Americans with Disabilities Act

Bowie State University maintains a policy of equal opportunity for all persons. No person shall be subject to discrimination under any program or activity of the University on the basis of gender, sexual preference, race, age, color, religion, national origin, or disability. 

Disability is defined as an individual with an actual impairment (physically or mentally substantially limits one or more major life activities), a record of such an impairment, or regarded as having an impairment.

The ADA has been amended several times since its initial implementation. The Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (ADAAA) has broadened the definition of disability.

A key requirement of the ADAAA is that of reasonable accommodation. It requires the removal of unnecessary barriers that prevent or restrict employment and educational opportunities and services, for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities.

Individuals may request accommodations to assist in the employment process, for educational needs, or to conduct business with the University. The University is only obligated to provide a reasonable accommodation; therefore, the requested accommodation does not have to be exactly what the individual wants, but what is effective.

Each reasonable accommodation request is a case of one. A request is assessed by reviewing the essential functions of the position and the individual's need(s) to successfully perform those functions. What may be suitable for one may not be suitable for another.

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

  • Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination and requires employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that exceed $10,000 to take affirmative action to hire, retain, and promote qualified individuals with disabilities

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

FACULTY and STAFF: For more information on reasonable accommodations, for faculty and staff, please contact the University's Equity Compliance Office by calling Adonna Bannister Green, Esq., MBA, Director of Equity Compliance at 301-860-3442.

For more information on reasonable accommodations for students, please contact the University's Disability Support Services at dss@bowiestate.edu or visit the Disability Support Services webpage.