Question: Where do I go to begin the process of registering as a student with a disability and requesting accommodations? 

Answer: The Wellness and Accessibility office is located in room 120 of the JMC building and is part of the Student Affairs Office. Please click here to schedule an Accessibility Consultation.

Question: If I don’t have a documented learning disability, but I still have difficulty reading and studying, can I get accommodations like a notetaker or maybe extended time on tests?

Answer: No, accommodations are only available to students with documented disabilities. However, all students are invited to take advantage of the supports available in the Writing and Learning Center. They are also encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to develop study skills and course faculty to ask content-related questions. 

Question: Do you provide testing for diagnosis of disabilities?

Answer: No. You will need to seek a private health care provider for an evaluation.

Question: Will I need an annual or triennial evaluation to re-certify my status as a student with a disability?

Answer: No, you do not need to re-certify your status as a student with a disability. You should provide additional documentation if/when your situation changes: i.e. receive a new diagnosis, new recommended accommodations from your health care provider, etc. You must also meet with Accessibility staff to receive an updated accommodation letter before each semester. 

Question: Will my instructors have to know that I have a disability?

Answer: This is up to you! While you may be eligible for accommodations and receive an accommodation letter, you will decide which of your faculty to inform. You may want to meet with your instructor during office hours to share your accommodation letter. If you would like to practice having this conversation, please click here to schedule an meeting with Accessibility staff. 

Question: Will I get the same accommodations that I did in high school?

Answer: You will not necessarily have the same accommodations you had in high school. The purpose of accommodations in higher education is to remove barriers so that students have equal access to their education. Accommodations are not intended to guarantee success. Accommodations may not fundamentally alter assignments, assessments, classes, and/or programs. Our interactive process of submitting documentation, having conversations about barriers and challenges, etc., will be evaluated and used as the basis of recommendations for providing you with equal access to the curriculum.

Question: Will I be able to use my approved accommodations retroactively?

Answer: No, accommodations are never retroactive. It is important that you request accommodations before you intend on using them. Requests may take time to review, especially if faculty consultation to determine if a request would be a fundamental alteration is required. It is strongly recommended that you request accommodations before the semester begins.

Question: How long is my accommodation letter valid?

Answer: Your accommodation letter is valid for one semester. You will see Accessibility Services staff each semester to obtain a new letter. While you should contact Accessibility Services immediately with any requests to make changes to your accommodation letter, obtaining a new letter every semester provides an opportunity to discuss any upcoming barriers you have concerns about.