Accessibility and Accommodations Coordinator, Nicki Kozub, has been working to create resources for collegiate chapters and members to ensure that all events are accessible and any potential new members or members have access to request accommodations.
In February 2021, the Board of Directors approved a new Accessibility and Accommodations Policy. This policy is intended to ensure compliance with all applicable sorority policies, constitution, and bylaws. Omega Phi Alpha complies with all federal, state, local, and university laws and regulations pertaining to accessibility and accommodation. You can review the policy in full below.
In addition to the new policy, Nicki has created an avenue for all members who need accommodations to request them through the national organization in the event that a member doesn’t feel comfortable going to their chapter leaders or haven’t been able to receive the accommodations they need. Nicki will review requests and work with chapter leaders to ensure that all accommodations are made.
To further assist chapters in ensuring inclusivity, Nicki has developed a document for disability best practices. This document is intended to provide all members and chapters of the sorority with the information they need to ensure they are operating within the set policies and best practices for accommodating members with disabilities. It also includes tips for discussing disabilities and ensuring that all member’s needs are addressed.
Discussing Disabilities
- Not all disabilities are visible. This does not mean that invisible disabilities are not valid.
- Don’t ask questions about a person’s disability status. Let them tell you.
- If you come to know that a person has a disability, treat that as private information. It is inappropriate to discuss that fact without explicit permission.
- Accommodation requests should be kept as private as possible.
- Respect the medical privacy and confidentiality of members who may share medical information when disclosing their disability status.
- In diversity conversations, include disability because it is not a separate category. Disability is a natural expression of diversity in ability. The intersectionality of identities can greatly impact a person’s experience and viewpoint on disability.
- Be respectful in your words and actions.
- Avoid terminology that you know to be offensive.
- The term “handicapped” is outdated and use of this term should be avoided.
Planning Events
- Plan activities and programs that are accessible for everyone.
- Allow multiple methods of participation in a project or event whenever possible.
- All venues and buildings that are booked for events should be accessible for entry, restrooms, and all scheduled activities.
- Those in charge of the event should be proactive in these considerations so that there is no problem to address.
- Accommodation requests must be honored and may mean that events should have a modified activity, materials, or a venue change to include all members, potential members, alumni, and guests.
- Consider activities, materials, content, food, sounds, and venue when considering potential for harm to a disabled person.
Meetings
- Medical emergencies should be considered excused absences.
Other
- It is inappropriate (and possibly illegal) to use accommodations (such as service animals and accessible parking) without a legitimate need.
The full document is available here and will live on OPAportal under the files section for access at all times.
If you have any questions about Accessibility and Accommodations within Omega Phi Alpha, please reach out to Nicki by emailing [email protected].