Faculty Resources
What should I do when I receive a letter from the Academic Success Center Disability & Accessibility Services with regard to a student with a disability in my class?
At a student’s request, Disability & Accessibility Services staff prepare an individualized letter to professors verifying the documentation of a disability and notifying the professor of the need for services and accommodations. We ask that the student meet with each professor to discuss the academic implications of the disability as they relate to the specific course and to request accommodations.
What should I do if a student speaks with me directly to negotiate accommodations without a letter of accommodation from your office?
It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify and request support services coordinated through our office. Academic Support Center staff will not support a request for academic accommodations without proper documentation of the need for the accommodation.
What are some examples of reasonable accommodations that an institution may be expected to provide to a student with a documented disability?
Academic accommodations are provided to ensure that a student with a disability receives an equal opportunity to participate in the institution’s programs and activities. Higher education institutions are not required to lower academic standards or compromise the integrity of the school or program. Examples of reasonable accommodations may include:
- Additional time to complete tests
- Testing in a distraction-reduced environment
- Audio recording of class lectures
- Note-taking assistance
How can I show students that I will support their individual learning styles and needs?
A statement in your syllabus such as the one that follows will show your students that you are willing to work with them and are aware of the accommodation process (see Faculty Handbook: Guidelines for the Preparation of Course Syllabi).
Note: The Academic Success Center staff do not provide assessment testing for students.
Recommended online resource:
DO-IT Prof is a project supported by the U.S. Department of Education and managed by the DO-IT program at the University of Washington. Its goal is to maximize the success of students with disabilities in postsecondary education and, ultimately, careers. It provides resources that help postsecondary faculty and administrators more fully include qualified students with disabilities in their academic offerings. Learn more at The Faculty Room.
