Why must students be given accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

• Students must be given accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) due to federal and state legal requirements. Both laws mandate reasonable accommodations for students with confirmed disabilities who identify themselves to Disability Support Services (DSS) with proper documentation. Failing to provide these accommodations may lead to lawsuits against the educational institution and the individual denying the accommodation.

Can I require that a student meet with DSS to get accommodations?

• In college, unlike primary and secondary school, students are responsible for seeking out DSS services and accommodations. While you can inform students about DSS and suggest they contact the service if interested in accommodations, you cannot require them to meet with DSS.

Can I provide accommodations to a student on my own?

• No, only DSS is authorized to verify the need for accommodations based on medical documentation. Faculty members cannot independently provide accommodations. Refusing a DSS-approved accommodation is not allowed, but students have the right to choose not to use approved accommodations.

Can I refuse an accommodation?

• You cannot refuse an accommodation if it's approved by Disability Support Services (DSS) and chosen by the student. However, if the student doesn't have a DSS-approved accommodation, they must go through DSS to obtain one and cannot create their own accommodation. 

​​​​​​​Can I modify an accommodation to make it easier or more convenient to provide to the student?

• No, you cannot modify an accommodation to make it easier or more convenient. The accommodation must be followed exactly as written by Disability Support Services (DSS).

​​​​​​​Do testing accommodations give students with disabilities an unfair advantage over other students?

• No. Testing accommodations are intended to level the playing field for students with disabilities without providing an unfair advantage. They focus on how a test is taken, not what it measures. Faculty members do not need to change syllabi or essential academic requirements, but it's encouraged to include information about DSS services on course syllabi.

​​​​​​​Do I have to change my syllabus, instructional assignments and activities (i.e., lab rotations)?

• No. Faculty members do not need to change syllabi or essential academic requirements, but it's encouraged to include information about DSS services on course syllabi.

​​​​​​​At what point does the accommodation go into effect?

• Accommodations go into effect upon receipt of the DSS accommodation form from the DSS office. While accommodations cannot be denied, time may be necessary to make arrangements. Students are advised to request accommodations early, but it's not required.

​​​​​​​Should I be provided accommodations letter at the beginning of the semester?

• Students are advised to request accommodations as early as possible; but, it is not required. Students may request and receive an accommodation at any time for their registered courses.  However, the accommodations are not retroactive; therefore, students will not be authorized for grade changes or retakes on tests completed prior to receiving accommodations.

​​​​​​​Am I in noncompliance if the student chooses not to use an accommodation?

• No. Instructors are not in noncompliance if a student chooses not to use an approved accommodation. The student has the right not to use an approved accommodation.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Are service animals allowed on campus and in the classroom?

• Service animals are allowed on campus and in classrooms, and specific questions regarding the service animal's task and necessity for the person's disability are permitted under ADA law. Documentation or performance of tasks cannot be requested. More information on service animals is available on the DSS website.