Student Disability Services
Frequently Asked Questions
General Disability Information
General Disability Information
What constitutes a disability? As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities.
Some major life activities referred to under the definition of disability in the ADA include: walking, sitting, seeing, hearing, standing, breathing, reaching, learning, speaking, concentrating, sleeping, performing manual tasks, working, lifting, caring for oneself, and interacting with others.
Substantially limits indicates either an inability to perform the major life activity or a significant restriction “as to the condition, manner, or duration under which an individual can perform a particular major life activity as compared to the condition, manner, or duration under which the average person in the general population can perform the same major life activity.”
What should I do if I suspect I have a disability and feel I need services? Complete a Request for Services form and schedule a consultation appointment with an SDS staff person.
Are there UNI services that could assist me with determining a disability? Yes. The UNI Psychological Assessment Clinic is a not-for-profit training facility that provides diagnostic services to the University and surrounding community. The clinic conducts psychological and educational evaluations. Most commonly, individuals are assessed at the clinic for: evaluation of learning disabilities, evaluation of problems related to the ability to sustain attention and concentration, and/or educational planning.
Does SDS conduct testing to determine if I have a disability? No. Our office does not provide testing. Please click on the link below for a list of professional evaluators for learning disabilities, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and psychiatric disorders. Be sure to provide the professional completing your evaluation with a copy of our documentation guidelines relevant to your disability.
Resources for Evaluation
What will the documentation guidelines tell me? The documentation guidelines will be helpful to both you and the evaluating agency/person. The guidelines will provide you guidance in selecting an appropriate evaluator. The guidelines will provide an evaluator with information about appropriate tests and information about pertinent results and recommendations to include in a report.
If I have a temporary condition, can Student Disability Services help me? Yes. Individuals who have a short term condition that substantially limits their ability to perform one or more major life activities related to the academic environment may be eligible for temporary accommodations through Student Disability Services. If you believe you have a short term condition that is substantially limiting, complete the Verification of Temporary Disability form and contact Student Disability Services to schedule a consultation appointment.
How does SDS determine appropriate accommodations for me? Determining factors include students’ needs, recommendations from professionals, institutional resources, and course/degree requirements.
What kinds of accommodations are available through SDS? Classroom Accommodations may include Tape recording lectures, Notetakers, Preferential seating, Interpreting services, or Books in alternate format. Exam Accommodations may include Extended time, Separate location, Reader, Scribe, Calculator, or Computer for essay exams.
Information about accommodations and services at UNI
Why do students with disabilities receive accommodations? Is it fair? Students with disabilities are as qualified as students without disabilities to attend UNI. Reasonable accommodations are legally mandated and are intended to provide students with resources to "level the playing field." Accommodations give students with disabilities an opportunity to participate in all University academic programs and activities plus be evaluated on their academic ability, not their disability.
What are reasonable accommodations? Accommodations are considered reasonable when they do not alter the essential components of course or degree requirements and do not cause substantial burden on or expense to the institution.
Do students with disabilities receive course waivers? No. The University of Northern Iowa does not grant course waivers. Course substitutions are sometimes possible for foreign language or math requirements.
Course Substitution Policy
Does Student Disability Services provide tutoring services? No. Students registered with Student Disability Services are referred for tutoring services through Ask-a-Tutor. Additionally, there are other tutoring programs, labs for math and writing, and other campus resources.
Tutoring Services
Are students with disabilities graded differently by instructors? Students with disabilities are expected to meet the same standards as other students.
What if I do not feel the accommodations I receive are appropriate? If you feel that the accommodations you are receiving are unacceptable, you have the option to appeal the decision.
Appeals Process
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