Printer FriendlyDear Faculty –
The Office of Disability Services (SDS) is committed to serving students who need reasonable accommodation to level the academic playing field and, at the same time, to upholding the academic integrity of the University’s programs of study. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that institutions of higher education provide accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Developing independence and simulating the real-world that lies beyond the college classroom are at the forefront of our mission to prepare students for life beyond UMass Lowell. We are here to help you meet the needs of our students with disabilities and, to that end, wish to remind faculty and staff of a few guidelines.
Faculty is strongly advised to provide accommodations only if the student brings proper faculty notification from SDS. Accommodations are not retroactive. They start from the time the faculty is notified with an appropriate letter of accommodations. Faculty is not obligated to interact directly with outside agencies such as psychologists, medical practitioners, parents and/or other educational institutions. If approached directly, you should redirect the calls to the Office of Student Disability Services.
What is reasonable accommodation?
Reasonable accommodation(s) are intended to provide a level playing field for disabled students. Accommodations are not intended to nor will they be used to give a student an unfair advantage. Reasonable accommodation does not necessarily mean earning an "A."
A student may be entitled to the following:
- additional test time
- distraction reduced environment
- use of computer in taking test
- use of a calculator
- use of a formula sheet (if the formulas are not being tested)
- testing via audio tape (questions and answering on tape)
- scribe
- proctoring exams by Office of Student Disability Services
- note-taker
Some typical classroom accommodations:
- note-taker
- taping lectures
- hard copies of overheads prior to scheduled use
- preferential seating
- accessible classroom
- audio devices worn by faculty and students (for students with hearing loss)
What is additional test time or extended time on tests/quizzes?
Additional test time is generally half to double time added to the regularly allotted test time. Example: If the regular test time is for an hour, then the accommodation is either an hour and a half or two hours. UML does not support unlimited time. Extended time applies only to tests and not to classroom assignments, group projects, homework, term papers. Individualized accommodations will be discussed with you as they arise. The Office of Student Disability Services, in conjunction with University policy, does not permit re-testing because a student is dissatisfied with a grade earned unless faculty have a re-test option available for all students.
What is distraction reduced environment?
A separate, quiet room, uninterrupted by traffic, noise, and other sensory stimuli - This can include empty office space within a department, conference room, etc. The Office of Student Disability Services will help administer the exam if such a room is unavailable.
Proctoring by the Office of Disability Services
The Office of Student Disability Services will proctor exams if the faculty member is unable to accommodate a student for any reason. Please refer to the Exam Proctoring Form for all details.
Absenteeism/Tardiness
Tardiness is NOT an accommodation. Absenteeism is NOT an accommodation unless in selective cases these have been approved by the SDS and discussed with the instructor. Obviously, a published attendance policy lends clarity and accountability to the process. Please publish quiz/exam dates and project expectations. The clearer the syllabus, the less room there is for misinterpretation of course expectations.
Tape Recording
For many disabled students tape recording lecture material is a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students registered with the Office of Student Disabilities Services will present a Tape Recording Agreement form to each instructor in each class that is to be taped.
Class Cancellation Policy
It is helpful to publish the University’s school cancellation line: (978) 934-2121 in the syllabus. Some hearing impaired/deaf students require the services of Sign Language Interpreters. Cancellation of this service requires 24-hour notification or the University is financially liable. Whenever possible, please notify the student directly or Student Disability Services and we will contact the student and the interpreters. Many students with physical disabilities rely on family, friends, hired or public transportation to get to and from campus. Although not necessary, it is immeasurably helpful to notify a student of an unplanned class cancellation. A phone call from an instructor (or an office staff member) can save a physically disabled student time, money and energy.
Foreign Language Substitution
When appropriate, a student with a language-based learning disability, deafness, and/or a substantial loss of hearing may qualify for substitution of the foreign language requirement. Determination for a foreign language substitution is made by SDS with proper notification to the department chair.
Notified Absence
A Notified Absence informs a faculty member that a student (any student) has notified the Office of Student Disability Services that he/or she has missed a minimum of four (4) days of school due to illness, death in the family, etc.. The form’s only purpose is to notify you. It does not, in any way, serve to excuse the student from academic obligations.
The Office of Student Disability Services encourages faculty to use the OSDS as a resource for questions, clarifications, discussion of a student's learning style/strategies, and/or any other areas of concern.
Students with documented disabilities:
Dr. Chandrika Sharma
978-934-4574
Disability@uml.edu
Related Links:
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Resources for Faculty - Students with Disabilities (DO-IT Fac: US Dept. of Education Project)