How to Qualify for Services through the Office of Disability Services
In order to be eligible to receive disability based accommodations within academic programs all students must provide appropriate documentation prior to receiving accommodations based upon the particular disability. A diagnosis of a disorder/condition/syndrome in and of itself does not automatically qualify an individual for accommodations. In addition to the appropriate documentation of a disability, diagnostic data must be provided that substantiates a significant impairment to academic functioning upon which accommodations will be based.
Before disability related accommodations can be provided, a student requesting accommodations must be registered with the Office of Disability Services, have on file approved documentation and be registered for classes. Instructors are not obliged to provide accommodations within a class without written authorization from the Office of Disability Services. A reasonable amount of time is needed to complete the documentation process. Thus you are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as soon as possible.
The term “disability” as it relates to accommodations in higher education is a legal term rather than a medical or psychological term for a condition or particular diagnosis. The definition of what is a disability varies between agencies and organizations. A student may have a diagnosed disorder that is not considered disabling according to a particular agency definition. To qualify as a person with a disability within Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community and Technical College policies, in addition to being appropriately diagnosed with a particular condition, you must provide appropriate documentation that clearly substantiates, through diagnostic test data that the functional limitations affecting your ability to perform at a particular task are below average compared to other persons your age. A link must be established among any requested accommodation, the substantial functional limitations of the individual and the academic demands for which the request for accommodations are requested. Current legal precedence indicates that if the area of functioning you consider weaknesses are within the average range of functioning, you are not considered disabled and not eligible to receive disability related accommodations.
We realize that some students transitioning from high school to college may not have the necessary documentation available during the first semester. In these cases the student must provide a copy of their most recent IEP and/or 50 plan and gather the necessary documentation during their first semester.
To initiate this process please contact our office.
