Disabilities Services: Student Information Disabilities Services Information
General Disability Information
Academic Accommodations Information
Determining a Disability Information
Accessibility on Campus Information
Disabilities Services Information Q: What is Disabilities Services? Q: What services/accommodation/resources are available through Disabilities Services?
(Support services do not include services/equipment of a personal nature.) Q: How do I register to receive disability-related services at Ferris State University?A: You must complete an Application for Services and provide the Required Disability Documentation. Q: How does Disabilities Services determine what accommodations and services I should receive? A: Determining factors are based on current documentation of disability and include students' needs, recommendations from professionals, institutional resources, and course/degree requirements. Q: What should I do if I don't agree with my accommodation plan or if I have difficulty implementing my accommodations?A: If you feel that changes need to be made to your accommodation letter or if there are problems implementing your accommodations, please contact Disabilities Services as soon as possible to discuss your options. You may also file an Accommodations Appeal. Q: How are my instructors informed of my disability-related needs? A: Once a student registers with Disabilities Services, their documentation has been reviewed, accommodations have been suggested and the initial Intake/SRA appointment has been conducted Disabilities Services will send an electronic letter detailing required accommodations for the student to each faculty member on their schedule. Should you make a schedule change during Drop/Add it is your responsibility to come to Disabilities Services to make sure this faculty member is added as well. Q: Will faculty or staff members or other students find out I have a disability/medical condition? A: No, not unless you choose to tell them, or give consent for a Counselor to provide other staff members with information about you. Information disclosed to the Disabilities Services is confidential, in accordance with the Educational and Career Counseling Center and Disabilities Services Policy. There are some limits to confidentiality which are outlined in the policy. A Counselor can assist you to decide when it may be appropriate to disclose a disability and the best way to go about this. Instructors will only receive information that you are eligible to receive accommodations and the types of accommodations you have been approved to receive. They will not be given any information as to your disability. Q: Is my information confidential? A: Yes, your information is confidential and cannot be released to anyone without your permission. Q: How does the University protect my confidentiality? A: The confidentiality of disability-related information is protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Confidentiality is strictly enforced in order to protect the privacy of the student and to prevent the student from being discriminated against based on a disability. Disability-related information is treated as medical information and is handled under the same strict rules of confidentiality as is other medical information. Information concerning disabilities will be kept confidential, except that (1) faculty and instructors may be informed by the student regarding any accommodations they may be required to assist with; (2) safety and health personnel may be informed, when and to the extent necessary if the condition might require emergency treatment; (3) government and/or University officials investigating compliance with the above mentioned Acts shall be informed upon request; and, (4) as may be required by law. Confidentiality and Faculty Confidentiality and University Records Confidentiality and Parents Q: Should I schedule an appointment to register for services with Disabilities Services? Q: As a new student, when is the best time to register with Disabilities Services? A: Yes, it is still a good idea. You might later take a class in which you need accommodations and all of your documentation would be on file. This would lead to a quicker response. Q: If a student registers with the Disabilities Services, will it show up on transcripts/diplomas and/or my "permanent record"? A: No. The fact that a student is registered with our office or receives reasonable accommodations does not appear on student records. What is considered a student's permanent record is maintained by the registrar's office and is completely separate from records maintained in Disabilities Services. Records are held in strict confidence and information is released only on a "need to know" basis with written permission from the student. Students who receive reasonable accommodations do not receive a modified degree; they have earned the same degree as all other graduates of Ferris State University. Q: Can Ferris State University forward a copy of documentation to another school if a student transfers? A: Please keep a personal copy of all documentation that you submit to the Disabilities Services. Disabilities Services does release copies of documentation back to students and will send them to other institutions (except where not permitted by law). Disabilities Services will send a copy of your letter of accommodation to verify what reasonable accommodations you received at Ferris State University. All requests for this must be made in writing. However, often other entities require original documentation or documentation that is more extensive then what is required by Ferris State University. Q: Can the Disabilities Services provide copies of documentation once it has been submitted? A: Yes. In compliance with a variety of laws governing the release of medical information, Disabilities Services does release documentation. A student must first sign a release of confidential information prior to any records being released. Q: If I don't choose to disclose my disability when I am admitted, may I do that later and receive accommodations? A: Yes - You may disclose at any time and receive accommodations. However, you cannot receive accommodations until documentation requirements are satisfied. Students are strongly urged to satisfy documentation requirements prior to the first day of classes. Then, if problems arise and accommodations are needed, they can be put in place immediately. Q: Are International Students able to register with Disabilities Services? A: Yes. International students have the same rights to adjustments for the effects of their disabilities on study as any other students. They can register with the Disabilities Services under the same conditions and procedures. That includes the need to provide appropriate medical documentation before registration can be finalized. Q: Where do I get the forms I need? A: Documentation Guidelines are available below:
For more information, see Professional Documentation Guidelines and/or Forms. General Disability InformationQ: What constitutes a disability?A: A disability is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Learning is an example of a major life activity. If you have a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition or a condition which may be considered by others as substantially limiting, you may have a legally defined disability. A: According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, substantially limiting is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people. A: According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, major life activities, include, but are not limited to, the following: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning, and working. A: Accommodations are reasonable because they do not alter the essential components of course or degree requirements and do not cause substantial burden on or expense to the institution. A: Students with disabilities are as qualified as students without disabilities to attend Ferris State University. Reasonable accommodations are legally mandated and are intended to provide students with resources to level the playing field. Accommodations give students with disabilities an opportunity to participate in all University academic programs and activities plus be evaluated on their academic ability, not their disability. Academic AccommodationsQ: Do students with disabilities receive course waivers?A: Typically no, Ferris State University does not grant course waivers but students may discuss the need for such with the Disabilities Services department Head and the Department Head or Chair of your enrolled program of study. A: No. Students registered with Disabilities Services are referred for tutorial services through the Academic Support Center. A: No. Academic departments set their own attendance policies and class attendance is an expectation of Ferris State University students. Please make further inquiries regarding attendance policies to the specific department and the specific instructor. A statement regarding absence may be added to a letter of accommodation to explain circumstances to instructors, but it is still up to the department and/or instructor's discretion whether or not absences are excused. Students with disabilities are expected to follow the same absence policies as other students. Students who have frequent symptom flare-ups or are in the process of medication adjustments should discuss their conditions and accommodation needs with Disabilities Services as early as possible. Attendance is considered an essential aspect of a post-secondary education. As such, the University and Disabilities Services cannot accommodate the inability to attend class. Accommodations are considered to be supplements to the classroom experience. They are not intended to replace regular classroom attendance and participation. A: No. At this time, Disabilities Services does not offer classes for developing study skills or reading strategies for Learning Disabled students. University College does offer developmental classes in reading (106 & 176), math (010 & 110) and English (074), as well as classes in study skills open to all students of Ferris State University. Q: Are there resources available to help me develop more effective study strategies? A: Yes! The Academic Support Center offers a variety of options which include workshops, and individualized academic assessment and assistance. The Educational and Career Counseling Center offers the Strategies program to all students as way to identify learning styles, as well as strengths and weaknesses in academic skills. These options are available at no charge and students can select an option which best meets their needs. Q: Are students with disabilities graded differently by instructors? A: Students with disabilities are expected to meet the same standards as other students. A: No. Prior to each semester you must come into the office for a Student Request Appointment (SRA) to sign-up for accommodations. Failure to complete your SRA will result in not receiving accommodations until you do. You may choose to receive accommodations at any time during the semester or not at all. Q: Is there assistance for people with mental health problems? A: Students with mental health issues are entitled to support through the university as are students with other medical conditions or disabilities. Support for students with mental health issues can be found through both the Counseling Center and Disabilities Services. Q: Will Disabilities Services help manage and arrange my medication while I'm a student at Ferris State University? A: The Disabilities Services does not provide assistance with the management of medication. Students are STRONGLY encouraged to contact Birkam Health Center for assistance if there are concerns about medication or prescriptions for medication. Please contact Student Health Services at (231) 591-2614. Q: What happens if my disability causes me to act in a way that may be inappropriate? A: Students with disabilities are expected to follow the same rules of personal and academic conduct as are all other students. Students with disabilities who violate the personal and academic codes of conduct will face the same consequences and disciplinary action as those without disabilities. Q: How can I get accommodations on my GRE, PRAXIS, GMAT, etc? Disabilities Services will gladly complete relevant sections of accommodation applications for standardized tests which may be necessary for graduate education or professional certification. However, we cannot guarantee the testing agency in question will provide the requested accommodations. Students should be aware that the documentation they submitted for accommodations through Disabilities Services may not be sufficient to qualify for accommodations on some standardized exams. Well before it becomes necessary to take one of these exams, students should research eligibility guidelines in order to avoid the last minute denial of accommodations. Q: What if I have additional questions A: Still have more questions? Call us at phone/TTY (231) 591-3057, or send us an e-mail. Determining a DisabilityQ: What should I do if I suspect I have a disability and want to receive accommodations?A: Please contact a professional for an evaluation and diagnosis. For students who suspect a learning disability, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or psychiatric disorder, our office can provide a referral list of local professionals. Following your evaluation, it is your responsibility to request documentation of your disability be sent to our office. A: Ferris State University does not provide comprehensive testing for either learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders. Testing for learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders must be obtained through an appropriate off-campus professional. Q: If I have a temporary condition, can Student Disability Services help me? A: No. The student should first discuss their condition with their instructor to find out what classroom arrangements can be made. Then the student should contact our office to find out additional resources or options available for their temporary condition. Accessibility on CampusQ: How do I locate accessible routes to as well as entries, restrooms, and elevators in campus buildings?Accessibility information for many Ferris State University buildings and the campus is available online. If you have additional questions that are not answered by the information provided, please contact our office at phone/TTY (231) 591-3507. A: The physical plant does an excellent job of prioritizing what areas are cleared based on the filling out the winter weather accommodations form. |