Student Assembly

Whereas, the charge of the Student Disabilities Services reads, “Student Disability Services (SDS) is the designated office at Cornell that obtains and files disability-related documents, certifies eligibility for services, determines reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for the provision of accommodations for students. SDS facilitates services and accommodations so that Cornell students with disabilities enjoy the same exceptional opportunities as their peers with the greatest degree of independence possible.”

Whereas, the charge further states that the office is responsible for:

• Establishing and disseminating criteria for disability services;
• Determining eligibility for disability services through review of documentation and assessment of individual student need;
• Facilitating academic and environmental accommodations and services;
• Educating the campus community about disability issues.

Whereas, the snowstorm in late February 2010 caused a number of disabled students unable to get to classes or to seek out other transportation options outside of the SDS.

Whereas, the SDS currently offers transportation services as well as other accommodations for disabled students upon request.

Whereas, there is no current procedure in place for the office to contact students who are known to be disabled to proactively assist in accommodating these individuals in the event of inclement weather.

Whereas, the SDS has documentation of those individuals with disabilities, the extent of their disabilities, and their contact information; which can be used to more effectively accommodate these individuals in emergencies.

Be it therefore resolved, that the SDS make contact with all physically disabled individuals by phone or email to arrange transportation for these individuals in the event of inclement weather and if the university decides to remain open during such a time.

Respectfully submitted,

Ulysses Smith ‘13
Architecture, Art & Planning Representative

Andrew Flye ‘11
President, Residential Student Congress