Q. I have a disability, how do I request services?
A. We currently serve 400 students with 38 types of disabilities. Students must self-identify to become eligible for our services. Students must provide current documentation of their disability, dated within the last 3 years, which should include specific accommodations that they can benefit from in the classroom.

Q. What is a reasonable accommodation?
A. We follow the ADA definition of reasonable accommodation. The student must obtain accommodation forms from the Disability Services office and present to the instructor. Students must request accommodations each semester they are enrolled.

Q. I am having academic difficulty and I am not sure if I have a disability. How am I assessed?
A. If a student thinks they have a disability and has not been evaluated, they must seek and pay for an assessment. The Disability Services office will give a list of local professionals who do disability assessments and evaluations.

Q. What types of services do you provide?
A. The most common services requested / provided are: American Sign Language Interpreting, Note taking, Scribing, Extended Time on Tests, Distraction-free environment, and Adaptive Computer Equipment. We DO NOT provide typing services.

Q. What is a testing accommodation?
A. A testing accommodation is a change to the presentation/response format of a test, timing/scheduling of a test, and setting/environment of a test. The common types of testing accommodations are using extended test time, taking a test in a low distraction setting, and using a reader/scribe or assistive technology. A student who feels they need this accommodation must meet with their Disability Services Counselor before this accommodation will be provided.

Q. I am working with a student with a physical disability and there are concerns about classroom accessibility. How do I handle this?
A. Anytime you are working with a student with a disability, it is always a good idea to ask if they are registered with Disability Services. Our department is the best referral for students with disabilities since we are responsible for accommodations. Accommodating students with disabilities also includes classroom accessibility. A Disability Services Counselor will set up an initial meeting to determine the needs of the student. The counselor is responsible for implementing/facilitating the accommodations based on the student’s medical documentation.

Q. I suspect that a student in my class has a psychological disability. I haven’t received accommodation forms from Disability Services. How do I sensitively refer this student?
A. Disclosing a disability can be difficult and obviously psychological disabilities are more personal. The instructor can mention to the class all of the academic support services that are available to students including Disability Services. Unruly or disruptive behavior should never be tolerated even if you suspect the student has a psychological disability. Students with disabilities must adhere to the student code of conduct.

Q. I have a student in my class who has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving chemotherapy. She has had frequent absences. How should I handle this?
A. The student with the diagnosis of cancer does qualify to work with Disability Services. As an instructor, encourage the student to register with Disability Services. There are many factors involved with medical treatments, so each situation needs to be addressed individually. However, excessive absences (even for a medical reason) are not acceptable. Disability Services will obtain documentation to ensure the validity of the student’s medical absences. The counselor will inform the student to speak directly to the instructor regarding their absences. Many students in this situation have decided to take online classes since these classes will give them the most flexibility.

Q. Why is it important for instructors to inform students with disabilities at least five days in advance of required attendance for outside class event, such as Career Fair, Literary Festival, campus guest speakers, etc?
A. Students with disabilities need to request assistive listening device, sign language interpreter, or other needed accommodations five days prior to the event.

If you have a question that was not answered here,  visit our Faculty and Staff page for a list of contacts and telephone numbers, or send Disability Services an email.