Students
2020-2021 Disability Services Information
General Accommodation Information
Most accommodations can be translated to the virtual environment, but for some, applicability will depend on the structure of your courses. The information below is intended to provide general information about how some common accommodations might translate to remote learning. Please note that these accommodations only apply if they have been approved by Disability Services following provision of supporting documentation.
Testing Accommodations
Distraction-Free Environment: Due to the nature of remote learning, it is up to each student to ensure their environment is as conducive to their own test-taking needs as possible.
Extended Time: Exams will not be proctored by Disability Services for the duration of remote learning. Professors can extend time on exams for students in accordance with the approved accommodation. Notify your professor at least 48 hours in advance of an exam if you intend to utilize this accommodation. Our office does not have access to adjust your exam times.
Other Academic Accommodations
Note-Taker: The applicability of this accommodation will be dependent on the structure of your course. If your course includes virtual lectures, a note-taking accommodation may be applicable. If there are no lectures associated with a course, or if all notes are provided to students, a note-taker is likely unnecessary. Students should consult with their professors to determine if a note-taker is appropriate for each course.
Lecture Recording: There are a few possible scenarios when considering the lecture recording accommodation. Each possibility is discussed below:
- Some professors may not include lectures as part of their course structure. In this case the lecture recording accommodation does not apply.
- Professor records and posts lectures: This will not require any additional action by you or the professor, as lectures will be recorded and accessible for all students
- Professor does not record and post lectures: Provide the professor with your accommodation letter and inform them that you want to use your lecture recording accommodation. The professor should record the lecture and upload it to Canvas. The professor will need to grant you permission to access the lecture recording.
2020-2021 FAQs
- Are accommodations still valid during remote learning?
- Will Disability Services proctor exams during remote learning?
- When will the Disability Services campus office reopen?
- What kind of support could I receive if I choose to live on campus with an immune compromised health condition?
- What if I struggle with using technology and accessing online coursework?
- What academic support is available to help me be successful with class in the fall?
- Will there be mental health support services be available during remote instruction?
- What if I contract or am exposed to COVID-19 and have to quarantine?
Are accommodations still valid during remote learning?
Generally yes, as long as the accommodation is applicable given the structure of your courses. You will still need to provide your professors with your accommodation letter. Letters can be sent via email to your professors. Utilize your professors’ virtual office hours to introduce yourself and discuss your accommodation needs.
Will Disability Services proctor exams during remote learning?
No, most exams will be administered via Canvas by the professor. For students with an extended time accommodation, your professor can individually adjust the allotted exam time in Canvas pursuant to your accommodation. You will be responsible for ensuring your environment is as conducive as possible for your test-taking needs. You are also responsible for notifying your professor at least 48 hours in advance to ensure they have given you the correct amount of time.
When will the Disability Services campus office reopen?
Campus offices will reopen when state health guidelines and university administration deem it safe to return to campus. As the situation evolves, our department website will be updated with the status of our office.
What kind of support could I receive if I choose to live on campus with an immune compromised health condition?
Contact Disability Services to determine if a housing accommodation is appropriate based on your medical provider’s recommendation. Take safety precautions by social distancing, wearing your mask around other people, practicing proper and thorough hand washing, and avoiding group gatherings. Inform your RA and/or RD and any roommates of your condition and needs.
What if I struggle with using technology and accessing online coursework?
Spending time on screens can trigger migraines and cause eye fatigue among other things. If you are experiencing issues due to excessive screen time with virtual instruction, here are some helpful resources:
- ssOverlay Screen Shades: Add a color overlay to your screen to limit light sensitivity. This software can be downloaded for free via the link. A quick start guide is available here from Colorado State University. An extensive list of resources for scotopic sensitivity that are free or offer free trials curated by Colorado State University’s Assistive Technology Resource Center can be found here.
- Operation System Accessibility Features: Windows, iOS, other operating systems all have included accessibility features that can assist with improved access to your courses
- Windows 8 Built-in Accessibility Features: Narrator, Magnifier, Contrast, Speech Recognition and more
- Windows 10 Built-in Accessibility Features: Narrator, Magnifier, Contrast, Speech Recognition and more
- iOS 11 Built-in Accessibility Features: VoiceOver, Speak Screen, zoom, color filters and more
- Android Accessibility Features: Voice assistant, flash notification, text-to-speech, one-handed mode, and more
- Google Chrome Accessibility Extensions: Tools for reading, writing, annotating
- Chromebook Accessibility Features: Speech to text, zoom, screen reader, and more
What academic support is available to help me be successful with class in the fall?
There are a number of academic supports available to you free of charge. The writing center, academic success coaches, tutors and supplemental instruction sessions are all capable of providing services virtually. You can schedule an appointment with the writing center, request a tutor or success coach, and get information about Supplemental Instruction via the Academic Resource Center website. Visit them here for more information. Additional resources for remote learning are available at the Remote Learning website as well.
Will there be mental health support services be available during remote instruction?
The Vanguard University Counseling Center will continue to offer virtual services to all enrolled students. If you would like to request counseling services visit the Counseling Center website or email counselingcenter@vanguard.edu.
What if I contract or am exposed to COVID-19 and have to quarantine?
Because the university is engaged in remote learning you can continue with your courses online. If in-person instruction resumes, there will be an option to continue with remote learning if needed. If you are exposed to or contract COVID-19 you should use the option to complete your courses remotely. If you contract coronavirus and your symptoms temporarily prevent you from engaging in your courses virtually, contact Disability Services to request accommodations. Medical documentation of your diagnosis will be required.
Accommodation Information
- Academic Accommodations
- Housing & Dining Accommodations
- Requesting Accommodations
- Documentation Guidelines
- Testing Accommodation Center (TAC)
Academic Accommodations
Academic Accommodations
Students who have a documented, verifiable medical/physical, psychological, and/or learning disability may request reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations. Examples of commonly requested accommodations are listed below. Barriers to academic inclusion are specific to each student and consideration of the most appropriate accommodations will be determined through interactive discussion on a case-by-case basis. All accommodations must be approved by the Office of Disability Services.
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Exam Accommodations
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Note-Taking
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Accessible Media
See the "Requesting Accommodations" section below for details on how to initiate a request for accommodations.
Housing & Dining Accommodations
Housing & Dining Accommodations
Students who have a qualifying disability with sufficient supporting documentation can apply for housing and/or dining accommodations. All accommodations must be approved by the Office of Disability Services.
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Specific roommate and building assignments are not considered reasonable accommodations and may not be accommodated. These requests should be directed to Residence Life.
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Dining Accommodations: Alternative dietary options to accommodate food allergies and intolerances are available in the Bruce Lindsay Cafe. To inquire about available items that best suit your dietary needs please contact the Cafe general manager, Katy Cvitanich at katy.cvitanich@cafebonappetit.com.
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For more information regarding general housing policies and deadlines please visit Residence Life.
See the "Requesting Accommodations" section below for details on how to initiate a housing & dining accommodation request.
For more information about housing and dining on campus please visit the links below.
| Campus Dining | Residence Life |
Requesting Accommodations
Request Academic Accommodations
Academic accommodation appointments for the 2021-2022 academic year are available via Zoom. Limited in-person meetings are being offered by appointment only. To apply for academic accommodations:
- Email documentation of disability and your completed Accommodation Request Form (available below) to disabilityservices@vanguard.edu. Documentation may be provided by your healthcare professional as long as it meets the documentation criteria listed in the section below, or you may use our Disability Documentation Form (see below).
- Disability Services reviews the submission and contacts student via email. If documentation is sufficient the student will be asked to schedule an intake appointment. If documentation does not meet the requirements, the student will be asked to obtain supplemental documentation.
- Upon approval of documentation, you will receive a link via email to schedule an appointment to meet with a Disability Services staff member to discuss appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Choose your appointment type and schedule your appointment.
- At your scheduled appointment time join the meeting using the Zoom link included in your confirmation email. For in-person meetings you will report to Smith 103.
Request Housing/Dining Accommodations
Incoming freshmen and transfer students should submit housing accommodation requests as soon as possible after committing to Vanguard and making a housing deposit. Housing accommodation appointments for returning students are held in March for the following academic year. All requests for returning students should be completed at that time. Incoming freshman requests must be submitted by June 1st. Requests for accommodations submitted after outlined deadlines are subject to availability and may be placed on a waitlist.
To apply for a housing/dining accommodation:
- Email documentation of disability and the completed Housing Accommodation Request Form to disabilityservices@vanguard.edu.
- Disability Services will review the submission. The student will be notified via email if the request is approved/denied, or if additional documentation is needed. If a meeting with the student is needed, the student will be asked to schedule an appointment.
- Approved accommodations will be forwarded to Residence Life for appropriate room placement. Accommodation requests submitted after the the deadline will be subject to availability and may be placed on a waitlist.
Documentation Guidelines
General Documentation Guidelines
Below are general requirements for documentation of disability. Please refer to the tabbed items below for additional, more specific requirements by diagnosis type.
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Based on an evaluation by a healthcare or mental health professional currently licensed by the state to diagnose medical, psychological, and/or learning disorders.
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Documentation from student interns or clinicians under supervision must be co-signed by a qualified and appropriately licensed supervisor. The supervisor must list his/her license number.
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The clinician submitting the documentation may not be a family member or relative of the student.
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Is based upon a clinical evaluation thorough enough to objectively establish the need for accommodations and/or services.
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Printed on professional letterhead, dated, and signed by the evaluator; The license number and contact information of the clinician should be included. Notes written on prescription pads are not considered valid.
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A copy of the student's signed release of information form should accompany any reports sent directly from clinicians.
Psychological
- Provided by a clinician who is qualified and appropriately licensed to diagnose and treat psychological disorders (e.g. psychologist, psychiatrist, or marriage and family therapist)
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Evaluative methods used to establish the diagnosis should be indicated
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Test scores from measures of cognitive, neuropsychological, and academic functioning should be provided, if administered
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Clear diagnosis consistent with established clinical criteria including present symptoms and degree of impairment
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Description of how the condition impacts the student in an educational environment, including academic, personal, and interpersonal functioning
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Recommend accommodations that logically relate to the diagnosis and associated symptoms
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Prognosis for improvement and timeline for reevaluation; Due to the often transient nature of psychological conditions, annual reevaluations or evidence of ongoing treatment are generally required by the Office of Disability Services.
Learning
- Any and all recent documentation of the learning disability completed within the last three (3) years
- Based on an evaluation from a professional specialist qualified to diagnose learning disabilities (e.g. licensed physician, psychiatrist, educational psychologist)
- The evaluation must minimally include the administration of a measure of intellectual ability and a measure of academic achievement
- A written evaluation report that states:
- All tests administered
- All test scores including I.Q. scores, factor scores, and subtest scores; Classification ranges associated with the scores should be present (i.e. mild/moderate/severe)
- Diagnosis based upon established clinical criteria
- How the individual’s learning processes are affected
- Addresses the validity of the evaluation and its findings
- Recommendations for accommodations; The test findings should provide a logical rationale for the recommended accommodations.
Medical/Physical
- Provided by a healthcare professional qualified and appropriately licensed to diagnose and treat physical and medical disorders
- Diagnosis of a physical or medical condition consistent with established clinical criteria
- Functional impact that the condition has upon the person in an academic environment (e.g. attendance, stamina, mobility)
- Nature and course of the condition
- Recommendations for accommodations that logically flow from the person’s condition and associated impairments
- Information regarding the need for a reevaluation
- Recency of documentation needed will vary based on the diagnosis
Testing Accommodation Center (TAC)
Fall 2021 Testing Accommodation Updates
The Testing Accommodation Center (TAC) plans to offer proctoring for students who have an approved exam accommodation from the Office of Disability Services. For online courses and exams administered in Canvas, students with an extended time exam accommodation must inform their professor that they plan to use their accommodation at least 48 hours in advance of each exam to ensure they receive the correct amount of time. Students with an exam accommodation for a reduced-distraction environment have the option to schedule a proctoring appointment for their online exams if they so choose.
The Testing Accommodation Center (TAC) is available for students who have been approved for testing accommodations by Disability Services. Testing services are only available to students with approved accommodations for courses taken at Vanguard University. Disability Services does not offer proctoring for make-up exams or for courses taken at other institutions.
Exam appointments are available Monday-Thursday from 8:00am-3:00pm and Friday from 8:00am-11:30am during fall and spring semesters. Appointments will be arranged on an as-needed basis during summer sessions. Appointments should be scheduled at least one week in advance. Exams are to be scheduled at the same date and time that the exam is administered to the class whenever possible. Evening courses will be administered during regular proctoring hours and must be arranged in advance with Disability Services on a case by case basis.
Disability Services Forms
Accommodation Request Form
Disability Documentation Form
Housing/Dining Info & Request Form
