Disability Services

Archives: FAQs

When does a student need to connect with Disability Services?

Students can connect with Disability Services at any point in their academic career. Accommodations are not retroactive though, so students are encouraged to connect with Disability Services and use their accommodations if/when they feel they need to throughout their academic career.

How does a student get accommodations?

Disability Services patriciates in an interactive process with students and their support system to explore reasonable accommodations. Students will need to submit documentation of disability and engage in this interactive process, which includes a conversation about their disability related experiences in the academic, housing, and/or dining settings. After documentation is provided a student is typically meeting with Disability Services within 10-14 business days.  We encourage you to review our video on How To Register. Should you have any specific questions please contact Disability Services directly at [email protected].  

What is the difference between high school accommodations and college/university accommodations?

At the college level disability accommodations are working to ensure access. Accommodations will not alter workload or contradict course objectives. 

High School

College/University

Laws:
  • IDEA
  • Sections 504
  • ADA (1990)
  • ADA Amendment Act (2008)
  • Sections 504
  • Fair Housing Act

Documentation:
  • School provided evaluation(s)
  • IEP (Individualized Education Program)/504 Plan
  • Student provides evaluation(s)
  • IEP/504 Plan may not be only documentation needed

Parents/Guardians:
  • Receive updates on performance
  • Have access to grades and other reports
  • Advocate on behalf of child/student
  • Updates on performance provided by the student
  • Access to grades or other reports provided by the student
  • Student/child should be self-advocating and parent/guardian can provide support

Students:
  • The school identifies students with disabilities
  • Parents identify their child/student with a disability
  • Students will need to self-identify with Disability Services and take responsibility for their accommodations
  • Self-advocate and communicate their needs

School Support Services:
  • School is responsible for identifying students
  • Supplies services and arranges accommodations
  • School provides services to students who self-identify after a review of documentation and an initial meeting through an interactive process with a Disability Services specialist

Teachers/Professors:
  • The teacher ensures that students have the correct accommodations
  • Students must provide Faculty Contact Sheet (accommodation letter) to professors each semester. Letters can be obtained after accommodations are established
  • Students must inform professors when/how they will use their approved accommodations

If I had COVID-19 and still have residual impacts can I register with Disability Services and receive accommodations?

Yes, you can register to receive accommodations by following the steps below:

  1. A student should complete the Disability Services student self-identification form and submit documentation from a diagnosing/treating healthcare provider.
  2. Disability Services will schedule an initial meeting with the student, review documentation, and determine of what, if any, adjustments are necessary for the student.
  3. Disability Services will provide a letter to the student with approved accommodations.

Please note that accommodations related to COVID-19 are temporary and will be reviewed on a semester-by-semester basis. A student will need to fully register with Disability Services and a full consideration for accommodations will be individualized to the student’s situation and request.

How can I extend the time for a blackboard exam for a student?

The IT department created a helpful guide on how to extend test time in blackboard. Professors can access it through this link: How to Extend Test Time . If there are additional questions the IT department would be the best option to contact directly. Their contact information is: 703-993-8870 and [email protected].

What is the process for working with Disability Services on accommodations for students who are/or might be at Increased risk according to CDC?

  1. A student should complete the Disability Services student self-identification form and submit documentation from a diagnosing/treating healthcare provider.
  2. Disability Services will schedule an initial meeting with the student, review documentation, and determine of what, if any, adjustments are necessary for the student.
  3. Disability Services will provide a letter to the student with approved accommodations.

Please note that accommodations related to COVID-19 are temporary and will be reviewed on a semester-by-semester basis. A student will need to fully register with Disability Services and a full consideration for accommodations will be individualized to the student’s situation and request.

What do I do if my health status changes mid-semester?

A student can request accommodations at any time. Accommodations are not retroactive.

What if I am a Mason employee (faculty/staff, student employee, graduate assistant, etc.) and am seeking accommodations related to COVID-19?

Visit GMU’s HR website regarding next steps for appropriate workplace arrangements.

I am not at increased risk for COVID-19, but am concerned about coming to campus. What resources are available for me?

Mason’s COVID-19 webpage has outlined available resources during this time in addition to procedures being followed to ensure campus safety.

What options do I have if I currently live with /care for someone who is or might be at increased risk for COVID-19?

Please contact your course faculty and/or academic department in order to discuss appropriate arrangements. Should you need additional guidance, you may contact the Student Support and Advocacy Center or the Dean of Students.