Disability Support Services (DSS) - Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Q: I had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan in high school. Do my accommodations automatically carry over?
• Q: I had accommodations at my previous college or university. Do they automatically carry over?
• Q: Do you have a testing center for testing accommodations?
• Q: What are the documentation requirements for registering with DSS?
• Q: What types of accommodations does DSS provide?
  • Academic 
  • Testing 
  • Classroom 
  • Housing 
  • Meal 
• Q: Is my disability information kept confidential?
• Q: Do I need to tell my professor what my disability is?
• Q: What if I think I might have a disability, but I haven't been formally diagnosed?
• Q: Can my accommodations be denied?

Below are answers to some of the most common questions students ask about Disability Support Services.

Q: I had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan in high school. Do my accommodations automatically carry over?

A: No. Accommodations from high school do not automatically carry over to Lesley. Accommodations here are determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered include the functional limitations of your disability and the requirements of your courses. Further, not all high school accommodations translate to the higher education environment. University accommodations are designed to provide access to the curriculum. They do not modify it or reduce its requirements.

Q: I had accommodations at my previous college or university. Do they automatically carry over?

A: No. Each academic institution has its own guidelines and requirements for documentation and determining accommodations. Your previous accommodations may or may not apply to your course of study at Lesley.

Q: Do you have a testing center for testing accommodations?

A: Yes. If you are approved for testing accommodations, you will arrange to take your tests with Disability Support Services on the second floor of University Hall, in advance of your test date.

Q: What are the documentation requirements for registering with DSS?

A: An IEP or a 504 plan generally does not constitute sufficient documentation on its own. But you may submit your plan along with medical or clinical documentation from a qualified healthcare provider.

Q: What types of accommodations does DSS provide?

A: Below are some examples of the types of accommodations available.

Academic 

Adjustments or supports to facilitate access to course requirements, according to disability-related needs. Examples include deadline extensions and conversion of course materials to electronic format for use with assistive technology.

Testing 

Adjustments to exams and quizzes to make the testing environment accessible, based on the nature of the disability. Examples include extended time, a distraction-free environment, and the use of a reader, scribe, or electronic format.

Classroom 

Adjustments to the classroom experience to make it accessible, according to disability-related needs. Examples include short breaks during class, notetaking services, and approved use of technology.

Housing 

Available to students who have disabilities that substantially impact one or more major life activities as they relate to housing. Examples include single room housing and wheelchair accessible housing.

Meal 

Available to students with food-related disabilities that limit their ability to participate in the University's meal program (for example: food allergies or a gastrointestinal condition such as Crohn's disease). These students may be eligible for a modification to Lesley's mandatory meal plan.

Q: Is my disability information kept confidential?

A: Yes. Lesley treats disability-related information as medical information, subject to strict confidentiality. Your documentation is filed securely with the DSS office. It is not kept with your other student records. It can only be shared on a limited "need-to-know" basis with the University community. Additionally, your accommodation letters will include only your approved accommodations. They will not mention the specifics of your disability.

Q: Do I need to tell my professor what my disability is?

A: No. You are not required to disclose your disability to your instructors.

Q: What if I think I might have a disability, but I haven't been formally diagnosed?

A: Feel free to contact DSS even if you haven't received services or a formal diagnosis before. We're available to speak with all students and can provide referrals if needed.

Q: Can my accommodations be denied?

A: Yes; based on individual circumstances, some accommodations or modifications may be denied. In the event that your request is denied, you may appeal the decision. Please see the "Denial of Requests" section of our policies page to review the appeal process.