Disability Services

This is my first time having a student with disability accommodations in my class, how do I help them?

The Resources Page has guides and other helpful information for instructors to best support students. Professors can also reach out to our office, or the specialist on the student’s Academic Accommodation Letter directly for specific questions. We are here to support you.

Are students required to be registered with Disability Services to request accommodations?

Yes, in order to receive accommodations from DS, students must be registered with the office. Registration information can be located under The Process as well as supporting forms.

How do students register to receive accommodations?

The Process walks students through the process of registration with Disability Services.

How long does the registration process take?

After all forms and documentation are submitted, the documentation must be reviewed by a specialist.  Once reviewed, a specialist will be in contact with the student to schedule an initial meeting.

Who should I contact if I have specific questions about a student’s Academic Accommodation Letter?

Professors should contact the specialist that signed the Academic Accommodation Letter for the student. Specialist’s email addresses can be found here, or you may call our office at (703) 993-2474.

How will I know if a student in my class has accommodations?

Students registered with DS will be provided with Academic Accommodation Letters to provide to professors in order to ‘activate’ accommodations. Each semester, students who are registered with DS need to request and distribute their Academic Accommodation Letters.

What does ‘accommodations are not retroactive’ mean?

Once a student meets and establishes accommodations with a specialist, accommodations will be applicable moving forward from the time Academic Accommodation Letters are provided to professors. Accommodations are not applicable prior to the initial meeting.

My student has not given me a testing form, we have a test coming up and they usually take it with your facility, what should I do?

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule exams with the Testing Center and turn in a completed Test Proctoring Form. Professors may contact students to inquire if the student plans to access testing accommodations.

How far in advance should a Test Proctoring Form be submitted?

It’s a student’s responsibility to ensure completed Test Proctoring Forms are submitted at least 48 business hours in advance of an exam. The Testing Center will not be able to accommodate same day requests for tests/quizzes.

What is the earliest and latest time a student can start an exam?

DS adheres to the ‘exam start time’ listed on the Test Proctoring Form. Students may begin their scheduled exams 15 minutes early and no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time. If a student is late for an exam, they will be sent to speak with their professor about a reschedule.