St. Mary’s University is committed to nondiscrimination as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. We are committed to compliance with the statutes and regulations of nondiscrimination due to handicapping conditions in admission, treatment or access to its educational programs or activities and in employment in the University’s programs or activities.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act Amended and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act?
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a federal civil rights protection that seeks to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for disabled people. To achieve these objectives, the law prohibits covered entities from excluding people from jobs, services, activities or benefits based on disability.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act states, “No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States…shall, solely by reason of…handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
A “handicapped person” means “any person who (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities; (ii) has a record of such an impairment,” or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment.”
A “qualified person” is defined as one who meets the requisite academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in the postsecondary institution’s programs and activities. Section 504 protects the civil rights of individuals who are qualified to participate.
For more information regarding the Americans with Disability Act Amended and Section 504 go to:
For St. Mary’s University’s policies, go to:
How to Report an ADA or a 504 Complaint
File by contacting an ADA and 504 coordinator.
Faculty and Staff Contact
Karla Benavidez
Associate Director of Human Resources
St. Louis Hall, Room 12
210-436-3725
kbenavidez@stmarytx.edu
Student Contact
Tim Bessler, Ed.D.
Vice Provost of Student Development and Dean of Students
210-431-4396
University Center, Room 229
tbessler@stmarytx.edu
Campus Resources
Student Accessibility Services
210-436-3135
Human Resources
210-436-3725
Dean of Students Office
210-431-4396