• Q1:When will SDS notify me whom in my class has a disability?
• Q2:Can I get one list of all the students with disabilities in my class?
• Q3:If a student comes to me the day before an exam and asks for an accommodation, am I required to grant that accommodation?
• Q4:How do I know if a student has a disability?
• Q5:What strategies are available to teach students with diverse learning needs?
• Q6:How can I inform my students about the services available at SDS?
• Q7:What is my role in providing accommodations to students with disabilities?

Students with disabilities may self-identify at any time during their course of study but must register with SDS if they are requesting accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services. At a student's request, SDS sends faculty an individualized letter within days of verifying the student's eligibility. If the student self- identifies late in the semester, in addition to the formal letter, SDS staff will notify faculty by means of electronic mail and/or phone call.

Upon request, SDS can generate a list of students receiving accommodations. However, as students may identify at any time during the semester, class lists will change.

If you have not received a letter from SDS you are under no obligation to provide academic assistance. SDS strongly recommends that faculty refer such a student to our office for further assistance. If you have received a letter from SDS and you would like to grant this student the requested accommodation then you may choose to do so. The SDS office is here to support you in making these accommodations while protecting the integrity of your exams.

SDS developed very specific documentation guidelines in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students receiving support from SDS are required to submit documentation of their disability in accordance with these guidelines as outlined on our website. Our office carefully reviews the documentation and makes a determination as to whether the student has a disability and is in need of services. Accommodations are determined on an individualized basis after a review of the documentation and student interview. We do not approve accommodations for students who fail to provide the appropriate documentation.

By using “Universal Design for Instruction (UDI)”-a proactive design anticipating a variety of needs, abilities, and disabilities through the use of electronic media, closed captioning, and group work thereby promoting an equitable learning environment.

By including SDS contact information in the syllabus statement, on Blackboard, in handouts, or by making an announcement in class.

To work closely with SDS in providing reasonable academic accommodations (i.e. extended time and/or computer access on exams, accessible digital media, and notetakers). Recognize the need for an auxiliary service such as CART (Computer Assisted Real Time Captioner), and American Sign Languageinterpreter.