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 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 many student support resources given to students who are struggling. Student Disability Services should not be provided as the only resource and it should never be assumed that a student has a disability.

College of Western Idaho believes students should develop skills of self-advocacy, be aware of their disabilities, and assist in the process of finding strategies to be successful. Ultimately, it is the student’s decision to seek assistance from the Student Disability Services.