How do students access services?
Students with disabilities that wish to access services
may initiate their request by contacting the Office of Services to Students
with Disabilities. Each school will have one or an individual designated
with the responsibility of providing those services. Students can expect
to meet with a staff member to discuss their academic needs. During
this intake process, students will have an opportunity to identify specific
academic accommodations and they will be asked to provide current documentation
about their disability.
How do students qualify for services?
Colleges and universities are committed to serving
all students with disabilities as defined by federal regulations. A
qualified person with a disability means: . . .an individual with a
disability who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies,
or practices, the removal or architectural, communication, or transportation
barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the
essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the
participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity.
The federal definition of a disability includes a person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities;
(2) has a record of such impairment, or
(3) is regarded as having such impairment.
The student must provide documentation of an impairment and the documentation must show that the impairment restricts his or her ability to perform a major life function in comparison to most people. If a person does not have a physical or mental impairment or has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit a major life activity the person is not entitled to ADA protection.
The determination of whether an individual has a disability under ADA is not based upon the name or diagnosis of the impairment, but rather upon the impact of that impairment on the life of the individual.
The federal definition of a disability includes a person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities;
(2) has a record of such impairment, or
(3) is regarded as having such impairment.
The student must provide documentation of an impairment and the documentation must show that the impairment restricts his or her ability to perform a major life function in comparison to most people. If a person does not have a physical or mental impairment or has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit a major life activity the person is not entitled to ADA protection.
The determination of whether an individual has a disability under ADA is not based upon the name or diagnosis of the impairment, but rather upon the impact of that impairment on the life of the individual.
How often must a student request services?
Planned services are provided based upon the requests
of the student. Since different classes may require different accommodations
it is important to look at a student's needs on a semester by semester
basis. Services, therefore, must be requested at least once at the beginning
of each semester or at the time a need is identified within a semester.
Why is a diagnosis not enough? Joe has the same diagnosis and gets different accommodations.
The use of accommodations in post-secondary institutions is based upon
more than just the diagnosis of a disability. It is based upon the severity
of impact (Functional Impact) on a major life activity. This is why
documentation for a post-secondary institution has to provide more information
that just a diagnosis and must address the severity of impact. Another
student with the same disability may be impacted differently by his
disability; therefore, all accommodations are viewed on a case by case
basis.
My parents have always taken care of my accommodations with the school. Can't they bring in the documentation and handle this for me?
No. Students at post-secondary institutions are considered
adults. The agreement for services needs to be made with the person
requesting the services and not at the request of a third party. The
federal laws and FERPA are very clear that institutions are not to communicate
to anyone but the student about that individuals academic progress and/or
disability related needs.
Are there special classes or programs designed just for students with learning disabilities?
No. The purpose of the accommodations is to provide
each student with equal access to the information and course content.
Given these accommodations a student who is otherwise qualified should
be able to be successful within the context of a normal classroom setting.
Is there someone who will help me obtain accommodations if I run into problems?
Yes. Go to the Office of Services to Students with
Disabilities or to the person with whom you arranged your accommodations.
They will assist you in trying to resolve any conflicts that may arise.
Why can't I just do my work at home and come to class when I feel like it?
While in some classes attendance may not be a critical
issue, in many classes it is considered to be a critical component of
the curriculum. Examples would be when learning is a hands-on experience,
involves group dynamics or interaction, and extends beyond just textbook
knowledge of a subject. Many times some flexibility in an attendance
policy might be negotiated with an instructor but in some cases that
may not be possible.
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