Faculty and Staff Accessibility Resources
The Office of Accessibility Services provides faculty and staff with convenient training opportunities regarding federal disability law as it applies to higher education. We encourage you to watch these helpful videos below:
- Disability Federal Law Overview
- ADA Reasonable Accommodations Overview
- ADA Accommodations Procedures for Students
- ADA Accommodations Information and Procedures for Faculty
- ADA Accommodations Scenarios for Faculty
- Service & Emotional Support Animals
FAQs about Accommodations
Disability-Related Absences
What does a Disability-Related Absence accommodation mean?
A Disability-Related Absence (DRA) accommodation allows flexibility with attendance when disability symptoms unexpectedly prevent a student from attending class. This accommodation recognizes that some disabilities may involve episodic flare-ups or medical appointments that cannot always be scheduled outside of class.
Does this mean attendance is unlimited?
No. This accommodation is not intended to provide unlimited absences or excuse students from meeting the essential requirements of a course.
Students are expected to:
- Attend class whenever they are able.
- Communicate with instructors as soon as possible when a disability-related absence occurs.
- Complete missed work whenever feasible.
- Remain engaged in the course.
Faculty may continue to enforce attendance policies for absences unrelated to the student’s disability.
How are disability-related absences used?
Disability-related absences are intended to provide flexibility in addition to the attendance expectations outlined in the course syllabus when the absence is directly related to the student’s documented disability.
When should I contact the Office of Accessibility Services?
Please contact our office if:
- The number of disability-related absences begins to significantly impact the student’s ability to meet essential course requirements.
- You are unsure whether additional flexibility is reasonable.
- Clinicals, labs, internships, presentations, or other essential components may be affected.
- You have concerns about whether the accommodation is fundamentally altering the course.
Our office will work with you to determine whether additional accommodations are appropriate while maintaining the academic integrity of the course.
Extended Time on Assignments
If I extend the deadline for the entire class, does the accommodation still apply?
Yes.
Extended time on assignments applies to the student’s individualized accommodation, regardless of whether the class receives an extension.
For example:
- Original due date: Friday
- Instructor extends the deadline for the class until Monday.
- Student has an accommodation of one additional day.
The student’s deadline would now be Tuesday. The accommodation follows the current deadline provided to the class.
Does this apply to every assignment?
Not necessarily.
Some assignments may have essential deadlines due to:
- Group projects
- Classroom discussions
- Presentations
- Clinical experiences
- Sequential coursework
Do I automatically provide extended time on assignments?
No. Students are expected to communicate with their instructor if they need to use their extended-time-on-assignments accommodation. Whenever possible, requests should be made before the assignment deadline to allow for appropriate planning.
If a student requests to use their accommodation, faculty should provide the approved extension unless doing so would fundamentally alter an essential component of the course.
If a student requests an extension after the assignment deadline has passed, faculty should consider that disability-related circumstances may sometimes prevent advance notice. If you have concerns about the timing of the request or believe granting the extension may fundamentally alter the course or assignment, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services before denying the accommodation.
Quiet Testing Room vs. Private Testing Room
What is a Quiet Testing Room?
A quiet testing room allows students to test in a reduced-distraction environment with a small number of other students. The room is monitored, minimizes interruptions, and provides a calmer setting than a traditional classroom.
What is a Private Testing Room?
A private testing room is an individual testing space reserved for students whose disability-related needs require testing alone. This accommodation is generally approved only when supported by documentation demonstrating that testing with others would significantly interfere with the student’s ability to access the exam.
Not all students who qualify for a quiet testing room qualify for a private room.
Can I ask a student why they receive accommodations?
No. Students are not required to disclose their diagnosis or medical information to faculty. The accommodation letter confirms that the student has been determined eligible for the listed accommodations through the Office of Accessibility Services. If you have questions about implementing an accommodation, please contact our office rather than asking the student to provide additional medical documentation.
Still Have Questions?
Accommodations are determined on an individual basis. If you have questions about implementing an accommodation or believe an accommodation may fundamentally alter your course, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services before making a decision.