Student Disability Services are provided to currently enrolled PSU students who are substantially impaired during one or more major life activities. Students may qualify for services that accommodate for their impairments and provide equal access to educational opportunities.
Reasonable accommodations depend upon the nature and degree of severity of the documented disability. While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that priority consideration be given to the specific methods requested by the student, it does not imply that a particular accommodation must be granted if it is deemed not reasonable and other suitable techniques are available.
The specific type of service is determined on an individual basis. We match the student with the appropriate service. Reasonable accommodations are typically categorized on the basis of: (a) mode of presentation
(e.g., note-taker for class lectures, reader for exams); (b) mode of expression (e.g., use of a computer for written exams), (c) location and setting (e.g., distraction reduced testing location), and (d) time (e.g., extra time for tests).
Student Disability Services can also provide study skill strategies and direct students to other appropriate university support services.
Continuous communication with your instructor regarding your accommodations is important throughout the semester.
It is important and your responsibility to meet with each of your instructors at the beginning of the semester regarding your accommodations within the class.
Need extended test time and/or a distraction-reduced area to test in?
Students with disabilities, whose barriers may include hearing loss, motor limitations, or some type of psychological or learning disability, may qualify for note-taking as an accommodation.
Someone who reads verbatim what is in written form in order to assist the student.
Assistive technology refers to tools that make learning faster, easier, and accessible for students with disabilities.
1. Be able to describe the nature of your disability and areas of difficulty.
2. Contact the Student Disability Services team at the beginning of each semester to make arrangements for accommodations. Student Disability Services nor instructors are obligated to provide accommodations retroactively.
3. Talk to your instructors about your learning or physical limitations.
4. Set realistic goals and priorities for coursework. Choose courses carefully, especially your first year.
5. Manage time well. Keep a daily planner with all assignments, appointments, and test dates.
6. Sit toward the front of the classroom to maximize learning and reduce distractions.
7. Plan on studying 2 hours outside of class for every hour spent in class.
8. If you are having trouble, seek support services early in the semester from your instructor or Student Disability Services staff.
The Coordinator for Student Disability Services assists students who have or think they may have a disability. The Coordinator works with faculty and staff to ensure reasonable accommodations are in place for students registered with the office. Each semester the Coordinator reviews, prepares, and sends letters of accommodations to faculty and staff. When students have testing accommodations, the Coordinator communicates with instructors to assist in the proctoring of exams.
Attending college is a huge change and adjustment for any individual pursuing a higher education and can be for families too. Many questing and concerns can arise whether a student does or does not have a disability. Provided below is information to help answer questions regarding accommodations in higher education.
Student Disability Services ensures all students with disabilities at Pittsburg State University are provided equal access to a quality education. Creating inclusive environments and providing access to all individuals with disabilities may be accomplished through specific accommodations or through implementation of universal design for learning. Providing equal access to all individuals at PSU requires the commitment and partnership of faculty, staff, and students.