Current Students

Getting Started

Each student requesting academic accommodations through the Office of Disability Services must meet with the Coordinator prior to the provision of any services. The purpose of this meeting is to share information about the nature of the disability, the requested accommodations, and policies regarding documentation and provision of services.

The University requires that ODS have on file documentation of disability and eligibility for services before any services are provided. Typical documentation should be by a qualified individual in the field of your disability (physician, psychologist or psychiatrist, etc.).

Documentation Guidelines

Specific documentation guidelines are published at this link and below:
Learning Disability
ADD/ADHD
Psychiatric
Visual/Deaf/Other

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination and assured accommodations that provide equal access to the activities and programs of the University. To establish that an individual is covered under the ADA, documentation must indicate that the disability substantially limits a major life activity (it is not enough to present with a diagnosis). If academic or classroom-based accommodations are requested, learning must be one of the major life activities affected. Documentation submitted must:

• Be appropriate to verify eligibility,
• Demonstrate a current substantial impact of one or more major life activities and,
• Support the request for accommodations and/or auxiliary aids.

Each student requesting academic accommodations through the Office of Disability Services must meet with the Coordinator prior to the provision of any services. The purpose of this meeting is to share information about the nature of the disability, the requested accommodations, and the Disability Services’ policies regarding documentation and provision of services.

The University requires that ODS have on file documentation of disability and eligibility for services before any services are provided. Typical documentation should be by a qualified individual in the field of your disability (physician, psychologist or psychiatrist). Specific documentation guidelines are published online at http://www.uww.edu/csd/common/docs/tran-disab-docum-guide.pdf.

How do I receive accommodations?

Current students who are registered with the Office of Disability Services should meet with the Coordinator annually who will authorize accommodations on an Individual Accommodation Plan (to be given to the student). The student will be responsible to initiate the process by scheduling the meeting and reviewing the plan with their course instructors.

Accommodations

Description

Eligibility for Accommodation Services is determined on an individual basis for each student who applies for services. Approval for services is determined by evaluating a student's documentation of the diagnosed condition creating the barrier, the demonstrated need for the accommodation, and the student having made a request for the specific service. Having received a service prior to attending UW-Parkside does not guarantee that the service will be available or approved at the University level.

Mandated Accommodations Include:

• Interpreting/Captioning: Accurate translation of spoken and/or auditory information in the classroom for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. CSD also provides Captioning of classroom information and course content.
• Alternative Testing: Equal access to the testing process at the University without compromising the integrity of the class.
• Classroom accommodations: Create equal access to the learning environment (i.e. preferential seating, accessible room location, chair/table/desk adjustments, etc.).
• Note taking: Access to copies of class notes to qualified students with disabilities through a peer Note taker.
• Alternative media: Alternative media is the provision of printed materials in alternative formats for individuals with visual or information processing disabilities. Print materials are provided in a variety of alternative formats (doc, rtf, pdf).
• In-class Aide/Library Assistance: Equal access to classroom activities and library services for students who cannot physically manipulate course materials.