Services for Students with Disabilities

Notice of Nondiscriminitory Policy

The San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork (SFSM) does not discriminate against qualified individuals in admission or access to our program on the basis of age, race, color, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion or national origin. If you would like to request an accomodation or specific support services, please contact the School Director at 415-474-4600 or San Francisco School of Massage, 475 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 . You may request an accomodation or specific support services at any time. The School Director is responsible for coordinating compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Accessible Support and Accommodations

The San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork is committed to providing appropriate services and accomodations to students with documented learning, physical, and other disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities available to help them in order to achieve their educational goals.

Procedure for Requesting Accommodations

1. Students accepted to San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork must notify the School Director requesting accommodations.
2. Appropriate supporting documentation, following precedent established by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, should be an original letter from an appropriate professional who is licensed to evaluate the disability. The letter, which cannot be in fax or photocopy form, must be on the healthcare professional’s letterhead and include the professional’s title, address, and telephone number. The letter must also include a diagnosis of the disabling condition, and explain why special learning accommodations are necessary. The letter must have an original signature from the professional and be dated no more than 3 years prior to application.
3. It is important to note that students must identify themselves as in need of accommodations and initiate this process directly with the School Director. Independent arrangements cannot be made with faculty members.
4. In consultation with the School Director, accommodations are approved, denied, or modified from their original request.
5. The School Director informs the student of their approved accommodations.

Service Animal Accomodations

Does SFSM allow service animals?

• Yes. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California law, trained service animals are welcome in all areas of our educational institution, including our student massage clinic. Under the ADA, a service animal is (in most cases) a dog that has been individually trained to perform tasks or do work for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not covered under the ADA’s service animal provisions.

What is the SFSM school staff allowed to ask? (Our staff may only ask two questions permitted by law): 

• Is this service animal required because of a disability?
• What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
We will never ask you to demonstrate the task, provide documentation, or disclose your specific disability.

Are there any circumstances where a service animal could be excluded?

• Only in very limited circumstances required by law — specifically, if the animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if the animal is not housebroken. 
• We will never exclude a service animal based on generalized concerns about allergies or other guests’ preferences.

How do I let you know in advance that I need to bring a service animal?

• You are not required to give advance notice — that is your right under the ADA. However, you are welcome to contact the school ahead of time to help ensure the smoothest possible experience for you.

Confidentiality

All student records concerning disabilities are maintained separately from academic records. All information is treated as confidential and disclosure is limited to individuals who have a legitimate need to know. The School Director or Student Services will notify the instructor or appropriate staff in writing of any accommodations to be granted. This is most often accomplished through e-mail. The nature of the disability will not be disclosed, unless there is a compelling need to share this information in order to provide appropriate accommodations.