FIU Statement
Florida International University is committed to ensuring equal access to educational and employment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Florida Education Equity Act, as well as other applicable laws and University policy. Under the ADA, qualified individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination and may be entitled to reasonable accommodations.
Florida International University values a diverse and inclusive community and recognizes the responsibility to provide equitable access to courses and campuses. While we are committed to ensuring adherence to various federal, state and local laws and university policy [the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973], this work started prior to the launch of the accessibility project and has been woven into the fabric of who we are as a university — truth, freedom, respect, responsibility and excellence. We are excited to continue this work and are grateful that you are on this journey with us.Nicole Attong, Interim ADA and Accessibility Coordinator
Accommodation vs. Accessibility
Accommodation means that some aspect of a system—for example a document or facility—has been adapted or modified to meet the needs of a specific individual or group. Accommodations are patches or fixes, applied retroactively to overcome barriers in the environment or system.
Accessible systems are designed to be usable by as many people as possible, regardless of disability or assistive technology, accommodations are reactive, and may not effectively address everyone’s access requirements.
I wish for a world that views disability, mental or physical, not as a hindrance but as unique attributes that can be seen as powerful assets if given the right opportunities.Oliver Sacks, MD, neurologist and writer
About FIU
FIU is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 270,000 Panther alumni. U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation.
At FIU, we search the world for real solutions to global problems. From the Everglades in South Florida to the Arctic Ocean at the North Pole, FIU researchers are using real innovation to make a real difference.
From top-ranked academic programs to top-tier research designation, FIU is a South Florida anchor institution and a solutions center for the world’s toughest challenges.