Policies & Support

University Disability/Accessibility Services

Providing clear and accessible information about disability services is essential to ensure all students can fully engage with their coursework. By including guidance on how to access accommodations, instructors support all learners and foster a learner-centered academic environment. Highlighting these resources in the syllabus or introductory module makes it easier for students to navigate the process and understand their rights to equal access under federal law.

Mizzou has its own accessibility office where students may register for accommodations. While a link to the disability services office may be found through the Support & Policies link in the Canvas course navigation menu, it is a best practice to include a direct link for students in the course syllabus or introductory module of the course.

MU Disability Center

Benefits to Students

Students benefit from readily available disability services information because it empowers them to seek the accommodations they need without unnecessary barriers. Clear guidance in the syllabus or course materials reduces uncertainty and ensures students with disabilities can participate on equal footing with their peers. For many students, knowing how to access support early in the course promotes confidence, reduces stress, and fosters academic success.

Benefits to Instructors

Including information about disability services in course materials demonstrates a proactive commitment to accessibility and learner-centered teaching. This reduces the need for instructors to address accessibility concerns reactively, saving time and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. By directing students to institutional resources, instructors can focus on teaching while ensuring that expert support is available to students who need it.

Rationale

Academic and student support services should be available remotely, easy to access, and available at times when students need them. The University seeks to support diversity, equity, and inclusion through its learning environments and student support as appropriate to its mission and student body. Orientation is provided to the learning environment; to technology; to academic resources; to support for students (including advising, tutoring, mentoring, coaching, accessibility); and to special opportunities for students.

HLC: This item aligns with #3, #9a, #16 on the HLC 21st Century Distance Learning Guidelines.

The University’s processes and activities demonstrate inclusive and equitable treatment of diverse populations.

HLC: This item aligns with #2 on the HLC Criteria for Accreditation.

What Reviewers Look For

Reviewers will check whether the course provides clear guidance on accessing disability services. This information is typically included in the syllabus or an introductory module, such as "Start Here." While the Support & Policies link in the Canvas course navigation menu does contain links to these services, reviewers look for specific instructions or hyperlinks in the course materials to make the information more accessible.

What You Can Do

Include Disability Services Information in the Syllabus: Add a section to your syllabus that explains how students can access disability services at your institution (see the MU Disability Center for a sample syllabus statement). Provide a hyperlink to the MU Disability Center.
Guide Students in the Introductory Module: Incorporate a reminder or direct link to disability services in your introductory Canvas module. For example, include a statement like, “If you need accommodations, please visit the MU Disability Center.”
Use Support & Policies Navigation Links: Call out the "Support & Policies" link in the course navigation menu, which includes access to disability services. Mention this feature in your syllabus or course announcements.
Provide Encouragement: Encourage students to reach out early in the semester to arrange accommodations. A statement like, “If you require any accommodations, please don’t hesitate to contact me or the Disability Services office” demonstrates your support.
Update Regularly: Review and update the disability services information in your course materials each semester to ensure links and contact details remain current.