Office of Disability Services

HANDBOOK

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Admissions

The Office of Admissions handles all applications for undergraduate admission to the University. Admissions standards are described in the University of Alabama Undergraduate Catalog and must be met by all students, regardless of disability. Applications for admission to graduate programs are handled by the Graduate School Office, in accordance with standards described in The University of Alabama Graduate Catalog. Scores from nonstandard administration of entrance examinations are acceptable on the same basis as scores from standard administration of those tests.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) for information regarding services for students with disabilities. All information regarding disabilities should be directly sent to ODS, not the Office of Admissions.

Core Curriculum

The University Core Curriculum provides the foundation for every undergraduate degree program at The University of Alabama, and must be met by all students, regardless of disability. The Core Curriculum is described in the UA Undergraduate Catalog and in each semester's Schedule of Classes.

New Student Orientation

The Office of Admissions offers orientation sessions ("Bama Bound") for entering undergraduate and transfer students. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact ODS during orientation. Students who need accommodations during orientation should contact the Office of Admissions to make their needs known at least two (2) weeks in advance of their scheduled orientation session.

Placement Tests

All incoming freshmen students are required to take a math placement test. Students who, on the basis of disability, wish to take the placement test with accommodations, must contact ODS with that request prior to their scheduled orientation session. Documentation supporting the need for accommodation must be submitted to ODS. After review of the documentation, ODS personnel will send a memo authorizing test accommodations to the Office of Testing and Data Management Services. Students are still responsible for contacting Testing Services at least two (2) weeks before their orientation session to make specific arrangements for the exam. Please note: ODS will accept Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)/504 plans as documentation for placement test accommodations only.

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Office of Disability Services

ODS is the central contact point for students with disabilities at UA. Services for students focus upon providing accommodations and services to help meet University demands, while promoting student responsibility and self-advocacy.

Students who choose not to self-identify when they enter UA do not forfeit their right to identify themselves and to receive accommodations at a later date. However, UA is not obligated to provide accommodations or services for students with disabilities until students are registered with ODS. Students must also make known their need for accommodations each semester.

ODS is located at 220 Research Drive, 2 blocks east of the Ferguson Center, between Shelby Hall and Bryce Hospital. ODS can be reached at (205) 348-4285 (Voice) or (205) 348-3081 (TTY). Documentation can be faxed to ODS at (205) 348-0804. ODS is open Monday through Friday (except University holidays), from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) assists eligible students with disabilities in their pursuit of employment goals. Services provided by ADRS may include vocational evaluation and counseling, tuition assistance, and job placement assistance. Beginning mid-fall 2002, the ADRS counselor at UA will be located at 220 Research Drive (in the ODS building). Vocational rehabilitation clients should maintain regular contact with the counselor in their hometown, the counselor on campus, and ODS personnel.

Although ADRS provides services for residents of the state of Alabama only, students from out of state should note that vocational rehabilitation programs are mandated by the Federal government and each state must have such a program. Out of state students are encouraged to contact their local vocational rehabilitation offices to see if they are eligible for assistance while pursuing their degree at UA. In other states, the program may be called by different names, including Office of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, or others. For assistance in locating your state's program, contact ODS.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services, 225 Osband Hall, is a Federally-funded program which provides academic assistance to students who fall within any of three eligibility categories: financial need, first-generation college student, or students with disabilities. Reading and study skills classes, academic counseling and tutoring, and assistance with financial aid applications are provided for eligible students.

Russell Student Health Center

The Russell Student Health Center (RSHC) serves all students with routine medical needs. Students may be able to receive certain treatments related to a disability at RSHC. Students should note that RSHC has stringent requirements for documentation of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which must be met before medications for this disorder can be prescribed by RSHC physicians.

Adaptive Computer Technology

Adaptive technology labs are located at ODS, Bruno Business Library, Gorgas Library, Graves Hall, Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering, Morgan Hall, Nott Hall, and the Seebeck Computer Center. These labs are wheelchair accessible and contain adaptive equipment such as screen readers, magnifiers, voice synthesizers, voice-to-text and text-to-voice software.

Library Access and Assistance

The Library Administration Office in Gorgas Library may be contacted during business hours to ensure access to library collections and services. Special services include telephone reference, retrieval of materials, photocopying assistance, library orientation, special check-out arrangements, and extended loan periods for reserved materials.

Parking

Special blue zone parking areas are available for students who are certified as eligible for accessible parking by their home state. Students with disabilities may obtain a blue zone parking permit by presenting a copy of their state certification to the Parking Services Office in the Student Services Building.

Residential Life

The Office of Residential Life provides a variety of double and single rooms in residence halls and on-campus apartments for students with disabilities. Some rooms are equipped for students with hearing, vision, or mobility impairments. Other adaptations may be arranged if adequate notice is given. Students should contact the Office of Residential Life as early as possible if they have disability-related housing needs.

Campus Accessibility

Classes are scheduled in accessible locations whenever possible. If a classroom, activity, or program is not accessible to a student who needs access to that classroom, activity or program, the student is responsible for notifying ODS. ODS is responsible for rescheduling the class or activity, or arranging for some other reasonable accommodation.

Seating for Athletic Events

Wheelchair seating areas are available at Bryant-Denny Stadium and Coleman Coliseum. Also, FM amplification systems are available for patrons with hearing impairments. Contact the Athletic Ticket Office in Coleman Coliseum for information.

SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE TO ALL UA STUDENTS

Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)

Independent Study Lab – Students can use videotapes, computer software, and other self-paced materials for review of math, chemistry, physics, biology, statistics and other selected classes; study and reading skills; and graduate entrance exam preparation. The lab is located at 124 Osband Hall.

Tutorial Assistance – Individual tutoring is offered for selected classes in math, chemistry, physics, statistics, economics, biology, accounting and foreign languages. Tutors are located in 109 Osband Hall.

Math Review and Help Sessions – Support for students enrolled in selected math courses is provided through small group review sessions. A schedule of review and help sessions for each semester is available in 115 Osband Hall.

Reading and Study Skills Workshops – The CTL offers reading and reading comprehension workshops, as well as workshops in study skills and time management. Information and schedules for these workshops are available in 115 Osband Hall.

Entrance Exam Review Programs – Students can review materials for graduate or professional entrance exams in the Independent Study Lab. Also, UA students can enroll in Kaplan review programs through "Kaplan on Campus" at a substantially reduced cost. Information is available in 115 Osband Hall.

Writing Center

Instructors from the UA English Department staff the Writing Center. The Writing Center provides individual assistance in developing the composition skills necessary to complete University coursework. The Writing Center is located in 125 Morgan Hall.

Counseling Services

Psychological counseling is provided by the Psychological Clinic, 251 Gordon Palmer Hall, and the Counseling Center, 225 Russell Student Health Center. Career Counseling is provided by the Career Center, 330 Ferguson Center.

DOCUMENTATION OF DISABILITIES

Students who are seeking accommodations and services on the basis of a disability are required to submit documentation of their disability to ODS. ODS is responsible for determining the acceptability of documentation, and reserves the right to require additional information. ODS maintains the right to reject documentation that does not verify a student's disability or justify the need for reasonable accommodations. ODS also maintains the option of seeking a second, professional opinion regarding documentation presented to verify disabilities.

Generally, documentation costs are borne by the student, as are costs of obtaining additional documentation requested by ODS. If ODS desires a second professional opinion on documentation presented, the University bears the cost.

Documentation accepted by ODS is valid as long as a student is continuously enrolled at the University. However, if there is a break in the student's enrollment, s/he may need to present updated documentation to receive services through ODS.

All documentation of disabilities is received and held solely by ODS. Documentation is treated as confidential. Generally, no documentation information is released to anyone outside of ODS without the student's informed and written consent. Documentation is destroyed six years after the last semester the student is enrolled.

Guidelines for documentation of disabilities are available in Appendix E. It is recommended that these guidelines be shared with the person or agency responsible for conducting the evaluation. ODS can assist individuals and professionals if there are questions regarding documentation requirements.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS PROCESS

Providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations in the classroom is a collaborative process between the student, the UA faculty, and ODS. Accommodations are provided to adjust for the limitations presented by a student's disability, while maintaining the academic integrity of UA programs of study. They do not involve any lowering of standards of performance.

Accommodation Requests

ODS determines reasonable academic accommodations for students, based on appropriate documentation and the academic requirements of the individual program. ODS also considers current academic needs of students and accommodations that have been used in previous educational settings.

Accommodations are provided on a semester-by-semester basis, for students who have provided appropriate documentation to ODS. ODS prepares a letter listing the accommodations it recommends for the student. The student is responsible for delivering these accommodations letters to his/her instructors and scheduling with the instructor those accommodations that require additional or alternate time or space arrangements. Instructors are not obligated to provide any accommodations until they receive ODS accommodation letters from the student.

If an instructor disagrees with any accommodation that has been recommended by ODS for a student in his/her class, the instructor needs to contact ODS promptly to discuss the matter, so that it can be determined if an alternate accommodation is necessary. Until the matter is agreed upon by ODS and the instructor, the instructor is to provide the accommodations recommended by ODS. The student is responsible for reporting to ODS any concerns about implementation of accommodations. Instructors are not obligated to provide any accommodation that would substantially alter the nature of the course.

Basically, receiving academic classroom accommodations at UA is a 4-step procedure:

1. Students obtain accommodation letters from ODS at the beginning of each semester.

2. Students deliver the accommodation letter prepared by ODS to their instructors. An instructor has no obligation to provide accommodations until s/he has received an accommodation letter from ODS.

3. Students contact each instructor to schedule accommodations at least one week before the accommodation is needed from the instructor, although, whenever possible, accommodation letters should be presented to the instructor as early as possible. For example, the student would meet with his/her instructor no later than the 7th of the month to arrange for extended time on a test to be given on the 14th of the month; or s/he should contact the instructor at least a week before the start of the semester to arrange to tape record lectures from the beginning of class. This allows sufficient time for the instructor to discuss any problems about the recommended accommodation with ODS, and arrange for an alternative accommodation, if necessary. (Of course, those accommodations that require additional lead time, such as a sign language interpreter, adaptive technology, note takers, or relocation of a classroom, require additional advance notice to ODS.)

4. Students report any concerns about accommodations to ODS as soon as possible.

Accommodations and Services

Certain accommodations may be recommended by ODS for students, depending on the individual class requirements and provided the student's documentation supports the need for such accommodations. Some of these accommodations may include:

Testing Accommodations – Testing accommodations may include extended time, reduced-distraction testing environments, orally administered tests, alternate test formats, readers, and/or scribes. Testing accommodations should be provided within each department, if possible, but if not, ODS can administer exams with accommodations as a service to instructors.

Tape Recording and/or Note takers – Students may tape record class lectures and/or request peer note takers. ODS can help to arrange for peer note takers. Note takers can provide notes for students registered with ODS by using 2-part carbonless paper or they can make copies of notes free of charge at ODS.

Reading Assistance – Students may secure books on tape through ODS, with appropriate notice (at least 6 weeks before the material is needed). Voice output software is available in most UA computer labs.

Academic Classroom Aids – Students may be permitted to use calculators, dictionaries, word processors, spell checkers, and/or grammar checkers for in-class and out-of-class work.

Adaptive Computer Technology – Adaptive technology labs are located in several places on campus. These labs are wheelchair accessible, and contain adaptive equipment such as screen readers, magnifiers, voice-to-text software, and text-to-voice software.

Academic Assistance – Academic assistance may be provided through note takers, scribes, readers, and/or sign language interpreters.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Students with certain types of disabilities may be approved for testing accommodations. Preferably, students should take their exams under the supervision of their instructors, either in the classroom, the instructor's office or alternative space in the department. This affords students the same opportunity as their classmates to ask questions or seek clarification about the exam. However, if the instructor is unable to provide appropriate testing accommodations, tests may be administered at the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

The following procedures must be followed by students who require testing accommodations:

1. As early as possible in the semester, students must deliver their Request for Accommodations (RFA) letters to instructors and discuss needed accommodations.

• If a difficulty arises in arranging a meeting with the instructor, students should contact ODS immediately for assistance.
• DO NOT assume your exams will be taken at ODS. Instructors must approve testing at ODS.

2. If a student and instructor decide to have ODS administer exams, the student must provide the instructor with a Request for Individualized Testing at ODS form.

• It is the student's responsibility to return the completed form to ODS.
• Students who fail to ask their instructors for accommodations at least 5 days in advance of the date of an exam should understand that they may not receive accommodations at such a late date. Instructors are not obligated to provide accommodations when reasonable and appropriate notice is not given.

3. Students are required to bring the completed Request for Individualized Testing form to ODS and schedule the exam with ODS personnel at least 3 days before the scheduled test date. Students requiring adaptive technology, readers, scribes or other assistance during their exams should be certain to remind ODS personnel of these needs at the time of scheduling.

4. Unless approved by the instructor, students are required to take their exams at the same time/date as the rest of the class.

• Due to staffing and space issues, all exams must be completed by 4:45 p.m. when ODS closes.
• If the rest of the class is scheduled to take the exam after 4:45 p.m., students must make arrangements with professors to take the exam during ODS business hours. If this is not permissible with the instructor, the faculty member will need to provide appropriate accommodations within the department.

5. On the day of the exam, students are expected to arrive at ODS on time.

• Students who are late to the exam will experience an automatic reduction in their allotted test time corresponding to the number of minutes they are late. Emergencies which may have contributed to late arrival will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Students who show up 30 or more minutes late for a scheduled exam or who do not show up at all will not be allowed to take the exam without permission from their instructors. Those students who show up 30 or more minutes late will have their exams returned to the instructor.
• If valid circumstances require a change of your test schedule, notify ODS as well as your instructor as soon as possible. Missing a scheduled exam at ODS will be treated the same as a no-show for the in-class exam.

6. Proctoring will be provided in accordance with the instructor's requirements. It may be handled by ODS staff directly or indirectly via a closed-circuit monitoring system.

7. Exams will be collected when the allotted time has expired.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Questions and concerns regarding accommodations and services for students with disabilities should be directed first to ODS. If ODS staff members cannot resolve accommodations issues, ODS may require a meeting with the student, the instructor and/or college representative, and other involved parties. If an agreement concerning an accommodation request is not reached at this point, the final step involves filing a formal, written appeal. The appeal should clearly state the basis and rationale for the concern, and should be transmitted as a confidential document. Appeals related to courses and curricula should be directed to the University Provost, 254 Rose Administration Building, Box 870300, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0300. Appeals involving student services and activities should be filed with the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, 275 Rose Administration Building. The Provost or Associate Vice President for Student Affairs will consider the appeal and render a final decision which will be communicated to all parties.

During the conflict resolution process, the student is entitled to receive all accommodations recommended by ODS. It is important that concerns are addressed promptly so that the student's participation in the course, program, or activity is not affected.

Steps in Conflict Resolution

1. Consult ODS staff members. A meeting with ODS, the student, instructor, and/or College Representative may be required.

2. If the conflict cannot be resolved by the above individuals, submit a formal, written appeal to the University Provost or the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.

ADA/504 Grievance Procedure

Student complaints alleging violation(s) of the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including failure to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations or discrimination on the basis of disability, may be filed with the Director of Equal Opportunity Programs, 171 Rose Administration Building. Unless otherwise resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the student and the University, a complainant will receive a written determination. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved within the University, complaints may be directed to the Regional Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Atlanta Office, 61 Forsythe St. SW, Suite 19T70, Atlanta, GA 30301-3104 (phone 404-562-6350; 1-800-621-3115).

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students have four major responsibilities in securing class accommodations.

1. You are responsible for requesting accommodations from the Office of Disability Services at the BEGINNING of each semester.

2. You are also responsible for delivering the accommodation letters to your instructors at the beginning of each semester, and discussing the requested accommodations with your instructors. If you deliver accommodation letters AFTER the beginning of the semester, class work and grades received before letters are delivered cannot be altered. Instructors must be provided with letters AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE you need an accommodation.

3. You are responsible for planning and scheduling accommodations with your instructors. You should confirm with each instructor how accommodations will be provided (for example, when to start tests if you are allowed extended test time, or when and where to take an exam if you are allowed reduced distraction testing).

4. You are responsible for notifying ODS IMMEDIATELY if you have any problems receiving accommodations, or if you feel you have been discriminated against or treated differently in any way.

Office of Disability Services
220 Research Drive
phone: 348-4285
TTY: 348-3081
Email: ods@bama.ua.edu

Initiating Classroom Accommodations with Instructors

When presenting your request for accommodations to your course instructors, please consider the following guidelines:

1. Make an appointment. Request an appointment with the instructor or go by his/her office during office hours. It is not advisable to attempt to discuss your disability or accommodation request with your instructor in front of the class or as he/she is coming from or going to a lecture.

2. Verification to instructors. Present your "accommodation letter" when you talk to your instructor. If the instructor questions your need for accommodation or has questions you are not comfortable answering or feel you cannot answer effectively, encourage him/her to call ODS. You should also contact ODS.

3. Be specific. When meeting with the instructor make sure your accommodation request is specific and details of implementation (when, where, how) are mutually understood and agreeable. Remember, you do not have to disclose your specific disability if you do not want to do so. If you are uncomfortable identifying your disability, keep the conversation focused on accommodation arrangements.

4. Stay in communication. Students and faculty are encouraged to maintain ongoing conversations throughout the semester regarding accommodations. Do not assume that something is scheduled or taken care of, unless you have specifically discussed it with your instructor. Also, since instructors are often very busy, it is advisable to remind them of planned accommodations the class meeting before to avoid difficulty. Arrangements for testing accommodations should be refreshed at least a week (5 working days) before an exam.

5. Report problems to ODS. If problems arise which cannot be satisfactorily resolved between you and the instructor, contact ODS staff for assistance. ODS staff will attempt to resolve the issues causing concern by assisting the student in discussing issues with the instructor, department, or program, participating in such discussions, or calling the instructor or head of the department in an effort to clarify and resolve the issues. Most situations are positively resolved through ODS consultation. However, there is a dispute resolution process and a formal complaint procedure, if needed (See ODS Handbook, Polices and Procedures for Students).

Disability Related Attendance Issues

Attendance is an essential component of post-secondary education and students are expected to comply with class attendance policies. However, there may be times when a student cannot attend class because of disability-related reasons and there are some disabilities for which the potential of such absences is recognizable and for whom notification can be made to instructors in advance that students may have disability-related absences.

** Students should understand that absences are likely to have a negative impact on their academic performance because they may have missed content and experiential learning by not being in class. Therefore, students should make every effort to attend class.

ODS will include notation for absence accommodation in the student's accommodation letter if the documentation warrants it (Students should ask medical providers to include information about class attendance in the documentation). The notation will verify to instructors that the student has a disability which has the potential to affect attendance. The notation does not excuse absences. It does not guarantee that it will be possible for absences beyond whatever number is permitted in class attendance policies, to be accommodated or to be accommodated in all courses.

Attendance may be fundamental to course objectives; for example, students may be required to make class presentations, to interact with other students in the class, to demonstrate their ability to think and argue critically, or to participate in group projects. Faculty are not expected to compromise essential course requirements or fundamentally alter courses regardless of a student's disability.

Students for whom attendance may be an issue should consult with their faculty before or at the beginning of the term or immediately after a diagnosis is verified. Class attendance policy, procedures for notifying the instructor about absences, and make-up procedures for missed quizzes and exams should all be discussed. Other absence accommodations that may be considered include adjustment of class attendance policy, allowing students to attend repeat lectures given in other course sections, allowing taping of lectures by a classmate, assigning comparable make-up work, and extension of timelines for coursework. ODS staff are available to consult with instructors and students about possible absence accommodations, but the faculty determine essential course requirements, including class attendance, and ultimately decide which, if any, accommodations may be used to meet course requirements.

** Disability Services does not issue official written excuses for absences. Students are responsible for reporting absences directly to their professors, either in accordance with class policies or previously reached understandings with individual professors. Generally, students are expected to contact instructors in advance of an anticipated absence. This is particularly important if the anticipated absence will result in the student missing a quiz, exam or a deadline for turning in an assignment. For emergencies or unexpected disability-related absences, contact should be made as soon as possible to verify the reason for the absence as disability-related and to discuss any make-up work. If the student is hospitalized or for other reasons beyond his/her control is unable to contact professors regarding an extended absence, the student or a designated individual may contact ODS for assistance in notifying professors regarding his/her absence status.

The notation of absence/tardiness accommodation in the student's accommodation letter informs faculty that legitimate disability-related absences or tardiness may occur over the course of the term and they should not expect a doctor's excuse for every instance. This does not provide a license for unlimited absences without substantiating documentation. Instructors are encouraged to contact ODS if it is believed that disability-related absences have become excessive. As part of its review of the situation, ODS may require verification of the student's health status from a health practitioner.

It is the individual student's responsibility to obtain copies of lecture notes and/or materials from missed classes. Students who are likely to be absent from class should plan responsibly ahead of time to get lecture notes from a classmate. Phone numbers should be exchanged for this purpose in advance.

** Absence/tardiness accommodations are not retroactive. Like other accommodations, they become effective after the student delivers the accommodation letter from ODS to the instructor and the student and instructor reach an understanding about the accommodation.

All students who request attendance or tardiness accommodation for disability related reasons are asked to read this statement and to sign a copy for their ODS file.

Name: ____________________________________ Date: ________________

Request for Individualized Testing at Office of Disability Services
220 Research Drive, 348-4285

Student Information:

Name: ____________________________________ Social Security No.: ________________

Course No. and Department: ___________________________________

Course Instructor Name: ______________________________________

Instructor Information:

Date Exam is to be Start Time Time allotted for in-class exam
Taken at ODS at ODS (hours/minutes)

1. ______________________ ______________ ______________________
2. ______________________ ______________ ______________________
3. ______________________ ______________ ______________________
4. ______________________ ______________ ______________________
5. ______________________ ______________ ______________________
6. ______________________ ______________ ______________________

Open Book? Yes No Scrap Paper? Yes No Open Notes? Yes No

Dictionary? Yes No Calculator? Yes No

Other special instructions (fill in): _____________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Delivery of exams:

[ ] I will email the exam. Send to ods@bama.ua.edu.
[ ] I will fax the exam. Send to (fax) 348-0804.
[ ] I will either deliver the exam myself or send someone.
[ ] Student will pick up exam from me in a sealed envelope and bring it unopened to ODS.

Return:

[ ] Return the completed exam to Building _________ Room # _________.
Can the exam be left with appropriate office staff? If so, name ______________________
[ ] I will pick up the exam myself.

Instructor's Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________________

E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ___________________

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERIFICATION OF DISABILITY

Students with disabilities who are seeking services from the University of Alabama are required to submit documentation to ODS to verify their eligibility for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The following guidelines ensure that documentation of disabilities is appropriate to verify eligibility and to support requests for accommodations. These guidelines correspond with Federal and State guidelines, University of Alabama policies, and the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) guidelines on documentation of disabilities.

The University of Alabama has an obligation and a responsibility to maintain confidentiality of evaluation information and does not release disability documentation without the student's informed and written consent.

General Requirements

• To register for disability services with the Office of Disability Services, students must complete and return an Application for Services and are required to provide diagnostic documentation from a licensed clinical professional familiar with the history and functional implications of their respective disabilities. It is not acceptable for such documentation to include a diagnosis or testing performed by a member of the student's family. It is the student's responsibility to provide appropriate documentation of disability to ODS and to formally request a letter of accommodation from ODS personnel.
• Disability documentation must adequately verify the nature and extent of the disability in accordance with current professional standards and techniques, and it must clearly substantiate the need for all of the student's specific accommodation requests. Each disability type has its own documentation requirements (see attached).
• All documentation must be submitted on the official letterhead of the professional diagnosing the disability. The report should be in narrative form, typed, dated and signed and include the name, title, and professional credentials of the evaluator, including information about licensure and certification.
• If the original documentation is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent of the disability or reasonable accommodation, the University has the discretion to require additional documentation. Any cost incurred in obtaining additional documentation when the original records are inadequate is borne by the student. If the documentation is complete but the University desires a second professional opinion, the University bears the latter cost.
• Students requesting accommodations for the manifestations of multiple disabilities must provide documentation of all such conditions.
• A High School IEP or 504 plan is not sufficient documentation of a disability.

A history of accommodations does not in itself warrant the provision of similar accommodations at UA. Also, medication cannot be used to imply a diagnosis. The final determination of eligibility for services rests with the University of Alabama.

Office of Disability Services
The University of Alabama
133B Martha Parham East
Box 870185
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0185

Phone: 205-348-4285
TTY: 205-348-3081
Fax: 205-348-0804
E-Mail: ods@bama.ua.edu

Mission Statement