Internships, Externships, Practicum, and Fieldwork

The University of Utah supports students with disabilities and encourages their full participation in all academic programs, including field placements of all kinds. Field placements for the purpose of this page includes any practicum, field experience, clinical practice, internship, externship, training, or other work experience conducted for academic credit.

The Center for Disability and Access (CDA) is the designated office to work with students with disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations so they may enjoy the same benefits, experiences, and opportunities as students without disabilities.

If a student needs an accommodation in a field placement, it is the student’s responsibility to request the accommodation in advance. Because field placement accommodations are unique and made on a case-by-case basis, advanced notice is required so that CDA can work with the field placement personnel to develop an appropriate accommodation plan.

Unlike academic accommodations in a classroom, such as extended test time, field placement accommodations may differ and look more like accommodations in a workplace. Field placement accommodations are designed to enable students with disabilities the ability to perform the essential requirements of the field placement.

STUDENT RIGHTS

University policy, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADA), and Sections 504 & 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, require equal opportunity and access, establish a process for requesting reasonable accommodations, and ensure a grievance process for individuals to complain of discrimination. Students with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations for field placements. Additionally, if the field placement is required for the degree, or if you are receiving credit through the University for the placement, the University has a responsibility to ensure that you have an equal opportunity to participate in the program.

STUDENT ROLES

• Schedule an appointment with your CDA Accessibility Consultant as soon as you know you will be taking a course with a field placement component or requirement.

• If your Department or College has a Field Program Handbook, review it carefully as its contents may have additional information about requesting field placement accommodations.

• Understand the essential functions of the field placement in advance. It is crucial that students can perform the essential functions of the field placement position, with or without accommodations. Otherwise, you may not be considered qualified for the field placement position under the ADA.

• If you are qualified to perform the essential functions of the field placement position, your field placement supervisor must try to find a reasonable accommodation that will allow you to perform these functions. You should meet with your CDA Accessibility Consultant to discuss what this might look like. Communicate with your field placement supervisor or appropriate contact person if concerns related to your accommodations arise.

• If your field placement supervisor cannot or is unwilling to make an approved accommodation, contact your CDA Accessibility Consultant immediately to facilitate a resolution.

DEPARTMENT ROLES

• Include CDA’s recommended “Accommodations in Field Experiences for Students with Disabilities” statement in any syllabus or student handbook with field placements and clearly describe the timetables for determining placements, essential requirements, and technical standards of the program.

• When you learn that a student may need a disability-related accommodation, please notify CDA immediately and encourage the student to contact CDA as soon as possible

• When you receive an Accommodation Letter from CDA related to a field placement, please schedule a time to discuss the accommodations with the student. The student’s CDA Accessibility Consultant is available to serve as a resource and meet with the department, field placement coordinator, and site supervisor, as needed.

• As needed, assist the student with providing the details about the accommodation to appropriate field placement personnel.

• Monitor student progress and contact CDA as necessary for advice in adjusting existing field placement accommodations or providing new accommodations.

• Have a grievance procedure in place in case of complaints about the site related to discriminatory practices. The University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO/TIX) should be included as a resource offered to all students.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND SELF-DISCLOSURE

Accommodation information is confidential and shared within the University on a need-to-know basis. The Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) regulates disclosure of disability documentation and records that CDA maintains. Under this federal law, a student's prior written consent is generally required before CDA may release disability documentation or records. Accommodation letters prepared by CDA do not state the student's specific diagnosis or underlying medical condition. The letters simply explain that the student has provided appropriate documentation of a disability and lists the approved accommodations for that student.

Many students who receive accommodations have invisible disabilities and their need for accommodations may not be readily apparent. Under no circumstances should a student feel obligated to disclose their diagnosis or the specific nature of their disability to anyone outside of CDA, including faculty, other students, or any administrative office (such as Registration Services and Student Services). This information is part of a student's confidential file with CDA, who has the ultimate responsibility for determining if an accommodation is appropriate. Students can of course disclose their disability to anyone on campus to the extent that they feel comfortable. However, if a student feels pressured to disclose this information against their will, they should immediately contact CDA or the OEO/TIX.

NON-DISCRIMINATION AND HARRASMENT POLICY

Discrimination and retaliation are prohibited under the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy. The University is committed to providing a working, learning, and living environment free from discrimination and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members.

A student can contact the OEO/TIX (801-581-8365 or oeo@utah.edu) if they believe they have experienced discrimination.

RESOURCES

The Job Accommodation Network (AskJAN) – provides job hunting tips, examples of work accommodations, tips on when to disclose a disability and request accommodations, and the recommended interactive process for employers.