FAQs or Faculty and Staff

Who do I call with a question about accessibility accommodations?

The Office of Disability Services can help answer your questions. You can contact us through email, a call, or just stop by.

Office of Disability Services

Fretwell 230
704‑687‑0040

A student approached me and indicated they have a disability. How do I help them?

Typically when students disclose that they have a disability to faculty, they are seeking an accommodation. If the student is registered with Disability Services, they should present you with an official Letter of Accommodation. The Letter of Accommodation identifies the services to which the student is entitled.

When students disclose a disability and are not registered with Disability Services or do not have a Letter of Accommodation, refer them to Disability Services. In order to receive services for a disability, students are required to provide documentation to Disability Services in order determine their eligibility.

I received a “Request for Test Administration form,” what do I do with this?

This form is used when students with disabilities will receive their test accommodations in the Office of Disability Services. This is necessary when a student needs assistive technology and/or a low distraction environment that cannot be provided by their instructor. Due to limited testing resources in Disability Services, students who only need extended time for testing can arrange this accommodation through their faculty.

If you do receive a form, please complete the form and send it via interoffice mail to the Office of Disability Services. It is important to fill in all parts of the form. Please click on the Testing Information for Faculty link for more information.

Do students with disabilities have to take their test/exams in the Office of Disability Services?

It depends. Some disabilities require the use of assistive technology in order for the student to read or complete the exam. These students generally must test in the Office of Disability Services. Students who require extended time and a low distraction environment may test in the department if the department has the quiet space needed. Regardless of where the student tests, the student is entitled to receive the accommodations identified in their Letter of Accommodation. The Office of Disability Services has limited space for testing; Disability Services offers testing accommodations for those who only need extended time on an “as available” basis.

If you have questions about testing accommodations or any accommodation, contact the Office of Disability Services. 704‑687‑4355

I have a student who is taking their tests in the Office of Disability Services. How do I get the test to and returned from Disability Services?

There is a place on the “Request for Test Administration” form for you to indicate how you would like to transfer the test to us. The Office of Disability Services prefers that you email the test to the DS Student Services Coordinator. You can also drop off the test prior to the testing time. Please note that students testing in the Office of Disability Services may test earlier than the reminder of the class. The Office of Disability Services will return the completed exam to you at the location you specify.

The Letter of Accommodation stated that the student is eligible for Class Notes, how does that work?

The process of providing class notes for students with disabilities is handled primarily by the Office of Disability Services. Emails are sent to the class by the Office of Disability Services requesting a volunteer. When a volunteer is found, s/he is provided with directions to electronically scan their notes and upload them to the appropriate course in an electronic drop box provided by Disability Services. The notes are anonymously forwarded to students receiving this accommodation.

If the Office of Disability Services has a difficult time identifying a student volunteer, you may be asked to make an announcement or suggest a student who might be interested in assisting our office. Occasionally the Office of Disability Services needs your assistance in which case a counselor will call or email you.

Volunteer note-takers receive community service hours for their time and may indicate this valuable service on their resumes.

A student has an “attendance accommodation” what does this mean?

An attendance accommodation is uncommon. Attendance accommodations often require some discussion between the student, faculty and Office of Disability Services to ensure that the student will meet the core requirements of the course, while faculty provide the appropriate accommodations based on the student’s disability need. It is best to call a counselor in the Office of Disability Services to discuss how this accommodation would work with the pedagogy and core requirements of the course.

What do I do when a student registered with the Office of Disability Services asks for an extension for papers or assignments?

Deadlines for papers and assignments that are on the syllabi are typically not an accommodation. The exception to this case is the rare instances some students might experience a significant exacerbation of symptoms or medical event that could also impact their ability to complete assignments in a timely manner. If this occurs and Disability Services is notified, our office will alert you. One the student is well it is their responsibility to discuss with you the time line for making up work. While the Office of Disability Services will not request that specific deadlines be altered as a result of a disability, consideration for medical issues will be indicated on the letter of accommodation. Please contact Disability Services office if you have any additional questions or concerns.

I am concerned about a student with a disability in my class. Does the Disability Services office provide tutoring?

Tutoring for students with disabilities is not provided by Disability Services. The Office of Disability Services can, however, provide your students with a referral to tutorial services that will give them priority in securing a tutor. If tutoring is not provided for your class through tutorial services, please work with the student to arrange a study group or tutoring within your class/department..

Can I get a copy of a student’s medical/psychological documentation?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, students’ privacy related to their specific disability is protected. Disability Services maintains student documentation and communicates with faculty regarding appropriate accommodations only. Disability Services will not disclose the student’s disability or documentation.

Is it appropriate to ask a student or Disability Services office what a student’s disability is?

While the Office of Disability Services understands the desire to know detailed information about a student in your class, The Office of Disability Services will not disclose a student’s specific disability. Students who are registered with Disability Services have met legal requirements to receive accommodations as a student with a disability. The accommodations are the result of a careful, thorough process of assessment involving the student’s medical documentation, academic history, and student interview. Students with disabilities who are comfortable speaking about their disability often initiate a discussion with their faculty about the impact of their disability. However, many students are not comfortable speaking about their disability and can find it offensive when asked questions that may violate their right to privacy. Generally, it is best to avoid asking any disability specific information of the student.

I am concerned about a student in my class who I suspect has a disability, but they have not self-identified. What can I do?

There are some students on campus who have disabilities but chose not to register with the Office of Disability Services. Students are not required to register with Disability Services unless they wish to receive accommodations. Some students prefer to manage their disability without assistance. If you are concerned that a student is having difficulty talk to them about your concerns related to their academic work. They may disclose that they have a disability, at which time you could inquire as to whether or not they are registered with Disability Services office. If they are not, you can encourage them to do so.

What are my legal responsibilities towards students with disabilities?

Your responsibility to a student with a disability is to provide equal access to your class, educational materials, and to provide the accommodations indicated in the Letter of Accommodation. The Office of Disability Services can support you in this process. Please call us with any questions you have.