Our staff is committed to providing members of the University community with the finest educational opportunities and the most appropriate accommodations available for students with disabilities.
Faculty Accommodation Innovator
Benita Barnes, Associate Professor, Education
Some things I do to make my class as accessible as possible include Informing students in my syllabus that Disability Services is an available resource and that they should connect with me to discuss their accommodations.
I give assessment exams at the start of the semester that are untimed to allow for everyone to properly perform without the stress of being timed.
I always try to provide clear expectations of students. This reduces any ambiguity regarding late work, missed classes, etc.
I am flexible and I regularly assess my role as an educator and improve as I learn.
News and Events
On Thursday, May 23, 2019 Disability Services hosted a memorial service for our dearly departed colleague, Kris Watson, at the Old Chapel from 4-7 pm. We thank those who came to honor her life and legacy. Kris, an alumnus of the university was a passionate advocate for students with disabilities. We have started the Kris E. Watson scholarship in her honor. The scholarship will benefit students with disabilities, registered with Disability Services at UMass Amherst. Contributions can be made on our website by selecting the "Give Now" button. On the webform, simply state Watson Scholarship.
