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Disability Law

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Introduction

The fundamental purpose of disability law regulations is to protect qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. The purpose of the Accessibility Resource Center is to eliminate barriers and approve reasonable accommodations in order to level the playing field for such persons.

Government Disability Law and Guidance Acts and Policies

Disability Definitions

The following definitions apply in regard to disability law.
Disability
Is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; a record or documentation of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.
Disability Documentation
Must be current and must be from an appropriate professional, such as a medical doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist, and must include:

  • Diagnosis of disability
  • Functional limitations on major life activities
  • Recommendations for reasonable modifications

Major Life Activities
Major life activities are defined as follows:

  • Caring for one-self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, sitting, standing, lifting, reaching, sleeping
  • Mental and emotional processes such as thinking, concentrating, and interacting with others.

Exclusions to Major Life Activities
The following activities are excluded from the disability definition of major life activities:

  • The EEOC excludes compulsive gambling, kleptomania, pyromania, and psychoactive disorders that are a result of current use of illegal drugs.
  • Traits and behaviors of stress, irritability, chronic lateness, and poor judgment, in and of themselves are not included in the definition of disability.
  • A qualified person with a disability may not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or others.

Qualified Individual
A “Qualified Individual” is defined as a person with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation for a Minneapolis Community and Technical College program or activity, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the program or activity
Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are defined as follows:

  • Reasonable modifications to ensure equal access
  • Removal of architectural barriers
  • Provision of auxiliary aids and/or services

Exception to Reasonable Accommodations
The following are exceptions to reasonable accommodations:

  • An accommodation is not reasonable if it results in undue burden or hardship for Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
  • An accommodation is not reasonable if it results in a fundamental alteration or compromises the essential elements of an academic standard. Students with disabilities must meet the same academic requirements as other Minneapolis Community and Technical College students.

Retroactive
“Retroactive” is defined as: Going into operation or effect as of a previous date, or in respect to past events or circumstances.

Minneapolis College Policies

Concerns, Complaints, and Grievances

For information regarding the concern, complaint, or grievance processes, please refer to the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities.