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University Accessibility Center

Training, Tips, and Help for Faculty

Training

The University Accessibility Center strives to serve as a resource to faculty and staff for training and information regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and how best to work with students with disabilities who register with our office. We would be happy to meet with you individually or to present in your faculty or staff meetings. Simple question/answer periods can also be arranged. Please contact the UAC Director: Ed Martinelli, Ph.D. / 801-422-5655 / ed_martinelli@byu.edu

Tips for Communicating with Students with Physical Disabilities

  • Speak directly to the person, not to a companion or interpreter.
  • Identify yourself when meeting someone who is blind.
  • If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted, then ask how to assist.
  • Treat adults as adults.
  • Do not lean against or hang onto someone's wheelchair or scooter.
  • Listen attentively when talking to people who have difficulty speaking, and do not interrupt.
  • Place yourself at eye level when speaking to someone in a wheelchair.
  • Pat a person who is deaf on the shoulder to get his or her attention.
  • Don't be embarrassed if you use common expressions or phrases that seem to relate to a person's disability (e.g., saying "See you later!" to a person who is blind).
Services Offered for Faculty and Staff

Faculty members who have disabilities and are in need of accommodations should contact Tom Patterson, Faculty Relations Manager (tom_patterson@byu.edu). Staff members who have disabilities and are in need of accommodations should contact Collette Blackwelder, Equal Employment Opportunity Manager (eo_manager@byu.edu).