Documentation from a qualified medical or psychological professional is required in most cases. Documentation should be current and be in the form of medical records, psychological evaluation reports, typed doctors notes on letterhead, and should include diagnosis, prognosis, and any functional...
Student Disability Services FAQs
What types of accommodations are typically provided?
Accommodations for students are approved on a case by case basis during an interactive process with a coordinator of student disability services. The interactive process is structured by what the student identifies as their needs related to their diagnosis. Coordinators may clarify with...
When is the best time to request services?
The best time to begin the accommodation process is after students have met with their academic advisor and enrolled in classes for the upcoming semester. Students who set up their accommodations prior to the semester start ensure accommodations are in place when they are needed. ...
A student has requested accommodations, but I have not received a Letter of Accommodation for them. What should I do?
Letters of Accommodations (LOA) are sent to CWI email addresses for Instructor and student after their accommodations have been requested; typically at the start of the semester. If you did not receive this email, you can verify all of your students with active accommodations in the Faculty...
A student is having difficulty in my class, but does not have a Student Disability Services Letter of Accommodation. What should I do?
As a general rule, faculty should not ask students to disclose or ask questions about a student’s disability status. If a student is struggling with coursework and there is not an active Letter of Accommodation, Instructors can provide Student Disability Services information as one of the...
A student with testing accommodations needs extended time, a reduced distraction testing room, and a reader. What do I do?
- Instructors fill out one (1) Alternative Testing Agreement (ATA) for each of their classes with students who have testing accommodations, at the beginning of the semester. The ATA can be accessed by a link on the LOA or through the AIM Faculty Portal on the ...
As an instructor, what else can I do to help students receiving accommodations?
Instructors can help by:
- Taking the time to read the student’s Letter of Accommodation.
- Asking questions if an accommodation request is not clear. Communication and compliance are important keys to accommodating students with disabilities. ...
Can students change their minds about using or not using accommodations?
Yes. Once accommodations have been requested and the Letter of Accommodation has been sent out for the current semester, students can choose when to use their accommodations. Students are required to communicate with their instructors about how their accommodations work in their classes. For...
Do I have to inform the college that I have a disability?
No, disclosure of a disability is always voluntary. However, in order to receive academic accommodations, students must make initial contact with our office and self-identify their disability status.
If a student with a disability qualifies for accommodations in high school, will they receive the same accommodations in college?
A students' history of accommodations is discussed during the intake process and is considered when applying accommodations in college. Colleges are not required to provide accommodations that fundamentally alter the nature of a class or activity. In addition, accommodations provided...
Is the Student Disability Services Letter of Accommodation retroactive?
No. Accommodations begin when the student discusses their Letter of Accommodation (LOA) with their instructor and the LOA has been sent to both student and Instructor by email. Students must have a new Letter of Accommodation each semester with the current accommodations listed.
One of my students brought me documentation about their disability. What should I do?
Instructors should never accept a student’s documentation of their disability. This documentation is different than a doctor’s note excusing a student for a short term illness (e.g. cold, or flu) or an injury that does not rise to the level of a disability. A Letter of...
One of my students claims they have a disability and need accommodations. What should I do?
If a student reveals they have a disability to an instructor, the instructor may refer them to Student Disability Services. As a general rule, faculty should not ask students to disclose or ask...
What disabilities qualify for accommodations?
Any health condition that substantially limits a major life activity, physical health conditions, chronic health condition, mental health conditions, and learning disabilities. Our office also provides accommodations for temporary disabilities. For more information, please email us at...
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