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Student Disability Services

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Disability Accommodations at Ƶ

Ƶ is committed to providing equal access to academic programs, housing, dining, and campus life for students with disabilities. Through Student Disability Services (SDS), we work with students toidentifyreasonable accommodations that remove barriers whilemaintainingthe integrity of Ƶ’s academic programs.

Understanding the Transition from High School to College

The process for receiving disability accommodations in college is different from what many students experience in K–12 education. At Ƶ, accommodations are designed to provide access, not to guarantee academic outcomes.

This page is intended to help students and families understand what changes after high school and how to successfully request accommodations at Ƶ.

Access vs. Success:What’sthe Difference?

In High School (K–12)

  • Focus is often onensuring student success
  • Curriculum may be modified
  • Supports are proactive and built into the school day
  • Schools typicallyinitiateand manage accommodations

At Ƶ

  • Focus is onequal accessto programs and services
  • Reasonable accommodations remove barriers
  • Academic standards and essential course requirements are not modified
  • Studentsare responsible forrequesting and managing accommodations

Laws That Apply

High School

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

College (Including Ƶ)

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA)
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Documentation: What Changes?

In High School

  • Schools typically provide:
  • IEPs or 504 Plans
  • Required evaluations
  • Evaluations are provided at no cost

At Ƶ

Studentsare responsible for:

  • Submitting documentation of a disability
  • Ensuring documentation describes:
    • The diagnosed disability
    • Current level of functioning
    • Functional limitations in an academic or campus setting
  • Important Notes
    • IEPs and 504 Plans are helpfulforadditionalbackgroundinformation and may not be sufficient on their own

Roles & Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities at Ƶ

  • Self-identifyto Student Disability Services
  • Request accommodations
  • Follow SDS policies and procedures
  • Communicate with professors using approved accommodation letters
  • Advocate for themselves, with support from SDS

Parent / Guardian Role

  • In college, the student is the primary point of contact
  • Students decide whether and how parents are involved
  • SDS supports student self-advocacy and independence

Teachers vs. Professors: What to Expect

High School Teachers

  • Maymodifycurriculum or assignment pace
  • Provide frequent assessments
  • Monitor attendance and progress closely
  • Initiate communication with families

Ƶ Professors

  • Do not alter fundamental course requirements
  • Teaching formats may vary by instructor
  • Grades are often based on fewer, higher-stakes assessments
  • Studentsare responsible for:
    • Monitoring progress
    • Requesting meetings
    • Following attendance and course policies

Grades & Accommodations

  • Accommodations provideaccess, not guaranteed outcomes
  • Grades reflect the quality of work submitted
  • Accommodations may include:
    • Extended testing time
    • Alternative testing environments
    • Note-taking support
    • Course standards and learning outcomesremainthe same

How to Request Academic Accommodations

Step 1:Submitan Accommodation Request

  • Complete theƵ

Step 2:SubmitDocumentation

  • Documentation must be from a qualified medicalor mentalhealthprofessional
  • Be on professional letterheadwith qualifiedprovider’ssignature
  • Describe the disability,functional limitations, and recommendations
  • Be current (older documentation may be reviewed case-by-case)
  • Not be written by an immediate family member
  1. Where to Send Documentation

Step 3: Meet with Student Disability Services

  • SDS will contact you to schedule an intake meeting
  • Accommodations are notfinalizeduntil this meeting occurs
  • If you miss your appointment, you will need to reschedule with SDS staff

Documentation Guidelines by Disability Type

  • ADD / ADHD
  • Medical or Physical Disabilities (including allergies/asthma)
  • Neurodevelopmental Disabilities / Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Psychiatric Disorders
  • Specific Learning Disabilities

Housing Accommodations

All Other Housing Accommodations

  • Requests are dueJune 1each academic year
  • Submit the Accommodation Request Form and describe your housing need
  • Have your provider complete the GU Housing Accommodation Form
  • The Special Housing Review Committee reviews requests confidentially
  • SDSnotifies youof the decision and next steps

 

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

Important Requirements

  • Documentations must be provided by a licensed mental health professional
  • Permitted only in the student’s assigned living space
  • Not allowed in classrooms, dining areas, or common spaces

ESA Request Timeline

  • Fall Semester:Notify SDS byMay 31
  • Spring Semester:Notify SDS byNovember 1
  • Do not bring an animal to campus until approval is granted

ESA Approval Process

Step 1:Submitan accommodation request through SDS
Step 2: Submit ESA documentation
Step 3:Provide animal-specific documentation to Residence Life
Step 4:Meet with Residence Life for final approval

Service Animals in Campus Housing

Students who qualify for accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Disability Services before classes start or as early as possible. The office will work with the course instructor and the student to arrange for reasonable accommodations. Students are required at their own expense to provide documentation verifying disability. All information for accommodations can be found .

Contact your student disability services coordinator:

Lamoni Campus

Academic Accommodations

Housing, ESA, and Dietary Accommodations

Independence Campus & Online Programs

Find More Information or Request an Accommodation

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