Resources & FAQs

Course substitutions are allowed under strict circumstances with specific recommendations supported by the documentation. Courses essential to a student’s major are not usually considered for substitution.

No. Accommodations are based on the nature of the disability and the academic environment. The purpose is to provide the student with a “level playing field,” not provide an unfair advantage.

Yes, the Accommodations Notifications are valid only for the semester in which they are written.

It is the responsibility of the student to register with Student Accessibility Services and provide documentation in order to receive accommodations. Appropriate and current documentation must meet Board of Regents’ criteria and specifically justify requested accommodations. Disclosure is not mandatory unless accommodations are requested; however, accommodations cannot be provided retroactively if a student discloses the need for accommodations at a later date. Students are urged to register with Student Accessibility Services in a timely manner to allow time to assemble appropriate documentation.

Since reasonable accommodations are based upon the current impact of the disability, the documentation must address the current level of functioning and the need for accommodations. With regard to a learning disability, documentation must be within three years of the student’s application for accommodations.

No. What is considered a student’s permanent record is maintained by the registrar’s office and is separate from records maintained by Student Accessibility Services. Records are held in strict confidence and information is released only with permission from the student.

Although temporary disabilities, such as a mobility impairment resulting from an accident or surgery, are not covered under ADA/504, some services may be provided on a case-by-case basis. Students with temporary disabilities may work out suitable arrangements with their instructors. If assistance is needed with temporary accommodations, the student should contact Student Accessibility Services, and the staff can provide a letter with accommodation recommendations for instructors. Note that disability parking permits are not provided through the University, but are available through the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Students are required to: Register with SAS, provide appropriate documentation of their disability, retrieve accommodation notifications in a timely manner each semester, and follow Student Accessibility Services policies and procedures.

Faculty will facilitate accommodations for which the student is eligible, and will provide accessible course content. 

According to the Americans with Disability Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a disability is a mental, physical, or emotional impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Since reasonable accommodations are based upon the current impact of the disability, the documentation must address the current level of functioning and the need for accommodations. With regard to a learning disability, documentation must be within three years of the student’s application for accommodations.

Helpful documentation may include one or more of the following: medical records, psychoeducational testing, school records such as IEPs or 504 plans, etc. Please review the BOR disability documentation definitions.

If medical documentation is provided by a health care provider your documentation should address the following items:

• A clear diagnostic statement and date of diagnosis
• A description of the diagnostic criteria, evaluation methods, tests and dates of administration, and/or a clinical narrative.
• A description of how the disability impacts the student and the severity of the functional limitation.
• A description of current medications and any adverse side effects.
• Recommendations for accommodations and support services that are logically related to the functional limitations (extended test time, low distraction, etc.).

If the documentation does not meet the suggested requirements, students are still encouraged to submit any information they have related to their diagnosis. If the student does not have any documentation, please contact Student Accessibility Services. Our office can provide information on how to obtain documentation, as well as provide referrals and resources both on and off campus.

Contact Student Accessibility Services on your campus for questions or concerns regarding required documentation.

No. I.E.P and 504 Plans provide valuable information, but documentation from a licensed professional is required.