• Instructors have the right to confirm a student’s approved accommodations with Disability Support Services (DSS) and seek clarification on how to implement specific accommodations. They also have the right to uphold the academic integrity of their course, ensuring that accommodations do not fundamentally alter essential course requirements. However, instructors do not have the right to refuse an approved accommodation or to review a student’s medical or diagnostic documentation. If an instructor has concerns that an accommodation may not be reasonable for the course, they should consult with DSS before denying the accommodation.
• Instructors are responsible for collaborating with DSS to ensure accommodations are provided in a timely and effective manner. They must maintain the confidentiality of all disability-related information and communications. Additionally, if a student requests accommodations but is not registered with DSS, the instructor should refer the student to DSS. Accommodations should only be provided to students who have completed the registration process and received official notification from DSS.

Instructors have a responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities can overcome barriers and demonstrate their knowledge. Similar to how glasses help a person see without changing their vision, accommodations allow students to access course material effectively. Additionally, instructors have a legal obligation to provide appropriate accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information, visit the ADA website.

Students are required to release the accommodations they plan to use each semester. The responsibility to discuss these accommodations is shared between the student and the instructor. If you receive a Notice of Accommodations letter but have not heard from the student, DSS recommends that instructors reach out to the student to initiate a conversation about the accommodations.

If an instructor believes a student may have a disability affecting their performance, they should meet with the student to discuss observations related to behavior and performance. The instructor should avoid asking questions that may pressure the student to disclose a disability. Instead, provide the student with relevant resources, including the Disability Support Services (DSS) office, as a supportive option.

A student with a disability who is disruptive in class should be treated as an instructor would treat any student who is disruptive in class. If an instructor feels that there is a disability-related reason for the student’s behavior, the instructor can discuss this with a DSS case manager to determine if there is a solution to the problem.

It is important for instructors to remember that providing reasonable accommodations to a student with a disability does not guarantee success in the course. Students with disabilities may not master the course material, just like any other student. Students with disabilities have the same right as other students to fail as part of their educational experience.

The DSS Faculty Portal houses all the information on students in each of your classes and which accommodations they are approved for. In the faculty portal you can also monitor who the notetaker is for your course and their notes, your testing contract who you is scheduled for an exam as well as monitoring other classroom accommodations.

Ultimately it is the responsibility of the instructor to provide and proctor quizzes and exams; however, DSS does offer a testing center as a courtesy to instructors who are unable to meet the accommodation needs. The DSS Testing Center offers test proctoring Monday through Friday from 8:15 am until 4:45 pm. Space is limited and students must schedule their exams in advance (5 business days for exams and 7 for finals).

See Request Captions.

Instructors are encouraged to contact the Office of Learning Technologies with any questions related to implementing accommodations related to Canvas, Proctor U, or other technology based programs.

See Request Captions.

See Basic PDF Accessibility

DSS is available to provide a DSS overview training for faculty and staff or can create custom trainings on specific topics based on department/program need. To request a training, you can email our office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Departments and organizations hosting events should identify a designated point of contact within their area to receive disability-related accommodation requests.
DSS recommends including the following statement on all event communications and promotional materials:
"To request disability-related accommodations, please contact [insert event point of contact]."
DSS is available to support event planners and hosting organizations by providing guidance on any accommodation requests they receive.

Faculty are only expected to provide accommodations to students that are listed on their accommodation letters. If a student requests an additional accommodation not approved through DSS, please advise the student to reach out to their DSS case manager to discuss.

Students release Notification of Accommodation letters via the AIM portal.

• The number of allowable disability-related absences should be based on the essential course requirements and the importance of attendance to the learning objectives. While absences should not be excessive, a general guideline is to allow 50–100% more absences than the standard policy stated in the syllabus.
• It is also important to note that DSS expects instructors to meet with the student upon receiving the Notice of Accommodations to determine what level of flexibility is reasonable for the course.

• When a disability-related absence occurs, the student should notify the instructor via email and copy DSS within 24 hours. This notice serves in place of a doctor’s note. Exceptions to this timeframe may arise, and DSS is available for consultation in such cases.
• Students should be allowed to make up missed work without penalty. While deadlines are at the instructor’s discretion, a 24–48 hour extension is generally reasonable. Alternative assignments may be appropriate when necessary.
• The student is responsible for arranging access to missed content (e.g., lecture notes, materials).
• This accommodation does not apply to absences or extensions unrelated to the student’s disability (e.g., illness, transportation issues). Instructors are encouraged to consult DSS for support in extenuating circumstances.

When the student confirms the need for a notetaker, a second email will be sent asking for assistance in finding one in your course. We recommend that an announcement be made in class, or an email be sent to the class via Canvas. You can also reach out to specific students if you think they would be good for this role. You can track when a notetaker has been assigned and how often notes are uploaded through the DSS Faculty Portal.