Faculty and Staff FAQ's
An academic accommodation is defined as any modification to the usual manner of teaching, demonstrating, or evaluating a course objective that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the educational experience.
How are accommodations determined?
Accommodations are determined from the review of an individual student's documentation, as well as during a collaborative interview with the student by an ODS staff member. As necessary, conversation with the faculty may be needed. Two students with the same disability may request and be eligible to receive different accommodations. The particular accommodations that a student utilizes will depend upon his or her particular disability-related needs, the noted impact of the disability on the individual student, as well as the demands of the course and learning environment.
When do I have to comply with a student’s request for accommodations?
The law provides the student with a disability the right to request accommodations from the college once he or she has provided the college with appropriate documentation. The University asks that the student discuss her or his disability with ODS and follow the ODS process for communicating with the faculty regarding the accommodations. When you are notified of the accommodations, you are obligated to accommodate.
What happens if I do not agree with a requested accommodation?
The student can take legal action against you and/or the institution. Denial of accommodations could be considered a violation of a student's civil rights. Colleges and universities cannot discriminate against qualified people with disabilities in recruitment, admission, or treatment after admission. You should contact ODS to discuss your concerns. Academic Affairs may be advised and a meeting scheduled. The documentation would be reviewed and the reasoning for and against the requested accommodations reviewed. To deny an accommodation, faculty will need to be able to substantiate that the provision of the accommodation(s) pose a fundamental alteration to the nature of the course being taught. If you have concerns about a particular accommodation, you should discuss it with ODS.
A student just brought me a Student Accommodation Agreement Form. I don’t have the flexibility in my schedule to provide extra time for testing and/or the ability or know-how to provide the accommodations. What do I do?
Our office can proctor exams for you in the Accommodative Testing Center (ATC), LIB 126E. The staff will assist with other accommodations as well, like providing access to technology and providing alternate format course materials. Just give us a call at 504-280-7284 or 504-280-7327
A student came to me in the middle of the semester and said he has a disability. What do I do?
The student with a disability is responsible for requesting and initiating all disability-related services and accommodations. An instructor should immediately refer the student to this office. The student will be asked to submit appropriate documentation and schedule a meeting with the student. There is no deadline for making accommodation requests. Students can usually request accommodations at any point during the semester; however, typically accommodations will not apply retroactively.
Why does your office keep asking me to choose a textbook for my class next semester? It is months away and I cannot decide right now.
Students who have a disability that impacts their reading may receive an accommodation for their course materials (textbooks, handouts, syllabi, lab manuals) to be in an accessible format. Formats include audio, Braille, large print, e-text or scan and read access. Advanced planning is essential in the provision of alternate format materials. Depending upon the particular format, it can take from 8 weeks to 3 or more months to produce
the document.