Extension offices able to handle civil rights requests
MANHATTAN, Kan. – As many of its programs begin to return to in-person learning, a K-State Research and Extension official is reminding Kansans that the organization is proactive in providing accommodations for those with special needs.
Aliah Mestrovich Seay, a 4-H youth development specialist for community vitality, urged those who need an accommodation to take part in a program to submit a request at least two weeks in advance of the event.
“Timing impacts our ability to get through the process and the quality of our ability to serve that person,” Mestrovich Seay said.
She noted that accommodations can be made for “a wide range of disabling conditions,” including medical, physical, mental health issue, learning, or those needing a sign language interpreter or alternate text for accessing documents.
“There are different types of disabling conditions,” Mestrovich Seay said. “If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies or not, submit a request so that it can go through our review process.”
Requests can be submitted online through K-State Research and Extension’s civil rights web page, or individuals can contact their local extension office.
In 2019, K-State Research and Extension formed the Access for All committee to respond to disability accommodations in programs it offers in each of Kansas’ 105 counties. Mestrovich Seay, a member of the committee, said the group works with local units to set up accommodations for programs.
She added that accommodations are available to youth and adults. That includes those interested in attending 4-H camp at the Rock Springs Ranch this summer.
“Breaking down barriers — such as not having the best access to programming — allows youth to learn better,” Mestrovich Seay said. “It allows community members and adults to feel more engaged in their community. Accessibility and universal design is one way to create more equitable and inclusive programming where people can feel more engaged and a greater sense of belonging.”
Local extension agents and other K-State Research and Extension professionals have received civil rights training to aid in providing accommodations to Kansans. “It’s an important part of our work as extension professionals to understand civil rights,” Mestrovich Seay said.
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Sidebar
Elements of civil rights compliance
K-State Research and Extension provides reasonable accommodations for its programs across Kansas. The key elements of civil rights compliance means that K-State Research and Extension:
• Does not discriminate.
• Does not provide services to agencies and organizations that engage in discrimination.
• Has a responsibility to inform the public of these policies.
• Proactively plans and implements its plans to meet compliance obligations.
• Must documents its progress in its efforts to comply with civil rights standards.
• Must report its efforts to meet civil rights obligations.
• Staff regularly evaluation their success and make adjustments for improving outreach and compliance.
More information is available online.
FOR PRINT PUBLICATIONS: Links used in this story
K-State Research and Extension civil rights, https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/employee_resources/civil_rights
K-State Research and Extension local offices (statewide), www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html
K State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Story by:
Pat Melgares
785-532-1160
[email protected]
For more information:
Aliah Mestrovich Seay
785-532-5800
[email protected]
