Frequently Asked Questions
1 . Whom do I contact to start the ADA process?
Most students in the University can contact the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities or the Assistant Dean of Students in the University. Students in the Graham School of General Studies can contact the Assistant Director, Degree and Credit Programs (see ACCOMMODATION PROCESS).
2. What should I expect as a University student with a disability? How do laws pertaining to student accommodation differ between K-12 and higher education?
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):
This legislation applies to the opportunities that must be available to students enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th Grade. In IDEA, the school maintains responsibility for determining which students need special education. The school must identify students who need help, through testing and observation. Schools are responsible for diagnosing the specific problem students might be having. Public schools are responsible for providing an appropriate education for each student, based on an evaluation and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Eligibility for special education services in public schools is diagnosis driven (i.e., the student must be diagnosed as having one of eleven specified conditions). In K-12, parents and teachers advocate for the academic needs of students.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 /The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA):
This legislation applies to the opportunities that must be available to students choosing to attend an institution of higher education. Under ADA, students pursuing a post-secondary education are responsible for documenting and requesting accommodations for their specific needs. Students are responsible for identifying themselves as students who have a disability. The student must provide the University with appropriate documentation regarding their disability and recommended accommodations. Students are responsible for requesting specific academic adjustments or accommodations according to their documented needs. Eligibility for reasonable accommodations in post-secondary institutions is driven by the federal definition of disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits or restricts the conditions, manner, or duration under which an average person in the general population can perform a major life activity, such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, or taking care of oneself. In a university setting, students must advocate for their own academic needs.
3. I received an accommodation from my previous school, but my documentation is outdated. Will I still be eligible to get an accommodation at Chicago?
Temporary accommodation may be given when a student has requested accommodation due to a disability; has previously received disability accommodation in an educational setting; and the process to determine the appropriate accommodation at the University cannot be completed before the start of a quarter. (see DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION PROTOCOL)
4. If I am provided temporary accommodation, for how long is it effective?
Usually, a temporary accommodation is for one quarter only, though in exigent circumstances with prior approval, temporary accommodation may continue into the next quarter. Receipt of temporary accommodation does not imply that the student is eligible to receive accommodation. (see DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION PROTOCOL)
5. What is a reasonable accommodation?
It is easier to say what is NOT reasonable. The following three kinds of accommodations that are not considered reasonable:
(1) if making the accommodation means making a substantial change in an essential nature of a program or element of the curriculum;
(2) if it poses an undue financial or administrative burden and
(3) if they create a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
6. Are the same accommodations provided for all students with disabilities?
No. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, although some auxiliary aids and services are examples of accommodation that are likely to be extended to students.
7. After accommodations are extended, how do students access their auxiliary aids and services?
If a disability determination is made the area Dean of Students will facilitate the implementation of approved auxiliary aids and services.
8. If I receive an accommodation what are my next steps?
After accommodations are approved, the student should take the following steps:
- Talk with your area Dean of Students or adviser about the accommodation(s) that have been approved.
- Talk with your faculty about your approved academic accommodation(s), including special arrangements for examinations.
- Talk with appropriate offices (e.g., College Programming Office, Office of Graduate Affairs, Office of the Reynolds Club and Student Activities) to request reasonable accommodation for nonacademic events.
