Disability Support at Vancouver

Through the Senior Manager of Campus Operations, Fairleigh Dickinson University provides reasonable academic accommodation(s) to Vancouver Campus students who present current (within the last 3 years) documented verification, signed by a qualified professional, that they need an accommodation for a specified disability or disabilities. Accommodations do not alter the curriculum: accommodations do not exempt students from fulfilling the task requirements of the course or demonstrating the learning outcomes of the curriculum.

After adjustments/modifications have been granted, or as early in the semester as possible, the student and instructor should privately discuss how the limiting effects of the student’s disability may impact the completion of course requirements, and what accommodations and/or academic adjustments may need to be implemented to provide equal access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I register with Disability Support Services, will that show up on my academic record?

A: No. All disability documentation and information related to a student with a disability is maintained in a confidential file and will not be disclosed anywhere on your academic records.

Q: Are there separate admission standards for students with disabilities?

A: No. Students with disabilities must meet the same admission standards as their peers.

Q: When and where do I send my disability documentation?

A: Please send a copy of your disability documentation to the Senior Manager of Campus Operations after the admissions process is completed and you have decided to attend FDU. Our professional staff member will review the documentation based on the appropriate guidelines to determine whether you qualify for academic accommodations at FDU. The Senior Manager of Campus Operations will then notify you of any approved accommodations or the need for any additional information.

Q: If, I am receiving accommodations elsewhere, will I automatically qualify for the same at FDU?

A: No. The Senior Manager of Campus Operations reviews all disability documentation according to our guidelines. Therefore, you may or may not qualify for the same accommodations that you have received. For this reason, you are required to send a copy of your disability documentation to the Senior Manager of Campus Operations.

Q: I cannot write due to a broken arm, do you provide assistance for temporary disability?

A: Yes. We do provide academic accommodations for temporary disability. Accommodations may differ from person to person, depending on the student’s disability.

Examples of Academic Accommodations

Appropriate academic accommodations may fall into one of several categories and may include:

• Services — e.g. reader services, changes to the classroom environment, note-taking
• Alternative media — e.g. large print, recorded textbooks, braille materials
• Adaptive technology — e.g. adaptive computer keyboards, assistive listening devices
• Accommodations to Policies, Procedures, Practices — e.g. alternative testing, alternate test formats, course substitutions
• Other adaptations that enable a student to enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of the college’s programs, services and activities

Most Common Accommodations Granted

The following lists the most common accommodations that have been granted. Please contact our office for more information about your specific needs.

• Extended time on tests This accommodation constitutes “time and a half” based on standard exam time. Instructors may provide this accommodation by allowing a student extended time directly before or immediately after a scheduled exam time, during office hours, or at any other mutually agreed upon time and location. A proctor from our office can administer the exam.
• Distraction free testing This accommodation provides student with a quiet, less distracting space to take an exam. Instructors may provide this accommodation by administering the exam by in their office or in a distraction free testing room arranged by the Senior Manager of Campus Operations.
• Note-Taking This accommodation provides students with a supplemental copy of class notes. Having a note-taker is not a substitute for class attendance. If a note-taker is not available, appropriate alternate accommodations are provided.
• Priority for registration Students with certain disability-related needs may qualify to receive priority registration as a reasonable accommodation. Priority registration provides students with the opportunity to register for classes on the first day of priority registration.
• Use of a calculator This accommodation allows students with a math disability to use their own non-scientific basic calculator on all math exams.
• Use of a reader in exams This accommodation is for students who need an exam read to them and/or who are unable to write their own exams. In most instances, our office will arrange for the student to use assistive technology designed to read an exam and to take dictation. If the student has problems in working with assistive technology, our office will provide a reader for the exams.
• Use of a laptop/ computer This accommodation can be for in-class activities as well as for exams. Students should use their own computers for in-class work. Students requiring a computer for their exams will take their exams at Writing Centre.
• Preferential seating This accommodation is for students who would benefit from sitting at the front of the classroom. Students should make arrangements with their professor to make sure they receive this accommodation.