Student Disability Services

Accommodation Procedures for Students

 

A student establishes eligibility by submitting the appropriate written documentation to the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS).

Reasonable accommodations are determined by the diagnostic data and recommendations contained within the documentation.

Once a student with a disability is enrolled in courses, the following sequence of events should occur in order to receive eligible accommodations:

  1. The student must give written permission for Student Disability Services to inform professors and other relevant university personnel that he/she is a student with a properly documented disability.
  2. The professor receives written notification from the Office of Student Disability Services.  The letter notifies the professor that the student has a disability that must be accommodated.  Due to confidentiality issues, specific information about the disability is not included.  The letter simply lists the accommodations that have been discussed with the student and approved.  A professor is only required to make available the accommodations that are delineated within the letter of notification issued by the Office of Student Disability Services.
  3. The student must make an appointment with each professor to discuss the accommodations that are needed and to verify that the professor has received the accommodation letter.  Discussing accommodations with professors is an important step toward self-advocacy, but it is often an intimidating experience for students.  If you need help with this, do not hesitate to contact Michele Atterson or Linda Brooks Williams (x9308) for assistance.

The student should give the professor one week advance notice. Without advance notice, it cannot be guaranteed that the accommodation will be received in time to make any necessary arrangements. If there is a problem with delivery, the student should notify Student Disability Services. It is always the student's right to refuse to request accommodations. However, a professor is not liable if the student fails to make timely arrangements and then performs poorly in the course.

If a problem develops, immediately notify Michele Atterson (x9308).  If, as the semester progresses, the student feels additional accommodations are warranted, the student should contact Michele Atterson (x9308).  Unless otherwise notified, the assumption will be made that the semester is progressing successfully.

Butler University is committed to treating all individuals within the university, including those with disabilities, in a fair and equitable manner.  Furthermore, it is the policy and practice of the university to comply with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Under these laws, no otherwise qualified individual with a disability will be denied access to or participation in services, programs, and activities at Butler University.

Summary of Procedure for Students

  • Submit documentation
  • Discuss eligible accommodations
  • Sign permission to inform university personnel
  • Accommodation letter received by university personnel
  • Schedule appointment with each professor
  • Request accommodations and give one week advance notice

If at any time you have questions or concerns, please contact Michele Atterson, Director of Student Disability Services, in Jordan Hall 136, extension 9308.