronic signatures.
- The plan is then uploaded to the student’s student information system in a private section on their student information account.
- The plan is then sent by the Operations Team to faculty at the start of each term depending on which courses the student is enrolled in for the term.
