Kenzie Academy from Southern New Hampshire University (Kenzie) is dedicated to providing equal access to individuals with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of disability and takes action to prevent such discrimination by providing reasonable accommodations to eligible individuals with disabilities. Kenzie has adopted this policy providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints regarding any action prohibited by the ADA or Section 504.
Definitions
Complaint Disability discrimination concern handled informally through the appropriate department as outlined in the Informal Complaint Process
Grievance Disability discrimination concern handled formally through the appropriate department as outlined in the Formal Grievance Process
Policy
Scope
It is the policy of Kenzie Academy from Southern New Hampshire University to not discriminate on the basis of disability. This policy extends to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities including employment, admissions, financial assistance, and education. It is also the policy of Kenzie to provide reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities unless such accommodations would impose an undue burden or fundamental alteration to the program in question; or for employees, would unreasonably interfere with the performance of the position’s essential functions.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all complaints based on disability are thoroughly and fairly investigated by the authorized units of Kenzie and Southern New Hampshire University which will conduct an adequate, reliable, and impartial investigation of all complaints, with due regard for the rights of all parties.
Kenzie will take steps to prevent the recurrence of any discrimination or harassment and to correct its discriminatory effects on the complainant and others, if appropriate.
Retaliation against any individual who has filed a complaint, or who has cooperated in the investigation of such a complaint, is unlawful and in violation of Kenzie’s policy.
Kenzie has adopted an internal grievance process providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints regarding any action prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and by the Department of Education regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Section 504 states, in part, that “no otherwise qualified individual with a disability…shall solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…”
Complaints can include physical, electronic, or programmatic barriers (such as an inoperative elevator, an inaccessible website, or a blocked access ramp), a refusal to make a reasonable accommodation, failure to follow an approved accommodation, the inadequacy of an accommodation that has been granted, etc.
Procedure
Any student, faculty, staff, or member of the public who believes he or she has been subject to discrimination on the basis of disability, by any party, may file a complaint or grievance under this procedure. Concerns can be handled through an informal complaint process or can be escalated to a more formal grievance process. Steps for both options are outlined below.
Kenzie Academy from Southern New Hampshire University will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations, if needed, to participate in the grievance process. The complainant should contact the ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator by email at adacompliance@snhu.edu or phone (603) 645-9664 for such arrangements.
Informal Complaint Process
Kenzie encourages the informal resolution of complaints and will assist any individual with that process. Kenzie is also committed to the prompt investigation and resolution of concerns pertaining to the civil rights of individuals attending Kenzie, employed by Kenzie or participating in Kenzie functions, of which it is aware regardless of the filing of an actual grievance. Complaints can be resolved informally by:
- Online & Advantage students should contact:
- Director of Student Accommodations and Dispute Resolution – adacompliance@kenzie.academy
- Academy students should contact:
- Staff and Faculty of the University should contact their local HR Business Partner or request information from:
- Members of the public and those with questions should contact:
- ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator
- Students working in a paid capacity for Kenzie should contact the appropriate department depending on the circumstances. Student-related complaints would be handled through the student channels listed above. Employment-related complaints would be handled through Human Resources.