Student Disabilty Services

Student Disabilty Services

Making a difference with every interaction!

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.

Incoming PSU Students

  • Make an appointment with the Coordinator by stopping by 113 Axe Library or by calling 620-235-6578.
  • Complete the Request for Accommodations form and submit it to the Coordinator of Student Accommodations, along with your documentation of your disability. 
    • Submission Options:
      • In-person at Axe 113 
      • Mail to: Student Accommodations Coordinator, PSU Student Success Programs, 1701 South Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762
      • Fax to: 620-235-6582

 

Continuing Student Disability Services

  • Students who are registered with Student Disability Services will be eligible to receive accommodations until they have graduated, no longer enrolled, or have requested otherwise.

Continuous communication with your instructor regarding your accommodations is important throughout the semester.

 What the office does for the student

  1. The Coordinator will review all documentation provided and information obtained through the interview process for reasonable accommodations to be determined on an individual basis. (Documentation Policy and Guidelines for Students)
  2. Student Disability Services staff will email letters of accommodations to your instructors that outline your approved accommodations.
  3. Student Disability Services will email your letter stating your approved accommodations to your @gus.pittstate.edu email address.

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.

Services


Testing

Need extended test time and/or a distraction-reduced area to test in?

Note Taking

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.

Reader

Someone who reads verbatim what is in written form in order to assist the student.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to tools that make learning faster, easier, and accessible for students with disabilities.

Tips for Academic Success


Tall People Tech Center

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.

About Us


  • About the Coordinator
  • Parent & Family Guide
  • Faculty Guide
  • Confidentiality
  • Other Resources

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.

More Information

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.

More Information

Student Disability Services is committed to ensuring that confidentiality is protected. Staff will not disclose your relationship with our office or information contained in your student-client file that is considered part of your educational record and is protected from disclosure under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Your disability-related information which includes documentation, correspondence, file notes, and accommodation records is considered part of your educational record and will not be disclosed without your written consent. Access to disability-related information is shared only on a need-to-know basis and to ensure appropriate access to education and facilities.