Frequently Asked Questions
Student Disability Services is the campus office that facilitates appropriate accommodations for students
with a disability. As such, we've provided a list of frequently asked questions regarding the roles and
responsibilities of faculty and teaching associates in providing accessible learning for students with a
disability. These questions address the most common concerns, but the issue of faculty and TA
responsibility is situation-specific and can be difficult to define. When in doubt about how best to meet the
needs of a student with a disability, we encourage you to contact Disability Services at 303-273-3377 (W.
Lloyd Wright Student Wellness Center, Room 205)
Who is responsible for determining accommodations for students with a disability?
Student Disability Services grants accommodations based on review of: substantive and complete
disability documentation collected from a student, including accommodations recommended by the
professional(s) evaluating and treating the student for a specific disability; the appropriateness of the
recommended accommodations for the CSM environment; and the student's functional limitations.
How will I know if a student in my classroom needs special accommodations because of a
disability?
You will receive (via email) a "Confidential Letter of Required Accommodations" from Student Disability
Services on behalf of the student. The letter lists required accommodations and requests faculty meet
with the student to discuss the logistics of providing these accommodations. (Accommodations are not to
be provided unless you receive this letter.)
Students with a disability who seek accommodations must first self-identify to Student Disability Services
to discuss their needs and initiate the accommodation process. Most do so at the beginning of the school
year to ensure timely accommodations. However, if they contact Student Disability Services later in the
school year, they will be accommodated providing they submit required documentation and follow
procedures. They are informed that it may take up to two weeks to process paper work and allow for
faculty to implement accommodations.
Students who become disabled, including temporarily, or whose health status changes significantly, must
contact Student Disability Services immediately to address their needs.
How should I encourage students who require accommodations to discuss their needs with me?
You could make a general announcement in class at the beginning of the semester or include a notice in
your course syllabus, inviting students who need special arrangements to meet with you privately to
discuss the matter.
If the student has not already self-identified to Student Disability Services, please suggest that he/she do
so as soon as possible. By law, you cannot accommodate a student that is not registered with Student
Disability Services.
I have a student in class who told me that s/he has a disability but since then has not requested
accommodations. Am I responsible?
A: No, you are only responsible for accommodations if notified by Student Disability Services through the
"Confidential Letter of Required Accommodations". However, if concerned about lack of communication
or the student's performance, faculty can privately discuss whether the student has contacted Disability
Services regarding accommodations.
I have a student who is having difficulty in my class and believe s/he may have a disability. What
should I do to help the student?
Talk privately with the student to discuss your observations. If the student reveals s/he has a disability,
suggest that the student contact Student Disability Services at 303-273-3377 for information about
services at CSM.
Are all students with a disability registered with Disability Services?
No, some students with a disability choose not to register or don't meet the eligibility criteria for services.
In either case, faculty should not provide these students with accommodations.
A student with a disability has asked me for a copy of my notes and overheads. Do I have to give
this to the student?
A: If this accommodation is requested in the "Confidential Letter of Required Accommodations", and
faculty have adequate notes, they are required to provide them to the student via email or hard copy.
However, if notes are minimal or nonexistent, then it is not expected that faculty create notes. If notes are
posted online, faculty doesn't need to email or provide a hard copy. Additionally, a student may tape a
class.
Please note: if faculty is hesitant to provide notes for a reason other than mentioned above, contact
Student Disability Services to resolve the issue.
Am I required to provide exam accommodations to students who request it?
You are required only if you receive a "Confidential Letter of Required Accommodations" from Student
Disability Services, listing exam accommodations. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires
equal access to education for qualified students with a disability, and this includes exam
accommodations.
What are some of the types of exam accommodations available to students with disabilities?
Exam accommodations are based on the student's functional limitations and the documentation of the
disability the student has provided Student Disability Services. Accommodations include: extra time for
exams and quizzes (this can vary from 50% to as much as triple time); a non-distracting test environment;
student use of a computer to compose essay questions; an enlarged exam and image enhancements;
and use of a closed circuit TV to enlarge print.
Who is eligible for exam accommodations? What if I object to them because it will give students
with a disability an unfair advantage?
Students with a disability that impacts their ability to take exams may be eligible for accommodations. The
most common exam accommodations are extended time and a non-distracting test environment. While it
may seem that receiving these accommodations gives students with a disability an unfair advantage over
their non-disabled peers, accommodations are provided only to ensure that a student's performance on
an exam is representative of their mastery of the subject. Each accommodation is supported by the
documentation of their disability and is carefully considered by Student Disability Services.
Do I have any recourse if I disagree about required accommodations?
Please contact Student Disability Services to resolve the issue.
I received the “Confidential Letter of Required Accommodations” for a student in my class, which
specified 100% extended test time. The student informed me before the first test that he did not
need the accommodation for that test. Do I have to offer the accommodation for the remaining
tests?
Yes. While a student has the right to decline an accommodation, you have to continue to offer it for
subsequent tests. Sometimes students want to prove to themselves that they don't need accommodations
to perform well. However, they may realize they are doing themselves a disservice without the
accommodation.
I want to find out more about a specific student's disability but don't want to be intrusive. What
information can Student Disability Services share with me?
Student Disability Services does disclose the diagnosis in the "Confidential Letter of Required
Accommodations" unless the student has requested otherwise. Under FERPA, additional disclosure
requires written consent from the student stating the information that may be disclosed, the purpose for
the disclosure, and the person to whom it may be disclosed. (Generally, a student doesn't initiate
additional disclosure so faculty would need to request information from Student Disability Services, who
would then request student consent.)
A student has asked me to help her find a note taker in my course. How should this be handled?
If a student is unable to find her own note taker (classmate) as instructed by this office, you can make an
announcement in class. Ask the student needing the note taker if she wishes to remain anonymous when
you make the announcement: "A student in the class requires a note taker; if you are willing to share your
notes, you will be compensated. Requirements include regular attendance, taking detailed notes, and
writing legibly. If interested, please contact me after class." You can then discuss a convenient way to link
the student with interested classmates.
I sometimes encounter students who don't grasp class material, blame it on their learning
disability, and want me to lower my standards. I teach a challenging course that many students
have difficulty grasping. What is a learning disability and why do students with this disability
receive accommodations?
The term "learning disability" refers to various disorders resulting in difficulties such as listening, speaking,
reading, writing, and reasoning. While the exact cause of a learning disability is not known, it is presumed
to be a result of central nervous system dysfunction.
Persons diagnosed with a learning disability are of average to superior intelligence and are taught
compensatory strategies to assist them in mastering academic material. Accommodations enable them to
demonstrate their abilities at a level equal to their peers. Common accommodations include extended
time on examinations, use of an instructor-approved calculator, and a quiet room in which to take exams.
Lowering academic standards is not an acceptable accommodation nor required by law.
In the past, I have had a very disruptive student with a disability in my class. He told me that he
was late as a result of his disability and that there was nothing I could do about it. He also
interrupted my class lectures and group work, and when reprimanded, told me that he was
protected by the law. Is that true?
All students, regardless of disability status, are required to meet the provisions of the Colorado School of
Mines Student Code of Conduct and the academic expectations contained in your syllabus. Students are
expected to behave civilly, attend class, and participate appropriately. The Americans with Disabilities Act
requires that reasonable accommodations be made, but you are not required to modify academic
standards to accommodate inappropriate and disruptive behavior. In addition, faculty are recognized as
having jurisdiction over academic matters such as class attendance, tardiness, and due dates for
assignments.
Please note: in the event a student needs extra time to get from one class to another due to physical
limitations and may be tardy, you will be notified in the "Confidential Letter of Required Accommodations".
Am I required to lower the standards of a required assignment because the student has a
disability?
No. While some students with a disability exhibit their knowledge, production, and other course
expectations differently than their peers, the quality of their work should be equal to their peers. In other
words, the standards must be the same for all students regardless of method. For example, a student
with a learning disability in writing may need to use a computer to complete an essay exam rather than
hand write answers. The quality of the content is what should be judged.
I have a student with a disability getting behind in his/her schoolwork. This student has missed
multiple classes and has not handed in several assignments. S/he has taken a midterm using
accommodations but didn't pass. Do I have a right to fail a student with a disability?
Yes, faculty has the right to fail a student with a disability if the student has accommodations yet school
work isn't satisfactory; work must be equivalent to that of peers. It may be a good idea to discuss this with
the student just as you would with anyone in your class who is experiencing difficulty.