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FAQs for Faculty and Instructors
- What is a disability?
- A student in my class is having difficulty, and I suspect it may be disability-related. What should I do?
- What are reasonable accommodations?
- A student handed me a letter from Disability Services requesting accommodations. What should I do if I have questions?
- What are roles and responsibilities in the accommodation process?
- Who can I call if I have a general question?
As defined by law, a disability is a substantial limitation in one or more major life activities. Since this legal definition is quite subjective, DS focuses on what accommodations are reasonable in each individual's situation.
Talk with the student privately about your observations of his performance in class. Refrain from speculating about disability. Instead, offer referrals to a range of campus resources, including tutoring assistance, Disability Services, counseling, etc.
3. What are reasonable accommodations?
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, job, facility, or activity that enables a qualified person with a disability to have an equal opportunity. Institutions are obligated to make reasonable accommodations only to known limitations of an otherwise qualified individual.
Reasonable accommodations should not alter a course's essential components or in any way "water down" the curriculum or the standards of the institution.
For more information, visit determining essential components of a course
If you have questions concerning testing accommodations, contact the Testing Center, (612) 624-1666.
For other questions, call the Disability Specialist specified in the letter you received. The Specialist will be happy to talk with you.
5. What are roles and responsibilities in the accommodation process?
Determining appropriate accommodations is a collaborative effort. The student must register with Disability Services and provide documentation of his or her disability. The student also brings an understanding of his or her own needs. The Disability Specialist determines reasonable accommodations for the student, based on the student's documentation. The faculty member or instructor provides knowledge of a course's content, methods, and essential components.
For more detailed information, visit roles and responsibilities in the accommodation process
6. Who can I call if I have a general question?
Contact Disability Services, (612) 626-1333 (V/TTY). Your call will be directed to the appropriate person.
