Students with Documented Disabilities
EMU is committed to working out reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities to ensure equal access to the university and its related programs. The university complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Students with special learning needs or whose disabilities affect their academic life must register for services with the coordinator of Student Disability Support Services in the Academic Support Center, Roselawn Residence Hall, phone (540) 432-4233; TTY (540) 432-4599 .
Students with physical disabilities related to housing and campus facilities should contact the director of housing and residence life located in the Student Life office, University Commons, (540) 432-4128.
FAQ's for students with disabilities | FAQs for faculty
FAQs for Students with Disabilities
Q: What if I I think I have a disability?
A: Come to the Student Disability Support Services (SDSS) Coordinator in the ASC to discuss your situation.
Q: What if I had a documented disability in high school and haven't told anyone at EMU. . . but now I know I need extra help?
A: Come to the Student Disability Support Services (SDSS) Coordinator in the ASC to discuss how we work with people with documented disabilities in the college setting.
Q: How recent does my documentation have to be?
A: It is best if the documentation is no more than three years old if you have a learning disability or attention deficit disorder. If your documentation is more than that, we will work with you to obtain an up to date evaluation. Do not hesitate to talk with us because you think it will be an extra cost for you. We have a variety of resources in the community to help you deal with this challenge. If you have another disability which affects your academic performance, we consider the documentation in a case by case situation.
Q: What if I have a physical or emotional disability or disorder?
A: It would be good to discuss with the SDSS Coordinator how it affects your campus and academic life. The Coordinator can advise you who to further contact on campus if that seems needed.
Q: What if I had IEP's in high school?
A: These are important and you need to speak with someone about what that means for you in College. Make an appointment with the SDSS Coordinator.
Q: Who needs to know about my disability?
A: Only those persons who you feel should know. The SDSS Coordinator keeps a file that is confidential. Your documentation is in that file with limited access to the information. It would be shared only when there is a compelling reason to do so. In that case, you would be contacted prior to its being shared. Faculty and administration members generally only need to know what you are willing to tell them. In other cases you sign a release of information giving your permission.
Q: How do I let my professors and instructors know about my need for accommodations?
A: The SDSS Coordinator develops a Memo of Appropriate Accommodations with your input that verifies the appropriate accommodations you need based on your documentation. You take copies of the Memo to each of your professors each semester for the classes in which accommodations are appropriate and for which you feel a need. You discuss your needs with them. Then, both you and the professor signs the memo verifying that you have discussed and agreed on how you will receive the accommodations for their class. If you don't feel you need accommodations in a class, it is your right to choose not to use them.
Q: What kind of accommodations are given at EMU?
A: All accommodations are based on the documented need of the student. Some of the accommodations that students receive are a proctored test setting, extended time, alternative testing options, use of computers in testing, note-takers, preferential seating, preferential registration, syllabus in advance, use of books on tape, reduced course load, study skills assistance, coaching, priority single-room housing.
Q: If I am late in providing documentation, can I take tests over or redo work?
A: Receiving accommodations is based on when you present your documentation to the SDSS Office. If you are allowed accommodations, it is only after you present your Memo of Appropriate Accommodations to your professor for the course that you are taking that you are allowed to receive those accommodations. THERE ARE NO RETROACTIVE PRIVILEGES! We believe that a student needs to be responsible and become an advocate for themselves with their professors.
Q: What role does the Coordinator for Student Disability Support Services serve?
A: The Coordinator provides counsel, guidance and support for students with disabilities as an advocate. The Coordinator serves as a liaison between the student and the faculty, administration, and student life in issues that arise from their disability need.
FAQs for faculty
Q: How do I learn about providing accommodations to students who ask for them at EMU?
A: Contact the Coordinator of Student Disability Support Services. "Meeting Special Learning Needs: Information for Faculty & Staff", a pamphlet available is the SDSS office, describes information for faculty and staff. Request a copy. In addition, feel free to call the Coordinator with any questions you might have that arise as you work with a student.
Q: How do I understand my rights and responsibilities as a faculty member?
A: Although course management is clearly the domain of the individual instructor, faculty members are required by federal law to make reasonable accommodations in classroom policies and procedures for individual students who demonstrate need due to an identified disability. A summary statement is included in the pamphlet noted above to help you understand your role better.
Q: What if a student comes to me and says that they have a disability and need accommodations?
A: Send them immediately to the SDSS Coordinator. Even call the SDSS Coordinator and serve as an advocate in making an appointment. Until they are processed by the SDSS Coordinator and provide appropriate documentation and given a Memo of Appropriate Accommodations to present to you, no accommodations are provided. A student does not have a right to retroactive services. It is their responsibility to be on top of things and providing the information needed in a timely manner to the University.
Q: What if I suspect that a student has some sort of a disability? What should I do?
A: As an educator you often see problems in the classroom with students who you know are trying their best but somehow are not producing to the level of their effort. Speak with the student. They are probably as frustrated as you are about their situation. If they seem open to doing something about it, strongly recommend that they talk further with the SDSS Coordinator. You may even call the Coordinator to let the student make an appointment right then. Follow-up with the Coordinator to verify the student's connection.
Q: If I have a student with a disability, do I need to rewrite my syllabus?
A: There are core requirements for each course and what is necessary for every student to be proficient in in order to receive the grades that you determine. However, adjustments may be required based on the student's documentation that do not compromise the content of the course or the requirements for satisfactory course completion. These would be determined through the SDSS office in consultation with you and the student. Academic adjustments may include adaptions in the way specific courses are conducted, the use of auxiliary equipment and support staff, modifications that do not compromise the course content.
Q: Are there special strategies that I can use to be helpful to students?
A: Each student's needs are unique to them. However, there are a variety of teaching methods and strategies that can make a difference not only for the student with special needs, but can be helpful for the entire class. Research has shown that as the instructor makes accommodations for the student with special needs, that instructor generally moves toward becoming a master teacher in their field which benefits everyone. Specific strategies are included in the pamphlet noted above.
Q: Why should I give "extra attention" to students with disabilities?
A: First, the law calls us to do so. But even more foremost in our minds is our dedication to the students here at EMU. We have developed a reputation as a university as a campus that is winsome and supportive of persons with diverse needs. It is viewed as a "user-friendly" setting. As faculty and staff we are mentoring a way of life for all students that is inclusive, benefits everyone, and teaches new ways of doing things.
