Disability Services Home Page

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Laws require colleges and universities to provide aids, services and other accommodations to qualified students with disabilities, who need an accommodation to participate in school. This information will explain various accommodations available at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) and help you determine if you may qualify for an accommodation.

What is an Accommodation?

An accommodation is a modification or support that gives a student with a disability an equal opportunity to participate and benefit from college. Think of accommodations as adjustments to how things are normally done. The purpose of accommodations is to ensure equal access not success.

Categories of Accommodations

Accommodations are in several different categories. Below are brief descriptions and examples of the most common categories of accommodations that permit a student with a disability to participate in the educational process.

1. Changes to a classroom environment or task.
   
   Examples include providing a quiet room for test taking and other test taking accommodations (i.e. providing extended time, giving the exam in alternative formats, permitting the use of a dictionary or spell checker, and repeating instructions), and providing written materials in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, computer disk, or audiotape.
    

2. Removal of architectural barriers.
   
   Examples include adapting a dorm room to meet the needs of a student who uses a wheelchair and installing better lighting in classrooms to assist students with low vision.
    

3. Provision of auxiliary aids and services.
   
   Examples include providing sign language interpreters, note takers or scribes, tape recorders, and readers.
    

These accommodations are provided free of charge to qualified students.

Accommodations That Won’t Be Provided

• Personal devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or glasses, and personal services such as assistance with eating, toileting or dressing will not be provided.

• Accommodations that lower or change classroom standards or program standards too much will not be provided. For example, although instructors may allow alternative assignments or tests, these alternatives will not be easier or harder than the ones they are replacing.

• Accommodations that are too expensive or require too much manpower.

• Accommodations that would change the essence of a program will not be provided.

Do I Need an Accommodation?
Ask yourself these questions*:

1. Do I have a physical, mental or emotional disability that affects my ability to study, learn, process information, access classrooms or resources or otherwise limits or interferes with my ability to be a successful student?

2. Did I need or receive accommodations in high school or on a job?

3. Did I have an IEP or Individual Education Plan in high school?

4. Did I have a 504 Plan in high school?

*If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may need an accommodation. You should contact Disability Services and ask for information about accommodations. The Coordinator, Disability Services will help you determine whether you are eligible.

What Do I Do?

1. Once you have been admitted at MSUM, schedule an intake appointment with Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services by calling 218-477-2131 (voice), 800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY).

2. Provide recent professional documentation of your disability.   (Please see Documentation Guidelines)

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Moorhead, MN 56563
1.800.593.7246
For TTY communication, contact the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.
an equal opportunity educator and employer

Contact toutges@mnstate.edu
Last Update Date:  10/01/08