Each member of the University community, particularly those with publication and other media preparation responsibilities, is in a unique position to shape the public image of people who have traditionally experienced discrimination. The words and images we use can create an insensitive, negative portrayal or a straightforward, positive view. Too often members of one such group - people with disabilities - are offended by the demeaning terminology used in referring to them. Such terminology can be as offensive to persons with disabilities as racial or ethnic slurs are to members of other groups. This section provides an outline of concerns
and some suggestions concerning such communications Portrayal Issues 1. Do not refer at all to a disability unless it is crucial. 2. The terms "handicapped," "handicap," or "physically challenged" are outdated or pretentious. The terms disabled or disability are not. 3. Do not sensationalize a disability by saying "victim of," "afflicted with," and so on. 4. Avoid using emotional descriptions. Say "uses a wheelchair" rather than "confined to a wheelchair"; and "walks with crutches" rather than "is crippled." 5.Avoid categorizing people into groups, as in "transportation for the disabled," or "assistive listening devices for the deaf." Instead say "transportation for riders with disabilities," or "assistive listening devices for theatergoers who are deaf." (Note especially that the word "disabled" is an adjective, not a noun.) 6. Avoid portraying people with disabilities who succeed as remarkable or superhuman. This implies that it is unusual for people with disabilities to have talents or skills. 7. Avoid using the word "special" in regard to disability, as in "special entrance" or "special transportation." Instead say "accessible entrance" and "lift-equipped buses." The word "special" serves only to segregate rather than to integrate people with disabilities. 8. Avoid putting disability issues into a medical context. Words like "patient," "case," and "invalid" should not be used. The overwhelming majority of people with disabilities are not sick. Most disability issues concern civil rights, education, accessibility, and so on. 9. Avoid using an over-familiar tone in
referring to people with disabilities. A person with a disability
deserves the same courtesy of address and reference as a person
without a disability. (People with disabilities, for example, are
often "first named," whereas people without disabilities
in similar contexts are not.)
The above information is drawn from a brochure produced in 1987 (and revised in 2000) at the University of Pennsylvania by the Committee for an Accessible University and the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs (215-898-6993 [Voice], 215-898-7803 [TDD]. Updated 2002.
Reasonable Accommodation Reasonable accommodations are provided on an individual basis. Criteria used to determine whether a requested accommodation is reasonable (1) is based on documented individual need(s); (2) allows for the most integrated experience possible; (3) does not fundamentally alter the essential requirements of a course or program; (4) does not pose a threat to personal or public safety; (5) does not impose undue financial or administrative burden; and, (6) is not of a personal nature (e.g., paying for an attendant). Some examples of reasonable accommodations that Penn provides its students with disabilities are as follows: Academic Accommodations
Auxiliary Aids and Services
Other Reasonable Accommodations
The following list provides examples of accommodations that students with various disabilities may need. For Mobility Disabilities
Note: Although personal care attendants are not considered a reasonable accommodation, SDS may assist a student in the recruitment of, and screening process for hiring an attendant. For Hearing Disabilities
For Vision Disabilities
For Learning Disabilities
For Chronic Disabilities/RSI
Housing Students whose needs for accessible housing include bathrooms, programs and safety issues should make these needs known immediately following admission, or as soon as the need is documented to ensure that appropriate arrangements can be made. Documentation is reviewed by SDS and the Assignments Manager and/or staff in the Housing Office to determine if the request is reasonable and the appropriate accommodation can be arranged. Students should contact SDS in the event of an illness or injury which makes a room assignment change advisable; undergraduates should contact the Assignments Manager in advance of lottery deadlines regarding assignment for the new academic year. Students with disabilities have first choice for fully accessible housing units. If there are no applicants with disabilities by the deadline each spring, these rooms may be assigned to other students. (Web address: http://www.upenn.edu/resliv Residential Advisers (RAs), Deans and Faculty Masters live among students in the undergraduate College House Program. They are concerned with the social, psychological, and physical aspects of the campus housing environment. As such, they play an important part in the intellectual and academic mission of the University. The Assistant Deans, for example, promote educational, athletic, social, and cultural activities within the housing facility to which they are assigned. Throughout each week, they spend time informally keeping in touch with the students in their areas, and function as counselors, advisers, and an always available resource. For more information about the College House Program link to: http://www.upenn.edu/resliv/chas
Penn Access Transit Services (PAT) is available to transport members of the University community with mobility disabilities around campus. For specific information and Guidelines on use of PAT link to http://www.upenn.edu/affirm-action/. For information on other transportation services link to www.upenn.edu/transportation. Student Health Student Health is located on the Lower
Level of the Penn Tower Hotel at 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard,
directly across from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
There are two ways to enter Student Health. Students with disabilities may be assigned to one primary physician who will coordinate medical care throughout students' matriculation. Dining The University Dining Service welcomes
mail and telephone inquiries on meal plan options, facilities,
and services. All dining areas are on accessible routes and have
accessible restrooms. (Note: Hill House Dining limitations, refer
to PennAccess web address: http://www.facilities.upenn.edu/ Staff in the Penn Bookstore are available to assist with the purchase of textbooks. For more information, contact the Textbook Department at 215-898-7576 or email: coursebk@pobox.upenn.edu. Libraries The Libraries have made provision to assist patrons with disabilities in accessing, retrieving, and using library materials. Also, staff are committed to addressing any issues or concerns brought to their attention. The main library complex of the University -- the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center -- is accessible to everyone. If you use a wheelchair, enter through the Undergraduate Study Center, located on Van Pelt's ground floor, the lower entrance (on Locust Walk facing Blanche Levy Park). To enter, swipe your PennCard and the exterior door will automatically open; a push plate release on the inside automates the interior door. As a guest, ring the bell. To register for lower entrance access, e.g., activate the automatic operator by card swipe, contact Rich Evans at 898-7951 or email: evansr@pobox.upenn.edu. All library floors can be reached by elevator. Two sets of restrooms have been modified: on the ground floor of the Undergraduate Study Center and on the third floor in the west elevator lobby. Public telephones at accessible heights are located in the west elevator lobbies on the first, third, fourth, and fifth floors. Library Workstations A wheelchair-accessible computer workstation is located at the Reserve Desk on the ground floor; another at the Circulation Desk on the first floor and table-height terminals are located on the first floor, in the Microforms area on the second floor, and in the third floor east elevator lobby. Specialized Library Workstations An Arkenstone Openbook Unbound System, computer, scanner and printer as well as another computer with Dragon Dictate NaturallySpeaking is available on a first-come basis in the first study room of the Undergraduate Study Center. Contact Reserve staff at 215-898-7561 for more information, to reserve time and obtain a key to unlock the door. Departmental Libraries Whenever books are needed from departmental libraries that are inaccessible to students who use wheelchairs, arrangements can be made to have them delivered to Van Pelt within twenty-four hours. Contact Hilda Pring or Emily Batista for this and other services. Photocopying Patrons with disabilities are encouraged to bring a person to assist with photocopying. If this is not possible, contact Ancil George, Paul Farber or Hilda Pring. Microforms/Current Periodicals and Newspapers Staff are available in both Microforms (215/898-5445) and in Current Periodicals & Newspapers (215/898-8211) to assist patrons with disabilities in using materials and equipment. Library Staff The following staff members are available to answer questions or concerns and assist with library-related matters: Ancil George, Coordinator of Library Service
for Patrons with Disabilities and Reference services Emily Batista, Head, Access Services Hilda Pring, Faculty Liaison/Circulation
Counseling and Information The University has an extensive network of counseling and information services available for all students. Below are a list of services that you will find useful. Chaplain The University Chaplain offers counseling similar to what the student would ordinarily receive from clergy at home. The Chaplain's office has direct access to all other offices of the University and can frequently help in cutting through institutional red tape. To make an appointment, call or visit the Office of the Chaplain at 3643 Locust Walk (215-898-8456); website: http://www.upenn.edu/chaplain Originally established to deal with the
problems of security and health, the Penn's Women's Center currently
responds to a wide range of women's issues on campus. With the
volunteer help of local prominent women, the Center offers skills-development
programs as well as activities highlighting women's needs and achievements.
To raise an issue, ask a question, do some research, or volunteer,
call (215-898-8611) or visit the Center at 3643 Locust Walk. Web
site address: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/pwc/ ;
email: pwc@pobox.upenn.edu. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers confidential and free services to assist undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in developing greater understanding of themselves and others. To enhance the individual counseling experience, efforts are made to match a counselor with whom a student feels comfortable. Staff are psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers of diverse backgrounds who specialize in working with college students. Refer to: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/caps/ Career Services Career Services is located on the ground level of the McNeil Building, 3718 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6209 and is open 9-5, September-June; 9-4:30, July and August. For information, call 215-898-7531 or visit the website: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/
Harnwell House (High Rise East), Suite
209 The Department of Academic Support Programs offers a range of programs to help. Learn more about the services and programs offered below. Pre-Freshman Program/PENNCAP (Act 101 and Student Support Services), Suite 102, 898-6440 provides four-year comprehensive supportive services to approximately 500 targeted undergraduate students to help each student reach his/her academic and career goals. Services and activities include: four-week academically rigorous summer enrichment program featuring innovative courses designed and taught by standing faculty, which prepare students for the academic expectations of each undergraduate school; academic, financial, and career advising from professional and peer counselors specialized tutorial assistance and learning skills development, educational, cultural and social programs. Tutoring and Learning Resources, Suite
110, 57 EXCEL (573-9235), provides academic support to Penn undergraduate,
graduate and professional students through a variety of tutorial
services and instruction in college-level Upward Bound and Veterans Upward Bound Programs, 3933 Walnut Street, 898-3185 or 898-6855, are designed to generate the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond high school among low-income and first-generation college students who are enrolled in local high schools, or who are veterans seeking to prepare themselves for entry into post-secondary education. Services and activities include: instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, laboratory science, foreign language, and other subjects necessary for success in education beyond high school; academic, financial, career and personal counseling; assistance in college admissions and financial aid application processes. Other Campus Resource Offices at the University of Pennsylvania |
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