Disability Support Services FAQs

Academic accommodations may include,  extended time for testing, distraction-free testing space, use of a computer laptop in the classroom, notetaking, use of assistive technology in the classroom, communication access, alternative format for reading, etc.  Accommodations can also be endorsed for residential needs and those that may impact a student's campus job.

Reasonable accommodations are provided within the framework of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, as amended (ADA) and the ADA amendments of 2008.

A first-time Accommodation Request Form needs to be completed. This can be accessed on the Disability Support Services (DSS) webpage under student forms.  Reasonable accommodations are determined through an interactive process between  DSS and the student. The student's accommodation request must be linked to the functional limitations described in the medical documentation. Disability documentation must be provided by a qualified healthcare professional that describes the disability/health condition and the functional impact on the student’s academic or residential experiences. DSS has specific documentation guidelines relevant to establishing a student's disability or temporary health condition.  

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. All information and documentation submitted to the DSS office is kept separate from an academic record and is considered private under FERPA. The fact that a student received accommodations does not show on any transcript from the college.

A notification for an academic accommodation will be sent to those instructors as released by the student in written form. This notification lists the accommodations that the student is approved for in the accommodation plan. This notification does not outline the nature of the student’s disability. It is the student's responsibility to discuss the use of their accommodations with their term instructors.

IEPs and 504 plans end when a student graduates from high school. Colleges are not required to follow plans that were developed in high school. Accommodation plans are approved by the interactive process between the DSS staff and the student. The information from both high school and/or another college institution might be helpful for the DSS staff and the student as they create an accommodation plan at Knox. However, disability documentation that helps determine accommodations must be from a qualified, licensed clinician, non-familial, who follows established practices in the field, and most often are physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or licensed therapists. 

Accommodations must be requested each term at Knox. This is done by completing the registration form each term with the DSS office.  No further paperwork should be needed if there is no change to the plan.  If the student is asking for different accommodations or a new accommodation, there may be additional paperwork or documentation and an interview with DSS staff may be required to process the new request.

Yes.  Residential accommodations may include a single room, emotional support animal, air conditioner, off-board meal plan, or off-campus housing. If the request from the student is based on a qualifying disability, the request must be processed in the DSS office for approval.

The timing for accommodation implementation varies. This depends on the documentation that is provided to the DSS office for consideration for the request. The information must be available from a qualified healthcare provider and must include a diagnosis and the functional limitation to the student due to the diagnosis. No request can be processed without this information. Other forms are required to be completed by the student and a student interview with DSS staff must also take place. The timing of implementation is based on the acquisition of these items. 

Tests can be taken in the DSS office for any test accommodation for students. There is a form to be completed to request this accommodation. This form can be obtained electronically from the DSS office.

If a student feels that they require other accommodations or they have a change or addition to their disability with new information, a student can request a change in the accommodation plan with the DSS office.  New disability information may require additional documentation to be submitted to the DSS office, and an interview with DSS staff may be required. 
Residential accommodations are approved twice a year. Once before the fall term and again before the winter term. Requests and documentation can be in process before these due dates but must be completed and endorsed before these deadlines. These dates may vary from year to year.

If a student feels they might have an issue, they can meet with a DSS staff member who can assess and discuss the challenges they face in the classroom. Recommendations, options, and academic and campus resources will be shared to help the student determine their next steps.