Disabilities

Students living with a visible or hidden disability have special needs as a result of their conditions. Students who have documentation of a physical, learning, or psychiatric disability are eligible to receive accommodations from the Disabled Students Program. These accommodations can be any reasonable adjustments to the academic environment that address the barriers to learning, and assist students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. Information on students with learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and psychiatric/psychological disabilities can be found in the sections that follow. When you suspect a student may have a disability:

DO

1. Speak to the student in private about your concerns.
2. Refer the student to the Disabled Students Program (893-2668).
3. Acknowledge the difficulties the student is experiencing.
4. Be sensitive that low self-esteem may be associated with the disability.
5. Be aware that the Disabled Students Program may need to contact a faculty member and/or T. A. to follow up on accommodations.
6. Be aware that all disabilities need medical documentation before the student is eligible for services from the Disabled Students Program.

DON’T

1. Assume the student knows s/he may qualify for assistance from the Disabled Students Program.
2. Assume the student wants to receive assistance from the Disabled Students Program.
3. Pressure the student to acknowledge his/her disability.
4. Speak to the student in a derogatory manner.