FAQs
For students
How do I know if I have a disability?
Determining whether one has a disability is dependent upon how the diagnosed impairment impacts one in daily life. The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, has a history or record of an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment by others even if the individual does not actually have a disability.
How do I find out more about services if I think I have a disability?
Contact the Disaility Services office at [email protected], 402-375-7321, or stop into the office in the Student Center, Suite 103.
Is my documentation from higher school acceptable proof of my disability?
This may vary on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Disability Services Office at [email protected] to discuss.
Do I have to tell my professors about my disability?
No. You should only have to disclose your disability to the Office of Disability Services.
Will all of my instructors know about my disability?
No. The Disability Services Office will communicate only what your approved accommodations are. Any additional information provided to faculty would be done on a need-to-know basis. However, some students choose to disclose additional information to their instructors.
What if my accommodations aren’t working?
If you feel your accommodations are not working, and that you need to update or modify your current accommodation plan, you should contact the Office of Disability Services at [email protected].
Why do two individuals with the same disability have different accommodations?
Accommodations are approved on a case-by-case basis. The impact of a disability on one individual may vary significantly when compared to the next.
How can I make sure my medications are safe?
For any student with concerns about controlled medications, we suggest bringing an appropriately sized lockbox to store your medications in.
For faculty
A student in my class told me they have a disability. What do I do?
Ask the student if they are registered with Disability Services. If they are not, refer them to the Disability Services office located in the Student Center, Room 103. You can also email to the disability services office at [email protected] if you have additional information that would be helpful.
Where will students take exams with accommodations?
Students may choose to take their exam with accommodations in the Disability Services testing area. Low distraction rooms are monitored by Disability Services proctors to ensure the integrity of the exam.
The instructor will receive an email notification at least 3 days prior to a scheduled exam if a student has scheduled to take an exam with the Disability Services Office. The instructor may email the exam and proctoring instructions to [email protected] or hand deliver it to Student Center, Room 103, or send via campus mail a few days in advance.
The instructor can choose to pick up the completed exam, or have it delivered to their office.
Any changes to the exam date or time will need the instructor’s approval. Students are expected to take their exams at the same time as the class, but sometimes that is not always possible due to night class or other class conflicts. The student will contact the instructor to discuss their conflict and determine an alternate date and/or time to take the exam in the Disability Services testing area.
Can I ask a student to tell me their disability?
No, that is confidential information. Students are not required to inform their instructors about their specific disability or diagnosis when arranging accommodations. Students may choose to share information about their disability with you at their own discretion. While you should not ask students about their specific disability or diagnosis, you may ask if there is anything that you should be aware of.
How do I know who is eligible for accommodations?
Students are eligible for services if they have a verified disability. Students must submit documentation of the disability from a qualified professional to Disability Services. If you have a student in your class who is eligible for accommodations, you will be notified via email from the Disability Services Office. You may also contact Disability Services to see if a student is registered with our office.
Do academic accommodations lower the standards for students with disabilities?
No. Academic accommodations are adjustments made to a classroom environment or task which are necessary to provide an equal opportunity for students with disabilities. Accommodations are intended to assist students in overcoming functional limitations and barriers resulting from the disability. Students with disabilities are still responsible for meeting course and conduct requirements.
Do I have to make retroactive accommodations?
If a student is eligible for accommodations partway through the semester, you are not required to accommodate previous work that was already submitted for grading. Students are encouraged to register with Disability Services early in the semester so that necessary accommodations can be implemented.
What if a student with a disability is unable to meet the course requirements, even with accommodations?
Students with disabilities unable to meet course requirements should be treated just as any other student without a disability would be. Unfortunately, if this results in a failing grade, this is still appropriate.
What do I do if I am not sure how to provide a certain accommodation?
Contact the Disability Services coordinator to discuss your questions and to create a plan for how to provide the specific accommodation. You may also discuss the accommodation with the student to see what will work best for them in the specific environment.