Frequently Asked Questions

The program provides reasonable accommodations and services for qualified students with documented disabilities who are attending Auburn University, enrolled in distance learning classes, or participating in programs sponsored by Auburn University.

Faculty, staff, and visitors who need disability accommodations should contact the:

What is a disability?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) a disability is defined as a "mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities." Walking, eating, talking, breathing, writing, listening, learning, etc. are all examples of major life activities. If you have a documented physical or mental impairment, you may be entitled to certain accommodations under the ADA.

What does "substantially limited" mean?

A person can be substantially limited in performing a major life activity if they are:

• unable to perform the major life activity, or
• significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which the activity can be performed when compared to the average person or most people.

What are "reasonable accommodations and services"?

Examples of reasonable accommodations and services may include extra time for exams, priority registration, special seating arrangements, a sign language interpreter, a class note taker, and/or alternate format materials (i.e. audio tape, braille, large print, etc.). Accommodations and services are designed to meet the individual needs of the person with a disability.

Can I get special parking if I have a disability?

Not unless you are one of the few students who have a documented mobility problem or health condition which makes it impossible to use the Tiger Transit System. Students must register their vehicle with the Auburn University Police Department in order to drive on campus. Students with handicapped hang tags or plates must register their vehicles and display the A zone hang tag for campus access.

Are there any special procedures for applying for admission to Auburn University?

Students with disabilities must apply through the regular admission offices for undergraduates (Mary Martin Hall, 844-4080) or graduates (Graduate School, 844-4700). Standardized test scores and grades from high school or other college work will be reviewed in the application process. The scores and grades which were earned by using accommodations will be treated the same as scores and grades which were earned without accommodations. If admission is denied, the student can appeal the decision. Certainly if there are disability related variables, it would be wise to address them in an appeal. However, there are no special admissions based solely on the fact that the student has a disability.

How do I document my disability? Should I send my evaluation report with my application?

DO NOT send your disability information to Admissions with your application. There is no need to disclose your disability to the Admissions office. Upon receiving your letter of acceptance to Auburn University, you should send the most recent and comprehensive documentation of your disability to the Program for Students with Disabilities where it will be maintained in a confidential file. Be sure to include your Social Security Number, address, phone, and email address.

What documentation is required?

See our Criteria for Documentation.

How will I know if my documentation is acceptable?

Within approximately two weeks you will receive a letter stating that your documentation has been reviewed by the Staffing Committee. The letter will indicate if you are eligible for services, ineligible, or being deferred. If you are eligible, an appointment to determine your accommodations would be the next step.

If I had an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan in high school, can this be my documentation?

These documents can be valuable sources of information, but neither one can serve as the documentation of a disability. Evaluation by a qualified professional with expertise in the areas of your disability is required. This should be within the last three years, and preferably during your last year in high school. We want the best picture of you, the one that most represents your strengths and weaknesses as you enter Auburn University.

What accommodations will I have?

Accommodations are determined individually and must be supported by documentation. A "learning difficulty", "processing problem", or behavior that "appears to be" or "may be characteristic of" attention deficit disorder are examples of terminology which does not reflect a definitive diagnosis supported by DSM IV criteria. Only a documented disability is eligible for accommodation.

Some Examples may include:

Hearing Impairment

• Amplification system and wireless mic for the instructor, Interpreter

Visual impairment

• Large print handouts, exams, quizzes, and E-Text books

Attention deficit disorder

• Permission to tape lectures; extended time for exams

Mobility impairment

• Accessible classes, labs, and field trips; a lab assistant; voice input on the computer

Learning disability

• E-Text books; extended time for exams; use of computer and spell check for essay exams

Psychological disorder

• Separate test environment and extended time for exams; no additional penalty for absence

What if I need one accommodation in my English class but none in my Physical Education class?

You need only meet and request accommodations from your English instructor. However, if you take an exam in PE and do not ask for accommodations in advance, you will have to take the grade you receive. Accommodations are not retroactive. The obligation to accommodate begins with your presentation of the Accommodation Memo and specific request.

What is the Accommodation Memo?

This memo is developed with you once you have been declared eligible for services in our office. The Accommodation Memo contains the specific items which you may need in any class. It does not contain your diagnosis, nor is it designed for a particular type of class (i.e. lab) so there may be a need to modify it later.

How do I get my Accommodation Memo changed later if it doesn't meet my needs?

An appointment with professional staff is required to request a change in accommodations. Sometimes this request will also trigger a need for more documentation.

How often should I come to the PSD office?

It is recommended that you pick up Accommodation Memos for each instructor the first week of class. Then make appointments to talk with each instructor during their office hours to explain which accommodations you will need in that particular class. If there is any problem with your accommodations or a disability-related concern, please call (844-2096) or come by (1244 Haley Center) to make an appointment. If it is urgent or time sensitive, please tell the office staff.

What role do my parents play while I am in college? Will they have to attend IEP meetings like they did in high school?

The Family Rights and Privacy Act legally recognizes students over the age of 18 as adults. In college it is the student's responsibility to provide disability documentation and request accommodations and services. The Family Rights andPrivacy Act also prevents our office from sharing information (i.e. grades, status, health, etc.) with your parents, unless you sign a release giving us permission to do so. We encourage you to involve your parents as a resource; in most cases you are here because of them.

Will my advisor and instructors know I have a disability?

Disability documentation is retained in our confidential files which have limited access. You are the person who informs your instructors if you need accommodations, by taking an Accommodation Memo from our office and discussing it with them. It does not contain your diagnosis, testing, or background information. You do not need to discuss your disability with your instructors or advisor. If someone inquires, this would be inappropriate. Please refer them to our office so that we can tell them why they should refrain from asking questions about a student's disability. Further, your confidentiality is protected by our data base management. There is no record that others can access, and no code or information is ever put on your transcript. We will not release your documentation without your written directive to do so.

I am an Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) client. What should I do?

Auburn University's ADRS Liaison Counselor is David Patterson. His office is next to ours in 1234 Haley Center and his phone numbers are 334-844-4473 (on campus) and 334-749-1259 (ADRS office in Opelika). Have your local counselor contact him. He will need your documentation for his files, and he will want a copy of your schedule at the beginning of each semester. Be sure to consult with him before dropping or adding courses.

I am not a client of ADRS, but would like to apply. Now what?

ADRS offices are located throughout the state of Alabama. Other states have just as many. Apply through the office nearest you. If you have trouble, contact the main office in Montgomery at 334-288-0220 or 1-800-441-7578.

Where can I get a scholarship?

Unfortunately many people refer to the financial aid of Vocational Rehabilitation Services as a "scholarship". It is financial aid; everyone is not eligible. Another resource to check is Auburn University's Financial Aid Office. There are some scholarships, and a variety of financial aid options available through the Financial Aid Office. Most are not disability-related.