You may be asked to provide one or more accommodations for a student with a disability. Iowa State University is mandated by law (Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) to provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of his or her disability. Students requesting accommodation will do so by bringing you a Notification Letter from the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Office. Please do not sign the form without discussing it with the Director or the Assistant Director of ISUComm Foundation Courses.
Many times, the accommodations listed on the form are suggestions only and they are generally open to negotiation among the SAS, the student, and the ISUComm Foundation Courses program so that the best balance can be met between allowing the student to be successful while not fundamentally altering the course for that student. Of special concern are forms that ask for an unspecified, or very high number of absences. These must be discussed with and agreed to by either the ISUComm Director or the Assistant Director, who will also consult the SAS. You have 48 hours to accept or not accept (and therefore modify) the proposed accommodations on the form, so contact the ISUComm Director or the Assistant Directors immediately for their assistance.
Do not discuss accommodations in front of other students. Do not use the “disability” label directly with a student. Do not provide accommodations unless the student gives you the Notification Letter from the SAS and you have discussed it with the ISUComm Director or Assistant Director and signed it.
Every course policy sheet should include a statement addressing the responsibilities of faculty and staff in relation to students with disabilities. Below are two suggested disability statements:
- “If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please make arrangements to meet with me soon. Please request that the Student Accessibility Services Office (1076 Student Services Building, accessibility@iastate.edu, 515-294-7220) send a Notification Letter verifying your disability and specifying the accommodation you will need.”
- “Please address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. Those seeking accommodations based on disabilities should obtain a Notification Letter from the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Office (515-294-7220). SAS is located in room 1076 Student Services Building or online at www.sas.dso.iastate.edu.”
If you have further questions about disability issues, you may contact the English Department Disability Liaison, Stacie Schaefer, at stacies@iastate.edu.