What does The Program for Students with Disabilities do?

The program provides reasonable accommodations and services for qualified students with documented disabilities who are attending Auburn University, enrolled in distance learning classes, or participating in programs sponsored by Auburn University.

Faculty, staff, and visitors who need disability accommodations should contact the:

What is a disability?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and subsequent amendments, a disability is defined as a "mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities." Walking, eating, talking, breathing, writing, listening, learning, reading, concentrating, etc. are all examples of major life activities. If you have a documented physical or mental impairment, you may be entitled to certain accommodations under the ADA.

What does "substantially limited" mean?

A person can be substantially limited in performing a major life activity if they are: unable to perform the major life activity, or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which the activity can be performed when compared to the average person or most people.

What are "reasonable accommodations and services"?

Examples of reasonable accommodations and services may include extra time for exams, priority registration, special seating arrangements, a sign language interpreter, a class note taker, and/or alternate format materials (i.e. E-Text, braille, large print, etc.). Accommodations and services are designed to meet the individual needs of the person with a disability.

Can I get special parking if I have a disability?

Not unless you are one of the few students who have a documented mobility problem or health condition which makes it impossible to use the Tiger Transit System. Students must register their vehicles with the Auburn University Parking Services in order to drive on campus. Students with handicapped hang tags or plates must register their vehicles and display the A-Zone hang tag for campus access. Some students qualify for B-Zone parking with proper documentation and justification.

Are there any special procedures for applying for admission to Auburn University?

Students with disabilities must apply through the regular admission offices for undergraduates (Quad Center, 844-4080) or graduates (Graduate School, 844-4700). Standardized test scores and grades from high school or other college work will be reviewed in the application process. The scores and grades which were earned by using accommodations will be treated the same as scores and grades which were earned without accommodations. If admission is denied, the student can appeal the decision. Certainly if there are disability related variables, it would be wise to address them in an appeal. However, there are no special admissions based solely on the fact that the student has a disability.

How do I document my disability? Should I send my evaluation report with my application?

DO NOT send your disability information to Admissions with your application. There is no need to disclose your disability to the Admissions office. Upon receiving your letter of acceptance to Auburn University, you should send the most recent and comprehensive documentation of your disability to the Program for Students with Disabilities where it will be maintained in a confidential file. Be sure to include your address, phone number, and email address.

What documentation is required?

See our Criteria for Documentation.

How will I know if my documentation is acceptable?

Within approximately two weeks you will receive an email that your documentation has been reviewed by the Documentation Review Committee. The email will indicate if you are eligible for services, ineligible, or being deferred. If you are eligible, you will need to setup an appointment with a Disability Specialist to determine your accommodations. If you are ineligible or deferred the email will indicate the reason(s).

If I had an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan in high school, can this be my documentation?

These documents can be valuable sources of information, but neither one can serve as the documentation of a disability. Evaluation by a qualified professional with expertise in the area of your disability is required. Visit our Documentation Requirement page for specific requirements for eligibility. We want the best picture of you, the one that most represents your strengths and weaknesses as you enter Auburn University.

What accommodations will I have?

Accommodations are determined individually and must be supported by documentation.

Some examples of accommodations may include:

• Amplification system
• Sign Language Interpreter
• Large print documents
• Permission to tape lectures
• extended time for exams
• Accessible classes, labs, and field trips
• extended time for exams
• Assistive Technology software and hardware
• E-Text books
• Quiet environment for exams

What if I need one accommodation in my English class but none in my Physical Education class?

You need only meet and request accommodations from your English instructor. However, if you take an exam in PE and do not ask for accommodations in advance, you will have to take the grade you receive. Accommodations are not retroactive. The obligation to accommodate begins with your presentation of the Accommodation Memo and specific request.

Can my accommodations be retroactive?

Accommodations begin when the accommodation memo is presented to your professor/instructor.

What is the Accommodation Memo?

The Accommodation Memo is developed with you once you have been declared eligible for services in our office. The Accommodation Memo contains the specific items which you may need in any class. It does not contain your diagnosis, nor is it designed for a particular type of class (i.e. lab) so there may be a need to modify it later.

How do I get my Accommodation Memo changed later if it doesn't meet my needs?

An appointment with a Disability Specialist is required to request a change in accommodations. Sometimes this request will also prompt a need for more documentation.

How often should I come to the PSD office?

It is recommended that you pick up Accommodation Memos for each professor/instructor the first week of class. Then make appointments to talk with each professor/instructor during his or her office hours to explain which accommodations you will need in that particular class. If there is any problem with your accommodations or a disability-related concern, please call 844-2096 or come by 1228 Haley Center to make an appointment. If it is urgent or time sensitive, please tell the Office Administrator.

What role do my parents play while I am in college? Will they have to attend IEP meetings like they did in high school?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) legally recognizes students over the age of 18 as adults. In college it is the student's responsibility to provide disability documentation and request accommodations and services. FERPA also prevents our office from sharing information (i.e. grades, status, health, etc.) with your parents, unless you sign a release giving us permission to do so. We do encourage you to involve your parents as a resource.

Will my advisors or professors/instructors know what my disability is?

Only if you decide to fully disclose the nature of your disability.

I am an Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) client. What should I do?

Auburn University's ADRS Liaison Counselor is David Patterson. Have your local counselor contact him.

I am not a client of ADRS, but would like more information.

ADRS offices are located throughout the state of Alabama. Contact the main office in Montgomery at 334-288-0220 or 1-800-441-7578.