Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty
1. How do I know if a student is registered with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD)?
Students registered with SSWD should present you with a current accommodation letter provided by SSWD that will state what accommodations the student is allowed.
2. When is a student required to notify me of a need for accommodations?
SSWD encourages but does not require a registered student to meet with you at the beginning of each semester to discuss his/her accommodation letter. However, a student can register with SSWD or present their accommodation letter to you at any time during the semester.
3. Am I allowed to request documentation from the student for any reason?
No. Documentation stating and describing a student’s disability is confidential information. Documentation for students registered with SSWD is kept at SSWD. In order for SSWD to share information with faculty/staff, the student must sign a release of information.
4. I have a student who is having difficulty in my class. I think the student may have a disability. What can I do to help the student?
Talk privately with the student to discuss your observations. Do not assume the student’s difficulties are the result of a disability. After discussion with the student, if it appears appropriate, refer the student to campus resources. Offer options to the student, such as the Tutoring Center, the Wellness Center, and SSWD.
5. I have a student with a disability who is getting behind in his course work. At this point he is not passing the class. Do I have the right to fail a student with a disability?
Any student with a disability has the same rights as other students including the right of failure. Provision of accommodations is no guarantee of academic success.
6. If a student informs me that he/she has a disability and would like accommodations but does not have an accommodation letter, am I required to provide accommodations?
No, you are not required to provide any accommodations unless you have been presented with a current accommodation letter from SSWD.
7. By providing accommodations for disabled students, aren’t I giving them an advantage over other students in my classes? Does this lower standards?
1) No. Providing accommodations is in fact “leveling the playing field.” Academic accommodations merely allow students with disabilities the same opportunities to demonstrate their academic mastery as their peers.
2) No. You are not being asked to alter the academic component of your classes. Students with disabilities are expected to meet all course requirements.
8. Why should I have to take extra time to accommodate students?
Disability laws mandate that the institution at large, not one particular person or office, is legally responsible for providing accommodations to students with disabilities. Since many accommodations are related to course requirements, it is necessary for faculty to take an active role in providing accommodations.
9. What are hidden disabilities?
Some disabilities are readily apparent while others are not. Many students with disabilities have hidden disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, psychological disabilities, or medical conditions. Whether a disability is hidden or obvious, the most important thing to remember is that each disability can vary from person to person. Thus, each student’s needs must be considered on an individual basis.
Students registered with SSWD should present you with a current accommodation letter provided by SSWD that will state what accommodations the student is allowed.
2. When is a student required to notify me of a need for accommodations?
SSWD encourages but does not require a registered student to meet with you at the beginning of each semester to discuss his/her accommodation letter. However, a student can register with SSWD or present their accommodation letter to you at any time during the semester.
3. Am I allowed to request documentation from the student for any reason?
No. Documentation stating and describing a student’s disability is confidential information. Documentation for students registered with SSWD is kept at SSWD. In order for SSWD to share information with faculty/staff, the student must sign a release of information.
4. I have a student who is having difficulty in my class. I think the student may have a disability. What can I do to help the student?
Talk privately with the student to discuss your observations. Do not assume the student’s difficulties are the result of a disability. After discussion with the student, if it appears appropriate, refer the student to campus resources. Offer options to the student, such as the Tutoring Center, the Wellness Center, and SSWD.
5. I have a student with a disability who is getting behind in his course work. At this point he is not passing the class. Do I have the right to fail a student with a disability?
Any student with a disability has the same rights as other students including the right of failure. Provision of accommodations is no guarantee of academic success.
6. If a student informs me that he/she has a disability and would like accommodations but does not have an accommodation letter, am I required to provide accommodations?
No, you are not required to provide any accommodations unless you have been presented with a current accommodation letter from SSWD.
7. By providing accommodations for disabled students, aren’t I giving them an advantage over other students in my classes? Does this lower standards?
1) No. Providing accommodations is in fact “leveling the playing field.” Academic accommodations merely allow students with disabilities the same opportunities to demonstrate their academic mastery as their peers.
2) No. You are not being asked to alter the academic component of your classes. Students with disabilities are expected to meet all course requirements.
8. Why should I have to take extra time to accommodate students?
Disability laws mandate that the institution at large, not one particular person or office, is legally responsible for providing accommodations to students with disabilities. Since many accommodations are related to course requirements, it is necessary for faculty to take an active role in providing accommodations.
9. What are hidden disabilities?
Some disabilities are readily apparent while others are not. Many students with disabilities have hidden disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, psychological disabilities, or medical conditions. Whether a disability is hidden or obvious, the most important thing to remember is that each disability can vary from person to person. Thus, each student’s needs must be considered on an individual basis.