Ruffing Montessori School Rocky River (“Ruffing Montessori,” “Ruffing,” or “the School”) is
committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment to all members of its
community. To that end, Ruffing complies with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(“ADA”) and other applicable federal, state, and local laws pertaining to the provision of
educational services and programming to children with disabilities.
Ruffing Montessori does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, or
treatment in, its programs and activities. Ruffing seeks to meet the individual needs of each child
within the structure of its program, while maintaining a safe environment for all children and
staff.
While Ruffing Montessori does not provide specially designed instruction or related services
(i.e., special education services as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Improvement Act) and is not subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, it will
provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they can
experience full and equal enjoyment of its program and services in the most integrated setting
appropriate to their needs, unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the School’s
services, programs, or activities, or impose an undue hardship. Likewise, Ruffing will make
reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, and procedures when necessary to avoid
discrimination (i.e., to permit children with disabilities to participate fully in the School’s
program and activities), unless making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of
the service, program, or activity, or impose an undue hardship.
Ruffing Montessori makes no assumptions concerning any individual’s abilities or disabilities
and will conduct an individualized assessment to determine if the School can meet a child’s
needs within its educational setting. Each student is treated as a unique individual with unique
strengths, skill deficits, and needs. The School considers all requests for accommodations and/or
modifications on a case-by-case basis.
Ruffing Montessori prohibits retaliation against anyone who asserts their rights under the ADA
or assists others in doing so.
The Principal shall oversee implementation and enforcement of this policy, and will disseminate
the policy to all staff, students, and parents. The Principal will also ensure it is posted
conspicuously on the School’s website and in the School Office.
The Board of Directors will annually review this policy to verify it is up to date with current laws
and regulations, and to assess its effectiveness in creating a discrimination-free environment at
Ruffing.