Accommodations The Office of Disability Services (ODS) works to ensure access for students with disabilities by developing and coordinating accommodations. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis according to each student's diagnostic documentation. Under the ADA, accommodations must be "reasonable", meaning that they cannot compromise the learning objectives or essential components of a course, program, or activity, or fundamentally alter their nature. Examples of Accommodations Assistance with note taking Alternative format materials (e.g. large print or electronic) Assistive technology support Environmental modifications Interpreter/Assistive Communication support Test-taking accommodations Use of recording technology for classroom lectures Accommodation Agreements An Accommodation Agreement verifies that a student is registered with the ODS and has engaged in an interactive process that includes documentation review and meeting with the Coordinator of Disability Services. the Accommodation Agreement lists a student's accommodations; it does not indicate the student's disability. The accommodations listed in an Accommodation Agreement are a starting point in the conversation between the student, instructor, and the ODS. Under the ADA, accommodations are not retroactive, which means the accommodations are effective once the student has given their Accommodation Agreement to their instructor (although instructors can certainly be flexible about that). Students are encouraged to discuss their accommodations with their instructors so that both parties are clear about how they will be implemented. If an instructor has any questions or concerns about an Accommodation Agreement, including regarding the reasonableness of a specific accommodation in their course, they should contact the ODS as soon as possible. Please keep accommodations confidential. Tips for Implementing Accommodations Understand how the accommodation works or should be implemented. See the links in the Examples of Accommodations section above and for further information about specific accommodations and tips for implementing them. If you have questions, please contact the ODS. Students with disabilities requesting accommodations must provide the faculty member with an Accommodation Agreement from the ODS. When a student presents an Accommodation Agreement, you are assured that the accommodations listed in their Accommodation Agreement are based on documentation of disability reviewed by the Coordinator of Disability Services. If a student identifies their need for accommodations without an Accommodation Agreement, please refer them to the ODS. You are not expected to (and should not) accommodate a student without an Accommodation Agreement to avoid any possible conflicts or liabilities that could arise. Stay in contact with your student, any service provider you are working with (e.g. interpreter, transcriptionist, etc.) and the Coordinator of Disability Services throughout the semester. Notify the student and any service provider and the ODS well in advance of any field trips or schedule changes to class time. Contact the ODS immediately if you have any difficulties, questions, or concerns about any accommodations.