Question:  A student with a disability has advised me that they need special accommodations in my classroom. I want to find out more about their disability but am uncomfortable talking to them. What information can the Campus Disability Resource Center (CDRC) share with me?

Accessibility Advisors in the CDRC can verify that a student has a disability and is participating in the CDRC program but are restricted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and therefore may not discuss the diagnosis without permission.  Accessibility Advisors may also share information about the accommodations approved for the student. 

Question:  Will CDRC notify me prior to the beginning of the semester that I will have a student with a disability enrolled in my class?

Generally not.  The Americans with Disabilities Act reinforces an individual's right to determine when and how to divulge the existence and effect of their disability.  The CDRC will generally encourage students to discuss the ramifications or barriers presented to them because of their disability with their instructor; however, whether or not to disclose a disability is the student's choice.  Some students with "non-apparent" disabilities choose not to discuss their disability with anyone; however, disabilities that require extensive accommodation, such as deaf, blind, or difficulty with mobility may require prior notification and involvement with instructors.  In these cases, CDRC will contact instructors as soon as possible to discuss strategies for ensuring equal or equivalent access.  The use of Universal Design principles reduces the need to know about a student's disability and thereby reduces pressure on the student to divulge the nature of the disability.

Question:  I have a student who is very disruptive and told me that they have a disability and that their behavior was protected by the law. Is that true?

All students, regardless of disability status, are required to meet the provisions of the Cal Poly Humboldt Student Code of Conduct and the academic expectations contained in the course syllabus.  The law requires that reasonable accommodations be made, but faculty are not required to modify academic standards to accommodate inappropriate or disruptive behavior.

Question:  I sometimes run into a student who does not appear to grasp material in the classroom, blames it on their learning disability and wants me to lower my standards. I teach a difficult course and many students have difficulty grasping the material.  Why do students with this disability receive accommodations?

The term "learning disability" refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders which may result in difficulties in such activities as listening, speaking, reading, writing, and reasoning. While the exact cause of a learning disability is not known, it is presumed to be the result of central nervous system dysfunctions. Persons diagnosed with a learning disability are of average to superior intelligence.

Students with learning disabilities are often taught compensatory strategies to assist them in mastering academic material and are given accommodations in order to overcome the effects of their information processing disability allowing them to have the chance to perform at a level equal to their peers. Common accommodations include extended time on exams, use of a calculator or spell checker and a quiet room in which to take exams. Lowering academic standards is not a reasonable accommodation required by law, and students are advised of this when they meet with CDRC Accessibility Specialists.

Question:  Do I have to allow students to record lectures in class?

Recording lectures is a common accommodation for students with a variety of disabilities that prevent the production of adequate handwritten notes.  Numerous Office for Civil Rights (OCR) cases have ruled in favor of the rights of students with disabilities to record class lectures.  Additionally, posting lecture notes and PowerPoint slides on Canvas can be very helpful for all students, especially students with disabilities.

Question:  I have a student who informed me two days before an exam that they have a disability and is entitled to extended test time on their tests.  I have not received anything from your office regarding this student and any approved accommodations for exams.  What should I do?

Students must take responsibility for their educational experience and register with the Campus Disability Resource Center.  The accommodations for which a student is approved are on a course-by-course basis, which is why it is imperative that the students meet with an Accessibility Advisor each semester.  If the student does not have paperwork from the CDRC for your specific class, you should refer the student to our office to meet with an Accessibility Advisor.

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