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Can CSU, Chico Pass the Test?

Campus accessibility audited

The California State University auditor recently concluded a system-wide audit of randomly selected CSU campuses to assess services, access, and accommodations for people with disabilities and determine if those campuses are meeting with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At first glance, one might think that the only campus department involved in such an audit would be Disability Support Services (DSS), directed by Billie Jackson. Responsibility to provide equal opportunity and access, however, lies with all who are in decision-making positions within the university. Education and training for faculty, staff, and other individuals is a crucial requirement, according to the findings of the audit.
An ADA training plan for faculty, staff, and other individuals that work with disabled persons had not been developed at four of the ten campuses visited. We recommend that the chancellor’s office remind the campuses of the importance of developing an ADA training plan for faculty, staff, and other persons to ensure sufficient understanding of student disability issues and campus-related support and accommodation services. (Audit Recommendation #6)

Human Resources offers, as part of supervisory training, a workshop on the ADA. For information about the training schedule or to sign up for training, call x6771. DSS also offers consultation and training in this area. Call x5959 for more information.
Another area requiring attention is the lack of an advisory committee at some CSU campuses. Four of the ten campuses visited did not have an active advisory committee on services for students with disabilities.
We recommend that the chancellor’s office remind the campuses of the importance of maintaining an active Advisory Committee on Services for Students with Disabilities. (Audit Recommendation #5)

The ADA Committee at CSU, Chico is a group of faculty, staff, community members, and students who meet monthly. Twice a year, the ADA Committee holds an open forum that provides an opportunity to ask questions or present information regarding personal disability issues or concerns. If you have an interest in becoming a member of the ADA Committee or would like to attend one of the monthly meetings, contact Ingrid Cordes at x5436.

The third audit recommendation concerns equal access to electronic communications and computer technology (Audit Recommen- dation #7). An ad hoc committee has been appointed to draft recommendations by Jan. 2004. The guidelines will cover all aspects of technology and accessibility.

The full audit report is available through a link on the DSS Web page: http://www.calstate.edu/ Audit/disability_2002.shtml.

Roberta Patton and Billie Jackson, CSU, Chico ADA Committee