Information for Faculty
Disability Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the rights and responsibilities of a student with a disability?
- What are the rights and responsibilities of an instructor when working with students with disabilities?
- Why does an instructor have the responsibility to make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities?
- How are appropriate accommodations for a student determined?
- If an instructor feels that a particular student may have a substantially limiting disability, to whom should he or she refer the student?
- What if a student with a disability is disruptive in class?
- What if a student with a disability is failing?
- What disability services statement should I use in my course syllabus?
What are the rights and responsibilities of a student with a disability?
Students with disabilities have the right to equal access to courses, programs, activities, services, and facilities offered at IWCC. Students are also entitled to reasonable accommodations. All information about the student’s disability is to be kept confidential. Students have the responsibility to provide acceptable documentation of disabilities and to register with the Student Assistance Office if they would like to receive accommodations. If students deem it necessary to receive accommodations for a particular class, students have the responsibility to inform the instructor.
What are the rights and responsibilities of an instructor when working with students with disabilities?
An instructor has the right to confirm a student’s request for accommodations and to ask for clarification about a specific accommodation with the Student Assistance Office. Instructors do not have the right to refuse to provide an accommodation or to review a student’s documentation including diagnostic data. Instructors have a responsibility to work with the Student Assistance Office in providing reasonable accommodations, keep all records and communications with students confidential, and to refer a student to the Student Assistance Office who requests accommodations but is not currently registered. Instructors do not have to provide accommodations for students not registered with the Student Assistance Office.
Why does an instructor have the responsibility to make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities?
An instructor has the responsibility to make reasonable accommodations because accommodations make it possible for a student with a disability to overcome barriers enabling the student to communicate what he or she knows in the same way that glasses do not strengthen vision but help a person to see. The instructor also has a legal responsibility to provide appropriate accommodations. For more information go to the Americans With Disabilities Act website.
How are appropriate accommodations for a student determined?
To determine appropriate accommodations for a student, the student must submit documentation that is in accordance with the Disability Documentation Guidelines to the Student Assistance Office. The Student Assistance Director reviews the information and determines appropriate accommodations based upon the substantial limitations of the student and the essential elements of the course.
If an instructor feels that a particular student may have a substantially limiting disability, to whom should he or she refer the student?
If an instructor feels that a particular student may have a substantially limiting disability, he or she should refer the student to the Student Assistance Office, which is located in Clark Hall (Room 006), or contact the main office by phone at 712-325-3284.
What if a student with a disability is disruptive in class?
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 medical reason for the student’s behavior, the instructor can discuss this with the Student Assistance Director to determine if there is a solution to the problem or submit a Student Intervention Referral.
What if a student with a disability is failing?
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.
What disability services statement should I use in my course syllabus?
The following statement is a required part of each course syllabus at Iowa Western Community College:
If you are an individual with a disability who requires an accommodation to fully participate in academic programs or campus activities, please contact the Director of Student Assistance as soon as possible at 712-325-3390. This will allow time to plan your accommodations.