Services for Students with Disabilities
Student and Parent Resource Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When should I notify Susquehanna about my disability?
Ideally, you should contact the Disability Services Office (DSO) immediately after placing your deposit as an incoming student, or in the first two weeks of the semester if you are a returning student. This will allow the Coordinator of Disability Services (CDS) to contact you and offer assistance in various areas of orientation at Susquehanna. Please keep in mind that if requests for accommodations are not made with in a timely manner, faculty and staff may not be able to fully provide an accommodation and/or are not obligated to give accommodations.
Q. Who do I Need to Contact regarding My Disability?
Requests for accommodations are given to the Coordinator of Disability Services (CDS). This office is located on the lower-level of the Blough-Weis Library. You may contact the Coordinator, Christine B. Shipe, via e-mail at shipe@susqu.edu, or by phone at (570) 372-4340. Documentation may also be sent to the following fax machine number at (570) 372-2729. All services are confidential.
Q. What is the process for obtaining accommodations at Susquehanna University?
To obtain classroom, housing, or dining accommodations at Susquehanna University, you must submit a "Request for Accommodations Form" to the Disability Services Office (DSO) along with documentation from a qualified professional, preferably within the first two weeks of the semester. Once the documentation is reviewed, The Coordinator of Disability Services (CDS) will meet with you to determine appropriate accommodations. A "Letter of Agreement for Accommodations" will be issued for each class in which you require accommodations.
Q. How do I notify my professors about my accommodations?
After receiving a "Letter of Agreement and Accommodations" from the CDS, you will need to contact each instructor to arrange a convenient time to discuss your accommodations. Students are discouraged from handing their professors the letters after class with the expectation that the accommodation will be arranged without discussion. Upon agreement, you and the instructor will sign the letter. The letter is then returned to the CDS at which time a copy will be given to the student and sent to the instructor. The original copy will remain on file in the DSO.
Q. What accommodations will I receive?
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis depending upon the supporting evidence and recommendations given in the documentation. In all cases, accommodations may not be given unless there is proof that the disability/condition "significantly limits a major life function." There must be a direct connection between the disability/condition and the accommodations being requested. If the documentation is incomplete or does not support your requests, further information may be needed. Accommodations will not be given if they alter the essential fundamental elements of a course. Some frequently used accommodations are: extended testing time, having test questions read aloud or taped, taking tests in a noise reduced environment, taking essay tests on a computer, tape recording lectures, having a note taker or a scribe, and preferential seating.
Q. If I received a 504 accommodation or had and IEP in high school, will the same accommodations be provided?
Not necessarily. Although information contained in an IEP or a 504 Service Agreement may be helpful, you may not qualify for the same accommodations you had in high school, even if your situation is "otherwise unchanged." The laws governing accommodations between high school and college are different. Therefore, what qualified you for accommodations in high school may not qualify you in college.
Q. May I appeal the decision that the coordinator of disability services has made regarding my accommodations?
Yes. The CDS will do everything available to provide you appropriate access to accommodations, however, students who disagree with an accommodations decision may appeal the decision by following the appeals process which may be obtained at our website, www.susqu.edu/counseling. Click on "Students and Parent Resource Guide" and look under "SU Policies Regarding Students with Disabilities."
Q. How will services for accommodating my disability change when I attend college?
There are many basic differences between the laws governing accommodations in high school and college. The major shift takes place in the area of independence. In college, you are expected to rely on your own self-advocacy skills to communicate with faculty and obtain accommodations. Faculty and staff expect to work with you, rather than your parents. In addition, the laws governing confidentiality make communication between faculty and parents more restrictive. More information on the differences between accommodations given in high school and college may be found in the "Student and Parent Resource Guide" on our website at www.susqu.edu/counseling.
Q. Who do I contact if I need special housing accommodations?
You first start by completing a "Request for Accommodations Form" from the DSO. You will then be asked to complete a "Housing Accommodations Form." As with other accommodations, documentation must be provided from a qualified professional stating the reasons and recommendations for the accommodations. Once the forms and documentation has been reviewed you will meet with the CDS to discuss the request. If approved, you will then meet with the Assistant Director for Operations to determine the best housing options available. Dining arrangements will be approved by the CDS, however, students are responsible for making arrangements with the food service personnel.
Q. Who should I contact if I need any special adaptive technology?
If you’re in need of special adaptive technology due to a disability you will need to make this request to the CDS who will work with you to obtain the adaptive or assistive technology as soon as possible. If you are requesting books on tape or e-texts, or special software such as speech to text or text to speech, it is important to contact the CDS as early as possible. Ideally, new incoming students should make their requests by August 1st for the fall semester and/or as soon as a schedule has been made for future semesters.
Q. If I had a foreign language waiver in high school will I get it at Susquehanna?
No academic requirements at Susquehanna University will be waived. However, students may be permitted to substitute courses, for example, in a foreign language. These cases are rare, however, and must be fully supported by qualified professionals in appropriate documentation.
