In previous posts, we explored college support levels as well as the key differences between high school and college accommodations.
Moving Forward with Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
When it comes to ensuring your child’s success in college, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is a crucial resource. SAS provides essential accommodations and support for students with disabilities, allowing them to thrive in their academic environment.
How SAS Helps Students
SAS does more than just provide accommodations; they help students navigate the challenges of college life while advocating for their academic success. Here’s what parents should know about how SAS supports students:
- Assessing Requests for Accommodations: SAS reviews documentation to determine appropriate accommodations tailored to a student’s individual needs. This might include extended time for exams, note-taking services, or assistive technology.
- Providing Information: SAS ensures that students understand their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. They help navigate the complexities of accommodation policies and procedures.
- Recommending Learning and Testing Accommodations: Based on a student’s needs, SAS recommends specific academic adjustments such as alternative testing environments, extended time on exams, or the use of assistive devices like screen readers.
- Housing Accommodations: For students with physical disabilities or chronic health conditions, SAS assists in securing accessible housing that meets their needs, whether it be a specific dorm layout or proximity to campus facilities.
- Ensuring Confidentiality: SAS maintains strict confidentiality of all information related to a student’s disability, ensuring that their personal information is protected.
- Assisting with Faculty Communication: One of the challenges students with disabilities often face is explaining their accommodations to faculty. SAS acts as an advocate, helping students communicate with professors and ensuring that accommodations are implemented effectively.
Advice for Parents
As a parent, navigating the transition from high school to college for a child with disabilities can be challenging. Here are some tips to ensure that your student gets the support they need:
- Start Early: Encourage your child to begin the SAS process as soon as they’re accepted to college. This ensures that accommodations are in place before the semester starts, reducing stress.
- Encourage Self-Advocacy: College is a time for students to develop independence. Teach your child to advocate for themselves by communicating directly with SAS and their professors about their needs.
- Know the Law: Familiarize yourself with the rights provided under the ADA and Section 504. This will help you support your child in getting the accommodations they’re entitled to.
- Stay Involved (But Step Back): While it’s important to be involved in the process, college is a time for students to take ownership of their education. Guide your child, but allow them to take the lead in managing their accommodations.
SAS Departments at 10 Colleges
To give you a head start, here are links to the SAS departments of ten colleges. These offices can provide more specific information about the services they offer:
- University of Arizona – Disability Resource Center:
https://drc.arizona.edu/ - University of Denver – Disability Services Program:
https://www.du.edu/studentlife/disability-services - Landmark College – Disability Services:
https://www.landmark.edu/student-life/disability-support-services - Lynn University – Institute for Achievement and Learning:
https://www.lynn.edu/academics/institute-achievement-learning - Marshall University – Office of Disability Services:
https://www.marshall.edu/disability/ - Arizona State University – Disability Resource Center:
https://eoss.asu.edu/drc - University of Northern Colorado – Disability Resource Center:
https://www.unco.edu/disability-resource-center/ - Colorado State University – Student Disability Center:
https://disabilitycenter.colostate.edu/ - University of Colorado Boulder – Disability Services:
https://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices/ - Regis University – Disability Services:
https://www.regis.edu/about/offices-services/disability-services
Looking Ahead: Timeline for Applying for Accommodations
We’re excited to share our next blog: Timeline for Applying for Accommodations. This guide will help students and families stay on track with key deadlines, from gathering necessary documentation to submitting requests for accommodations before exams. Whether you’re new to the process or just looking for a refresher, this timeline will ensure you’re well-prepared for the school year ahead. Stay tuned!
