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Comprehensive Support Plans to Empower Your Success

Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS) works with students with disabilities to ensure equitable access to their ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø experience. Whether you need accommodations for your courses, campus housing, or other aspects of university life, DAS is here to help. We work collaboratively with you to understand the barriers you experience and determine reasonable accommodations based on your individual needs. Our goal is to support your access, independence, and full participation in the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø community.

Who Is Eligible for Support?

Students with a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities may be eligible for reasonable accommodations through Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS). Disabilities may include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, mental health conditions, chronic health conditions, sensory disabilities, mobility or physical disabilities, and other conditions that affect access to the university experience.

If you had an IEP or 504 Plan in high school, have previously received accommodations, or have a recently diagnosed or identified disability, we encourage you to connect with DAS. Eligibility for accommodations in college is determined individually, so accommodations you received previously may help inform the process but do not automatically determine which accommodations you will receive at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø.

DAS can also serve as a resource for students who are multi-language learners.

Not sure whether your condition qualifies or whether accommodations would be appropriate? Contact DAS. We can talk with you about the barriers you are experiencing and help you understand the next steps.

Common Accommodations

Here are some examples of the accommodations you might benefit from:

  • Testing: Extra time, alternate locations
  • Note-taking: Recording lectures, note-taking software, access to instructor notes
  • Assignments: Arranged extensions
  • Course materials: Digital format textbooks, scanning print materials, text-to-speech software
  • Flexible attendance: Adjustments for symptoms, breaks during class

Note: Accommodations cannot be a “fundamental alteration� of a course’s learning standards.

Prepare to Request Accommodations

If you’re seeking accommodations, you’ll need to complete some forms, including the Disability Intake Form, to begin the process. Both ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø and the state of Wisconsin offer resources to help you request accommodations.

Accessibility and Disability Services Mission and Values

Mission

The mission of Disability and Accessibility Services at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø is to be a partner in creating an accessible college community where students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the educational experience.

Values

  • To provide services in a respectful manner
  • To acknowledge that students have rights and responsibilities
  • To promote students’ autonomy and management of their own services
  • To promote diversity on campus
  • To recognize a student’s right to privacy and confidentiality
  • To provide information in accessible formats to enable students to make informed decisions
  • To offer services in a timely manner

Frequently Asked Questions ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Disability and Accessibility Services

Eligibility for Services

Who does Disability and Accessibility Services support?

Disability and Accessibility Services serves students with documented disabilities significantly affecting major life functions. Students registered with our office have disabilities including, but not limited to: ADD/ADHD, autism, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision, diabetes, seizure disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic medical conditions. Students who are multi-language learners are also eligible for support.

I have a disability. Will I be eligible to use accommodations in college?

Possibly. Accommodations are determined individually based on how your disability affects your access to your education and the university experience. Disability and Accessibility Services will work with you through an interactive process to understand the barriers you experience and determine reasonable accommodations that may provide equal access. Because every student’s experience with disability is different, two students with the same diagnosis may have different accommodation needs.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to contact us. You do not need to know what accommodations you need before reaching out as we can work to explore that together.

How often or how long do I receive services if I’m eligible?

Our support services are available to students for as long as they are at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø and as often as they need them. Students must remember to stay in contact with Disability and Accessibility Services so that we can work together to ensure your success.

How does the law change from high school to college for individuals with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs special education services in public schools K-12. The focus of these programs is to identify an area of need and plan for annual goals that improve the student’s skills in that area. For example, a student with a low reading level due to a disability may receive extra instruction to raise their reading ability. At the college level, IDEA no longer applies and special education services for students no longer exist. The law is transitioned to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and becomes more of a civil rights concern, protecting the student from discrimination by providing reasonable accommodations as well as ensuring access to all educational programs and services for those with a qualified disability. For example, the same student may be allowed extra time to process reading tasks on tests and larger assignments, but would not have annual reading goals or be provided extra instruction to improve their reading level.

Is financial assistance available through the Disability and Accessibility Services office for students with disabilities?

No. Check with ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Central to inquire about federal aid, scholarships, and other funding options. Also search the internet for “Disability Scholarships.â€� Some agencies that may provide support are:

Accommodations Request Process

I have a disability, do I need to register with you?

Yes, if you want a Support Plan of accommodations. As soon as you have been admitted to ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø, contact Disability and Accessibility Services for an intake interview with the Advisor.

How do I receive disability services at college?

To receive services, fill out the or contact Disability and Accessibility Services to start the application process.

Is my disability documentation kept confidential?

Yes. Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS) respects your privacy and maintains your disability-related documentation in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

In some circumstances, DAS may share relevant disability-related information with appropriate university faculty or staff who have a legitimate educational need for that information, such as individuals involved in coordinating or implementing your accommodations. Information is shared only as appropriate to support your access and participation in university programs and services.

You are not required to disclose your diagnosis or personal medical information directly to your instructors to receive approved accommodations, although you may choose to share information if you feel comfortable doing so.

How recent does my disability documentation need to be?

Current professional documentation that verifies your disability will be accepted. Documentation must be recent enough to identify functional limitations and support the need for academic accommodations. Student self-reporting is more important than documentation from a health care provider, as the student can speak directly to challenges faced in learning settings.

I think I have a disability, but I have never been tested. What should I do?

Contact Disability and Accessibility Services to discuss the situation, as each is unique. ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø does not provide screening for disabilities or provide evaluations, but the Advisor can explain the process for the student to get evaluated. Costs incurred for any evaluation are the student’s responsibility. Students may choose to start with their physician, who may either assess them for a disability or refer them to someone more appropriate.

Who has to pay for a new evaluation?

Neither your high school nor your post-secondary school is required to conduct or pay for a new evaluation to document your disability. You may, therefore, have to pay or find funding to pay an appropriate professional for an evaluation.

If you are eligible for services through your state vocational rehabilitation agency, you may qualify for an evaluation at no cost to you. You may locate your state vocational rehabilitation agency at by clicking on “Info about RSA,� then “People and Offices,� and then “State Agencies/Contacts.� In Wisconsin, it is the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for Wisconsin.

Maintaining Your Accommodations

What are my responsibilities as a student with a disability?

Your first responsibility is to self-identify. If you do not identify as a student with a disability, Disability and Accessibility Services cannot provide you with accommodations. After you have self-identified, you should provide the Advisor with documentation. Each semester you will need to request a letter be sent to the professor of each class in which you plan to use accommodations. You should respond promptly to emails requesting updates from you, including which instructors should receive a copy of your Support Plan. You are responsible for checking your plan each semester and requesting any needed changes.

How are faculty members informed of my accommodations?

To receive accommodations for the semester, students must review their Accommodation Granted letter and submit our Faculty Notification Form. Disability and Accessibility Services will then email a copy of your Support Plan to your professors at the beginning of the semester. You are responsible for discussing with your professors how the accommodations will be carried out in the class. The Disability and Accessibility Services Advisor can be included in those conversations as students or professors request.

Do I need to do an intake every semester?

You do not need to do an intake every semester but will need to inform Disability and Accessibility Services each semester which instructors your Support Plan should be provided to.

Additional Support Opportunities

Cutting Edge Inclusivity and Accessibility Program

The Cutting Edge® Program at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø delivers an inclusive and accessible college experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through support in academics, housing, social interactions, and more.

Academic Tutoring

Enhance your study abilities and work toward improving your schoolwork through tutoring and study group services. We aim to empower you to become a lifelong learner, regardless of your abilities or background.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

All students of color as well as LGBTQ+, low-income, first-generation, and undocumented students are invited to take part in the academic, financial, and personal support needed to create a positive, welcoming college experience.