Accessibility Services Rights and Responsibilities Guide
Students Rights
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), eligible students with disabilities have the right to reasonable academic accommodations. Accommodations are designed to provide equal access to learning, testing, and campus participation.
Students registered with Accessibility Services have the right to:
- Request reasonable accommodations
- Receive equal access to educational opportunities
- Have disability information kept confidential
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Communicate with faculty regarding accommodations in a supportive environment
Students' Responsibilities
Students seeking accommodations are responsible for:
- Self-identifying to Accessibility Services
- Providing current documentation of their disability
- Requesting accommodations each semester
- Communicating accommodation needs with instructors
- Following college policies and academic expectations
- Attending classes, completing assignments, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress
- Contacting Accessibility Services if accommodations are not working or are not being implemented
Students should also notify Accessibility Services if:
- Their schedule changes
- Class locations change
- Alternate-format materials are needed
- Adaptive technology must be moved or reinstalled
Successful accommodations require ongoing communication between the student, faculty, and Accessibility Services staff.
Accessibility Services Responsibilities
Accessibility Services is responsible for:
- Reviewing accommodation requests and supporting documentation
- Determining eligibility for services
- Recommending reasonable accommodations
- Providing accommodations and auxiliary aids when appropriate
- Maintaining confidentiality of disability records
- Assisting students with communication and accommodation concerns when needed
- Providing information about disability-related policies, procedures, rights, and responsibilities
Faculty Responsibilities
Faculty members play an important role in ensuring equal access for students with disabilities.
Faculty responsibilities include:
- Respecting student confidentiality
- Providing approved accommodations in a timely manner
- Maintaining academic standards while supporting accessibility
- Creating an environment where students can discuss accommodations privately and respectfully
Students are not required to disclose their specific disability diagnosis to faculty members—only the accommodations approved through Accessibility Services.
Need Assistance?
Students who experience problems with accommodations or have questions about accessibility services should contact Accessibility Services as soon as possible for support.
