Persons with disabilities can and do succeed in their pursuit of higher education.
The mission of Disability Support Services is to guide and support institutional compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access for students with disabilities of the Daytona Beach and Worldwide Campuses.
The University acknowledges the confidential nature of students’ disability-related information and records and ascribes to the federal guidelines (Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act) that mandate control of and restrict access to such information. Note: Unless specifically contraindicated by another title, the confidentiality requirements of Title I of the ADA apply to all titles.
The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees the right of persons with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in all places of public accommodation when the animal is accompanied by the handler who indicates the service animal is trained to provide and does provide a specific service to them that is directly related to their disability.
*In general, ERAU will not ask about the nature or extent of a person’s disability and will not require documentation of proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animals. However when it is not readily apparent that an animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, ERAU can make two inquiries to determine whether the animal qualifies as a service animal.
**ERAU may not permit service animals when the animal poses a substantial and direct threat to health or safety or when the presence of the animal constitutes a fundamental alteration to the nature of the program or service.
*Specific questions related to an animal on campus can be directed to the Director of Disability Support Services via e-mail, dbdss@erau.edu or phone (386) 226-7916.
**Exceptions, considered on a case-by-case basis, could include areas that necessitate protective clothing, mechanical/facility equipment rooms, and areas that present a health or safety risk to the service animal.
Students who wish to bring a service animal to campus are strongly encouraged to partner with the Disability Support Services Office, especially if other academic accommodations are required. Additionally, students who plan to live in on-campus housing are strongly encouraged to inform Housing and Dining Services that they plan to have a service animal with them in student housing. Advance notice of a service animal for on-campus housing may allow more flexibility in meeting student’s specific requests for housing.
The service animal must “at all times” be under the control of the handler when outside of the handler’s personal residence.
Request for assistance animals on ERAU campus should be made by:
Final decision of request will be made by DSS and decision will be forwarded to housing. Approved assistance animal in University Housing must also meet ERAU requirements/policies for animal health and behavior.
It is unacceptable for a service or assistance animal to exhibit:
Animals may be ordered removed by ERAU Safety Officer for the following reasons:
*Where a service animal is properly removed pursuant to this policy, DSS will work with the handler to determine reasonable alternative opportunities to participate in the service, program or activity without having the service animal on the premises.
As with any unknown animal, one should never attempt to touch or interact prior to asking permission of the accompanying individual.
Any person dissatisfied by a decision concerning a service animal or an assistance animal may appeal in writing through the Dean of Students office.
Questions regarding issues related to animals on campus may be directed to Disability Support Services at the Daytona Beach campus (386) 226-7916 or Campus Safety (386) 226-7233.