Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions faculty have regarding accommodations that may not be covered in other sections. Answers fall into two general categories: provision of accommodation and equal opportunity.

Provision of Accommodation

Q. What language do you recommend that I use on my syllabus to let students know how to request accommodations?
A. From a Disability Task Force of faculty and staff: If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. (303) 492-8671, Willard 322, www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices

Q. Who provides accommodations for students with disabilities at UCB?
A. On the University of Colorado at Boulder campus, faculty provide the accommodations of extra time and distraction reduced environment. Disability Services (DS) provides proctoring for all other exam accommodations. Faculty should contact DS if assistance is needed as soon as possible.

Q. What is considered “timely manner”?
A. Timely manner is not defined in a legal sense. However, Disability Services encourages students to present their disability letters to professors at the beginning of the semester and to discuss specific exam accommodations and arrangements one week prior to exams.

Q. I receive letters from several different university units requesting special provisions for students. Do I need to honor all of these?
A. Disability Services’ letters endorse legally mandated accommodations that are not negotiable. Letters from other campus units usually include recommendations for faculty to use at your discretion.

Q. Do I have to provide accommodations for students who request them but do not have a letter from DS?
A. No. Students with disabilities are expected to provide a letter from DS specifying approved accommodations.

Q. What do I do when a student hands documentation of a disability directly to me?
A. The student should be directed to take his or her documentation to DS. In addition to accommodations, DS can provide support services that may be beneficial.

Q: Is test anxiety a disability?
A: No, not in and of itself. Therefore, DS cannot advocate for a student who requests test accommodations related only to test anxiety.

Q: Are temporary injuries considered disabilities?
A: No, temporary injuries are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Faculty should provide the assistance can, and then refer students to DS for additional assistance if necessary. DS can assist students with exam assistance or refer students to resources such as wheelchair rentals, etc.

Q: How can I learn more about my legal responsibilities regarding accommodations for students with disabilities?
A. The staff of Disability Services can provide you and/or your department with information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, Section 508, and institutional responsibilities related to issues of disability. We also recommend The Faculty Room at DO-IT, University of Washington.

Equal Opportunity

Q. Why do students with disabilities receive accommodations? It does not seem fair to other students?
A. Reasonable accommodations are legally mandated and are intended to provide students with documented disabilities an opportunity to be evaluated on ability, not disability. Accommodations are determined according to specific information in the student's documentation and are intended to ensure equal access, not an unfair advantage.

Q. Does Disability Services approve accommodations for all students who come to the office?
A. No. Some students are not eligible for accommodations. However, any student who submits documentation is eligible to work with a Disability Specialist to develop effective academic strategies.

Q. Do students with disabilities receive course waivers?
A. No. Students with disabilities are expected to meet all university academic requirements.

Q. What do I do about a student with a disability who is distressed, threatening, or rude?
A. All students are expected to abide by the University Code of Conduct. Poor behavior cannot be excused based on disability alone. Students who appear distressed should be referred to campus mental health resources. A good resource is Assisting the Emotionally Distressed Student: A Faculty/Staff Guide (pdf)

Q. I suspect a student has a disability. How do I talk to the student about my concerns?
A. Tell the student you have noticed he/she is struggling, then provide campus resources that may be helpful, listing DS as one of several resources. DS offers free screenings for students who suspect they may have a learning disability. The student should call DS for an appointment.

Q. Should I extend deadlines or grade students with disabilities differently?
A. Generally, no. Students with disabilities are expected to meet the same standards as other students and should not be graded differently. In rare cases, depending on specific needs, deadlines may be extended. If there is a disability-related concern about attendance, DS will address this issue in a separate letter.

Updated 6/2007