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Accommodation Process
Qualification for Accommodation
Initial contact with Disability Services is usually by
phone call at which time an appointment will be arranged for
a confidential discussion of disability. Documentation of the
disability by a qualified physician, psychologist, neurologist,
or other professional will be requested. This documentation must
include the physician's or other professional's summary of tests
given, interpretation of those tests, outline of the history
of the disability, and any prescribed remedies, such as hearing
devices or medications. The documentation should also include
recommendations for accommodations. The documentation may
be submitted at the initial appointment, faxed, sent as an e-mail
attachment, or through regular postal delivery. Accommodation
services cannot begin until documentation has been received and
qualification determined. Following the initial office meeting,
the student may meet with Disability Services whenever needed.
Disability Certification (Accommodation Request) Forms
After
a student has been qualified for services, he or she must complete
a Disability Certification form for the advisor and each instructor, every semester.
These forms inform the instructor of a disability for which academic adjustments
are being requested, and what specific adjustments are suggested to accommodate
the student. They do not inform the instructor of the name of the disability. The
student is responsible for picking up the forms, hand-delivering them to each
instructor and speaking
directly with the faculty member regarding academic accommodations.
Discussing academic adjustments/accommodations needs directly with
faculty members is an excellent way to increase student’s
self-confidence and ability to discuss his/her needs. This is good
preparation for life beyond college, where there may not be as
many support services in place to help arrange individual accommodations.
Discussing student needs with faculty members also helps the instructor
better understand the individual situation and allows them to get
to know the student personally.
Students must request Disability Certification forms
from the Disability Services office. These verify eligibility and that the documentation
is on file. Each semester, students must bring class schedules
(including professors’ and advisor names) to the Disability Services office
in order to receive the Disability Certification forms.
Students
must follow these steps to request academic adjustments and/or
accommodations:
- Print out a copy of your class schedule with names
of your professors and take it to Disability Services
in Fairchild, Room 4. Forms may not be immediately available
so do this a few days before you need them.
- Hand deliver the forms to your instructors.
It is best to make an appointment first so that you will have
an opportunity to introduce yourself, explain your needs, and
discuss the accommodations. Personal appointments also ensure
confidentiality of your conversation. (Simply handing the form
to an instructor prior to the beginning of class or at the end
of class is not appropriate, since there is a greater chance
of the form becoming misplaced or forgotten.)
- Clarify your confidentiality preferences regarding
your situation. If you do not want your accommodation needs
shared with a Teaching Assistant or another faculty member, you
will need to discuss this with your instructor to ensure that
withholding that information will not impact the core content
of the course presentation.
- Discuss accommodation requests with your instructors
at the beginning of each semester as you present your accommodation
request forms. For extended time and/or quiet room
testing accommodations, remind your instructor, before each
test, of your need and arrange with them the time/room and
how the test is to be delivered to the room. You must have
your instructor complete a Testing Accommodation Form that
you will receive with your request form. This form details
the specific testing instructions for the individual class. If
you are to take the test at the Learning Center, you must contact
the Learning Center at least two (2) business days in advance
to discuss those arrangements. If you require a test reader
or scribe, you must notify the Learning Center at least five
(5) business days in advance. The Learning Center must
have a completed copy of the Testing Accommodation form, signed
by the professor, prior to administering any testing. Tests
and exams must be taken at the same time as they are scheduled
for the rest of the class unless otherwise approved by the
instructor.
It is the student’s responsibility to make
arrangements for his/her own accommodations.
Additional Information
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