Advising Students with Disabilities Kristin Kolin MAEd LPC Associate Director,Office of Disability Services

Advising Students with Disabilities Mission of Disability Services How Students Initiate Services & Documentation Requirements How Students Maintain Services Scenarios for Advisors Campus Accessibility Questions

Advising Students with Disabilities Mission of Disability Services The Office of Disability Services works to ensure that students with disabilities have access to education and campus life at UNC Charlotte. Through collaboration with the institution’s diverse community, Disability Services facilitates accommodations, discourse, and engagement to promote a universally accessible learning environment for all. Our work is guided by the ADAAA (Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These laws protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities and ensure equal access to education.

Advising Students with Disabilities Initiating Services & Submitting Documentation The process of seeking accommodations is always voluntary and can’t be required. A student’s disability status is protected information. Students must submit documentation indicating a disability. A disability is a condition that impacts at least one major life activity. There is special consideration for VA documentation. Documentation is reviewed and eligibility is determined. Besides academics, students may request Housing and Meal Plan accommodations.

Advising Students with Disabilities Initiating Services & Submitting Documentation Student’s disability status and the specific nature of their disability is confidential. This information is never indicated on their transcripts. If deemed eligible students are invited to schedule an in-person appointment to officially REGISTER. If a student does not have this registration appointment, they are not actually registered with Disability Services. There are deadlines set for securing academic accommodations at the end of every term to make time for finals.

Advising Students with Disabilities Registering with Disability Services The registration appointment allows the student to describe how their symptoms impact academics. The counselor and student determine accommodations that are appropriate for the documented disability. It is an individualized process and one size doesn’t fit all. Students will receive letters of accommodation indicating their approved accommodations. These letters are provided to faculty. Students are instructed to meet with each professor to further discuss.

Advising Students with Disabilities Registering with Disability Services Accommodations are not retroactive. The process is collaborative. Accommodations never alter the core requirements of a course. Students with temporary medical conditions may be eligible for services. The majority of disabilities are invisible. The following categories of disabilities are listed in order of prevalence on campus: ADHD, Psychological, Medical, Learning Disabilities, and Physical.

Advising Students with Disabilities Maintaining Accommodations Students have to “check-in” each term if accommodations for that semester are needed. Students are responsible for these “check-ins” and are not sent reminders. Unless indicated, the majority of students do not have to submit new documentation each term. Accommodations may change depending upon the classes. Students are responsible for alerting their DS counselor of any issues.

Advising Students with Disabilities Examples of Accommodations Testing (Extended Time, Low Distraction, Assistive Technology) Class Notes Alternate Text Audio Recording Sign Language Interpreter Captions Assistive Technology Attendance consideration Breaks as needed

Advising Students with Disabilities The DS PORTAL Disability Services is rolling out a new, web based system during the summer and fall 2018. The DS portal will allow students to request previously approved accommodations online and send their letters to their faculty via email. Students and faculty will be able to schedule exams using the online portal. Students are still advised to meet with faculty. DS counselors are also still as available as before. Faculty will be able to track accommodations online. The DS portal will hopefully streamline services and make the process more efficient.

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors You’re working with a 1st year student who disclosed she has a disability. She reported issues with time management. It takes her more time to study and to complete work. How do you advise her?

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors You’re working with a 1st year student who has disclosed she has a disability. She reported issues with time management and it takes her more time to study and to complete work. Discuss DS. Discuss UCAE. Explore a reduced course load. Be solution focused & explore what has helped in the past.

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student tells you he can’t take any foreign language classes due to having a disability. His current major requires him to take 3 foreign language courses. What are his resources?

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student tells you he can’t take any foreign language classes due to having a disability. His current major requires his to take 3 courses. Explore if he is receiving accommodations. If not refer to DS. Discuss the UCAE and LRC. Explore ASL or foreign language at a community college. If already registered with DS, students may inquire about the Foreign Language Substitution. Only about 5% are eligible.

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student tells you they NEED Priority Registration because of a disability. How do you reply?

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student tells you they NEED Priority Registration because of a disability. Not all students who are registered with Disability Services receive Priority Registration. Priority registration is only provided as an accommodation if it addresses a specific disability related need. Wanting an accommodation vs. needing one are very different. Students who have yet to attend SOAR can’t get PR. Even if a student does receive PR, HOLDs may prevent their registration.

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors You are working closely with a student who has experienced academic struggles. You believe they may have a disability. They have not disclosed having any diagnosis during their meetings with you. How do you address this?

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors You are working closely with a student who has experienced academic struggles. You believe they may have a disability. They have not disclosed having any diagnosis during their meetings with you. Be behavior specific: “ I noticed that your grades in UWRT and ENGL are lower than those in MATH.” Ask questions about strengths and challenges. Explore resources such as the UCAE. Do not mention DS unless they disclose they have a disability. If they do disclose a disability, then DS resources can be shared.

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student mentions she used to have an IEP/ 504 plan in high school. How do you respond?

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student mentions she used to have an IEP/ 504 plan in high school. You can refer her to DS. IEP and 504 plans are accommodations for grade school and high school. The laws that govern IEP and 504 plans focus on SUCCESS. That laws that apply to accommodations at the university level focus on ACCESS.

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student has disclosed they are registered with Disability Services. However he tells you that DS has not been helpful dealing with a challenging professor. The student relays that the professor called him out for disturbing the class. The student tells you he experienced disability discrimination due to this event. How do you respond?

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student has disclosed they are registered with Disability Services. However he tells you that DS has not been helpful dealing with a challenging professor. The student relays that the professor called him out for disturbing the class. The student tells you he experienced disability discrimination due to this event. Refer student to DS and you may consult as well. DS will consult with student and faculty, if appropriate. Behaviors that disrupt the educational setting are not “protected” by accommodations. Students may be referred to the policy regarding Disability Discrimination: https://legal.uncc.edu/policies/up-501.1 .

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student brings a dog to an advisement meeting. She does not say anything about the dog, but he is not wearing a vest. He also appears to need constant direction from the student as he is sniffing around, whimpering, and not sitting still. How do you respond?

Advising Students with Disabilities Scenarios for Advisors A student brings a dog to an advisement meeting. She does not say anything about the dog, but he is not wearing a vest. He also appears to need constant direction from the student as he is sniffing around, whimpering, and not sitting still. You may ask 2 questions to ascertain if the dog is a SERVICE ANIMAL. Service Animals are allowed anywhere and are covered under the ADA. #1. Is the dog a service animal to address a disability (yes or no reply)? No disability specific questions should be asked. #2. What task or service does the dog perform? If they answer those questions, the obligation is to allow the service animal. Service animals do not have to wear vests. They are well trained. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS (ESA) are typically confined to housing and do not accompany the student everywhere. The animal should not be in class or in your office. Students must go through Disability Services to request an ESA as a housing accommodation. No training of an ESA is required. Contact Disability Services for any questions: 704-687-0040.

Advising Students with Disabilities Campus Accessibility Resources Campus Map with the “ Accessibility” filter: https://maps.uncc.edu/ Niner Transit and Paratransit: https://pats.uncc.edu/transportation/disability-paratransit Campus Accessibility Website: https://accessibility.uncc.edu/ Request Accessibility Services for an Event: https://accessibility.uncc.edu/webform/request-services-event

Advising Students with Disabilities Ensuring Access Is your space wheelchair accessible? Do you have access to computers with assistive technology? If you show videos, are they captioned? Do you know how an ASL interpreter is scheduled for a student meeting? Do you provide information verbally and printed? Invite DS to 1st year seminars.

Advising Students with Disabilities Ensuring Access Do you know how to request accessible text? Do you have information about DS in your office or accessibility information on your website? If accommodations are needed for your advisement appointment, please complete a request form https://accessibility.uncc.edu/webform/requesting-services-events  or email the request to accessibility.uncc.edu. You may also contact the Office of Disability Services at 704‑687‑0040 (tty/v) or disability@uncc.edu. Requests should be made at least 7 business days prior to the appointment.

QUESTIONS?

Thank You! Kristin Kolin MAEd LPC Associate Director, Disability Services 704-687-0040 230 Fretwell https://ds.uncc.edu disability@uncc.edu